A Look at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida

A zoo is a zoo right? Wrong! Child magazine voted Lowry Park Zoo # 1 for the best kid and family zoo in the United States.

Lowry Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tampa Florida has so much more to offer. The first, and most important thing that sets Lowry Park Zoo apart from other zoo's is the fact that none of their animals are in wire cages, instead they each have their very own habitat. These habitats allow the animal to roam, and play freely. There is places they can hide, if they don't want to be bothered, and places they can show off in. Each animals habitat is also an exact replica of what they would expect if they were living in their natural environment. This means every plant, the climate, rocks, and and so on, are a mirror image to life in the wild. On top of having a great habitat to live in, each animal has it's own toys to tinker with, which are rotated regularly to keep them from getting bord.

Lowry Park Zoo is opened year round, with plenty of extra scheduled events for the parks guest to enjoy. Events like Presents for Primates, which takes place in December. This event allows zoo guest to watch as zookeepers give wrapped presents to primates such as Orangutans, Chimpanzees, Lemurs, and more. There is nothing cuter then seeing this little furry guys open gifts such as food, toys, plush animals, blankets, and clothes. It is truly an experience that most guest enjoy, and remember for years to come. Another popular event is Winter Wonderland which takes place in December on selected nights. Winter Wonderland offers children the chance to see real live reindeer, and more. Plus the park is delightfully light up with millions of Holiday lights, and decorations. Every family enjoys the Holiday cheer this event brings.

All year round Lowry Park Zoo has plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Animals such as Sloth bears playing in the Asian Gardens, Hippo's, and Elephants roaming the Safari of Africa, and so much more. To add a little education about your own surroundings, take a walk on the Florida Boardwalk where you will see Deer, Eagles, and many other native critters. Lowry Park Zoo also has a Manatee and Aquatic center, where you can get face to face with some fascinating underwater creatures. Where else other then Lowry Park can you ride a Camel? Maybe you'd like to feeding a Giraffe, Horses, Goats, Fish's, Birds, Stingrays, and more!

When it's time to feed yourself, you will find several great places to grab a bite to eat. Places like Mc Donald's, Starbucks, and Paradise Cafe. Lowry Park Zoo invites their guest to bring their own packed picnic lunch, however they ask you do not bring it into the park. Due to guest tossing trash, and food in with the animals, they ask you leave your lunch in the car. However, they are happy to stamp you hand, so that you may re-enter the zoo at no cost, and the parking lot is directly in front of the zoo, so you don't have to walk far. But who wants to ruin a great day by eating in their car? That's why Lowry park maintains a beautiful large acreage park with huge shade tree's, and plenty of picnic tables, right beside the parking lot, that runs the length of the lot. No matter where you park your only feet away from a lush picnic area.

Lowry Park Zoo is open 7 days a week from 9:30am until 5pm and is located at:
1101 West Sligh Ave... Tampa Florida...33604 You can reach them by phone at (813) 935-8552 for more information or directions.

The cost of admission is:
$16.95 for adults
$15.95 for seniors over 60
$12.50 for children ages 3 - 11
Free for children under 3
Parking is always FREE

If you know your going to love Lowry Park Zoo, or know someone who will you might want to consider buying an annual pass. These passes make great gifts for any occasion, and they really are worth every penny!
$99.00 annual family pass ( 2 adults + 2 Kids)
$70.00 annual single parent pass ( 1 adult + 2 kids)
$45.00 annual individual pass
$35.00 annual senior (over 60) pass

If you go just a few times a year your annual passes are paid for, so why not get them? Your certainly going to enjoy the zoo, but remember to pack light, the zoo is big, and you will have to walk a good distance to see it all. Also bring sunscreen, and a camera. The animals hope to see you soon.