ZooTampa Ushers in New Exhibits for its ‘Year of More’
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
In 2024, ZooTampa will open numerous new attractions, including a Stingray Shores interactive habitat, contemporary Australia rides and displays, and an extension of its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
Stingray Shores will be an interactive habitat where guests can engage with and feed the zoo's stingrays and immerse themselves in the aquatic world during an exciting Signature Encounter experience.
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
There will be an expanded splash pad and dry play area in the Australia zone, as well as a brand-new ride called Aussie Trek, presented by Outback, where parents and their kids can explore the safari and learn about Australia's fauna. Zoo visitors will also notice new food and beverage options in the Australian region, including the Outpost Grab N Go Market and the Boomerang Bar.
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
From January to April 2024, ZooTampa will stage a limited-time event featuring gigantic mechanical predators from the past, such as the Ice Age dire wolf and Mesozoic allosaurus. Guests can learn about the important role these prehistoric predators play in today’s animal ecosystems and how these prehistoric predators relate to modern species.
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa, one of only four critical care facilities in the United States capable of caring for orphaned manatees, is extending its capacity by adding 16,500-gallon treatment chambers for the smallest and most fragile manatee patients.
ZooTampa aided Florida Wildlife Conservation (FWC) with 54 manatee rescues, transfers and verifications in 2023 and operations during the winter Unusual Mortality Event. The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center received 34 manatees and returned 14 to Florida waters.
Credits: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Additionally, in 2023, the team collaborated with the fSTOP Foundation and the Florida Department of Transportation to monitor two new wildlife crossing cameras between Tampa and Lakeland.
“We are proud of our role as the destination for families to come together, be entertained, and connect with each other and wildlife,” said ZooTampa’s CEO and President Joe Couceiro in a statement. “We also celebrate our continued commitment to the conservation and preservation of wildlife not only in our backyards, but also around the world.”
The zoo and its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care facility were named one of the top zoos and exhibits in USATODAY's 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.