The Lowry Park Zoo was named the best “Family Friendly Zoo” in the country by Child Magazine. 

It is also noted to be the best mid-sized zoo in the U.S. and it is right here in the Tampa Bay area.

The zoo is located on 56 acres with 7 primary exhibit areas:

• Asian Gardens
• Wallaroo Station
• Safari Africa & Ituri Forrest
• Free Flight Aviaries
• Florida Boardwalk
• Florida Manatee & Aquatic Center
• Primate World
• Birds of Prey

When I last visited the zoo there were several things that I noticed that I love about the zoo.

One of things that really stood out is the close proximity to the animals.

The zoo is designed in such a way that you are up close and personal with the animals.

The exhibits have natural barriers such as ditches and trenches that prevent the animals from coming too close.  This makes it feel as though you are right there in the wild with them.

At the same time, though you don’t have to worry about feeling safe as the animals are not able to cross the barriers that the zoo has in place.

Maybe it is just me, but I found this to be fascinating since every other zoo that I have visited either had the animals what seemed like miles away or they were in cages or glass shelters.

Another great element about the zoo is the layout of the exhibits. 

They are not located far from one another. 

This makes Lowry Park zoo’s size, not too big and not too small, an asset.

Call me lazy, but I just do not enjoy having to walk for ages just to get to the next exhibit, especially in this Florida heat.

With over 2000 animals in the park you should be thoroughly entertained.

My favorite area is the primate area, specifically the Siamang. 

We watched for almost 20 minutes as the Siamang, known as the acrobat of the jungle, glided from branch to branch while chanting its signature call (whoop, whoop, whoop) for almost the entire time.

Lowry Park Zoo is one of my favorite attractions in the Tampa Bay area. 

A word of advice: be prepared for the heat (or the humidity I should say) if you are coming any time between June and the beginning of October.

Admission prices for the zoo are $16.95, $15.95 and $12.50 for adults, seniors (60 and up) and children (ages 3 – 11) respectively. Children 2 and under are free. 

There is no charge for parking.

The hours are M-F 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week.  The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604.

Lowry Park Zoo photos courtesy of kthypryn.

Related Topics:

• Florida Aquarium
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Tampa Big Cat Rescue