Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo features 1,000 animals representing approximately 350 species on nearly 56 acres of natural habitats.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is dedicated to serving as an educational resource for the community and providing an exciting, nature-based entertainment destination for families, schools, organizations and guests. The onsite Florida Environmental Education Center, or “Zoo School,” offers year-round early childhood education, preschool and kindergarten for children ages one through five, in addition to a variety of camps, classes, programs, sleepovers and field trips. Visit LowryParkZoo.com and choose “Education and Camps” or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 268 for the education registrar.

Situated only 10 minutes north from downtown, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo offers a natural, serene escape for weddings and special gatherings. From beautiful outdoor settings to multi-purpose indoor facilities, the Zoo offers a range of venues to meet the needs of any group. The Zoo also offers full catering services for any event; the onsite executive chef can prepare a delicious and customized menu.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo offers a stunning Safari Lodge, a 17,000 square-foot climate-controlled facility located in the heart of the Zoo’s African exhibit area. The architecture of the Safari Lodge reflects a kaleidoscope of regions in South Africa recognized for its wildlife and adventure. Inspired by an African Village courtyard, the festive atmosphere of the Great Hall is a great choice for large gatherings. Smaller groups can enjoy the extravagance of the Reilly’s Reserve, the attached family dining restaurant with breathtaking views of African elephants, giraffe and zebra. The two areas can be rented together, or separately. Customizable menus and packages are available to help make your bar/bat mitzvah a wild success – no passport required! Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call the Zoo’s sales manager at (813) 935-8552 ext. 421 or 276, or email MyEvent@LowryParkZoo.com.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research.

The Zoo’s pathways, facilities and exhibits are designed to provide all visitors an enjoyable experience. In recent years, the Zoo has made many enhancements to the front parking lot, ramps, entryway, walkways and handrails to benefit all guests, making the property easier to navigate.

Parking spaces are reserved for disabled guests in the front lot, with ramp accessibility to the main entrance. On days of peak visitation, when the designated spaces are full, Zoo parking lot security will try to assist vehicles carrying disabled guests.

Manual wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent inside the Zoo on a first come, first served basis. Due to the popularity of these rentals, we are unable to guarantee availability or reserve equipment. A photo ID or $5.00 refundable deposit is required to rent a manual wheelchair. A photo ID is required to rent an electric scooter. Personal wheelchairs or ECVs are welcome inside the Zoo.

The Zoo welcomes trained service animals, provided that the animals remain properly leashed and controlled. For the health and safety of the Zoo’s animals, personal pets are not permitted. The Zoo does not offer pet boarding facilities.

With at least two weeks advanced notice, a sign language interpreter may be available to enhance your visit to the Zoo. Please contact our education department at 813-935-8552, ext. 268 to inquire about scheduling an interpreter.

The Zoo has established a partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF to improve our capacity to serve children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. As a result, the Zoo has been designated an “autism friendly business.” The Zoo has visual aids and “tool-kits” available at the front gate which contain supplies and small toys which can be borrowed at the guest’s request for assistance. Gluten-free menu options are also available at Zoo restaurants.

All of the Zoo’s restaurants have wheelchair-accessible entrances. Family restrooms which accommodate wheelchairs or companions are located adjacent to the Garden Grille restaurant (near the front gate), Wallaroo Station and the Safari Africa plaza.

The Zoo’s Visitor Service staff is pleased to assist guests requiring special assistance to ensure an enjoyable experience. Please contact a supervisor in advance of your visit at Visitor.Services@LowryParkZoo.com or 813-935-8552 ext. 250.