There are some BIG changes coming to ZooTampa in Lowry Park. This morning, ZooTampa announced its expansion plan to add more attractions and expand the park all the way to the Hillsborough River. This multi-year vision will add new immersive wildlife experiences, dining, entertainment district and more. The project is expected to cost $125 million and will take about 20 years to complete.
ZooTampa does some incredible conservation work. Mostly known for the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, which is the first of its kind. Their team has treated over 400 manatees and has reintroduced 230 of them into Florida waters. One of the first projects to be completed in the new expansion is an expanded manatee rehab facility, which is expected to debut in 2026.
In a press release from ZooTampa, President and CEO Joe Couceiro said: “As ZooTampa embarks on an even more extraordinary future, we remain committed to transforming with the resilient Tampa Bay community.”
Some changes have already unveiled. The new immersive Florida Wilds area features expanded habitats for endangered and threatened native species
Here’s what ZooTampa could look like after their expansion.
Manatee Rescue
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
As we mentioned earlier, one of the first projects to be completed in this transformation is the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The new Manatee Rescue (opening January 2026) will be an innovative multi-dimensional environment that will immerse guests in the manatee’s world. With this new makeover, guests will be able to see the life-saving work taking place every day to save these gentle sea cows in real time.
Manatee Rescue will also feature a new interactive habitat, Stingray Shores (opening Fall 2023). Guests will have a chance to touch and feed stingrays while they swim carefree. More adventurous visitors can even wade into the water for a rare up-close-and-personal encounter!
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
South America Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
This could be the most exciting news… In collaboration with the City of Tampa, the Zoo is developing plans to expand to the Hillsborough River. Guests will encounter multiple South American species including sea lions, giant river otters, jaguars, and a variety of other rarely seen wildlife. The expansion will also offer a new way of getting to the Zoo itself – via water taxis!
This riverfront expansion will also feature new retail, entertainment, dining and green spaces!
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
Africa Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
The reimaged Africa realm will take Zoo guests to all new heights. At ground level, guests will see red river hogs in their natural environment. A higher climb will bring them side-by-side with mighty gorillas. Go even higher in the tree tops to safely be face-to-face with the playful primates. The expanded habitat will also allow guests to see other species such as African elephants and Masai giraffes. And the best part of all- there will be a unique opportunity for guests to sleep within the roar of the king of the jungle.
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
Asia Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
After its transformation, the Asia realm will immerse guests with overhead paths that provides unforgettable and safe ways to connect with wildlife such as Bornean orangutans and Malayan tigers.
