Lowry Park Zoo

09/30/08

Perfect size zoo for the whole family!

by billtei at Citysearch

My wife & I took our 3-year old nephew here in March of this year, and we all had a great time! The first thing I noticed was how clean and well-manicured the grounds were; not a piece of paper anywhere. There's a wide variety of animals, from meerkats, to giraffes and elephants; there's even a huge aquarium with manatees. The zoo is small enough to go through within a couple hours, yet the animal displays are relatively large & open. We all got a good laugh when an angry chimp flung dirt at me (yes I'm sure it was only dirt, not something else lol). Our only disappointment was that the tiger display was being renovated, although we did get to see a cheetah. There's an Austrailian-themed petting zoo where kids can actually walk through a kangaroo area & interact with them. Highly recommend for all ages!

• Pros: perfect size zoo for the whole family, clean grounds, good value
• Cons: none!

10/16/06

Not much to see!

by jjtaylor2 at Citysearch

I realize that this is the only zoo in the area, therefore, Lowry does not need to worry about competition, however, the number of exhibits and overall condition of the park facilities are sub-par for the size of Tampa Bay. At least hire a few people to clean the place!

• Pros: The animals seem healthy!
• Cons: The park is dirty and uninspired!

It may be smaller than other zoos in the area, but this modest park has plenty to see.

by Contributor at Citysearch

Facts
Typical zoo dwellers have their place at Lowry Park Zoo--next to scary-looking Komodo dragons and rare red pandas. Smile back at toothy Florida alligators, pot-bellied pigs at the petting zoo, or take a seat for a fascinating face-to-face encounter with manatees as they gobble their greens. Ranked among the best mid-sized zoos in the country, compact Lowry lags wildlife behemoths--like nearby Busch Gardens--in quantity but not quality.

Features
Injured or ill manatees from all over Florida are treated at the zoo's hospital and then returned to the wild. Keep an eye on these "sea cows" while dining on the Key West Deck that overlooks their habitat. See the free-flight aviary with 50 colorful lorikeets. Buy a cup of nectar to attract them to your shoulder, arm or even head.

12/09/02

Fun for kids of all ages

by JMor76 at Citysearch

I would definitely recommend this to all. There are many fun things for kids of all ages. The water "play" is nice and refreshing on a hot day. The petting zoo, is also fun, stinky yes, but fun. Another bonus, a McDonalds in the zoo! And don't forget the rides on the backs of camels. But, the restrooms really need some work - they are repulsive.

• Pros: Convenient, Animal Interaction, Fun for kids
• Cons: Restroom dirty, parking

08/27/02

A Day with the animals!

by mpzelig at Citysearch

Great place for kids. Weekdays are nice, avoid the lines. No problem with parking during the week. A little pricey considering the size of the zoo, but worth it. Bring a change of clothes for your child if your kid likes to get wet in the fountains.

• Pros: Nice setting, Great for kids, Feeding the animals
• Cons: Price

07/31/02

new at the zoo!

by scout2241 at Citysearch

It's always a new experience at the Lowry Park Zoo, which improves every year. Although not as large as zoos in other cities, it has an excellant variety of animals, birds and reptiles. Best of all, they are presented in a close approximation of their natural habitat. Not to be missed is the aviary where you are inside with a multitude of exotic birds that have no fear of eating from your hand.

• Pros: Inexpensive
• Cons: limited hours

07/26/02

Nice

by jf4276 at Citysearch

Nice zoo right in the middle of Tampa. There's something there for everyone.