ZooTampa to undergo $125M expansion
December 15, 2022 - ZooTampa and Lowry Park in Tampa will undergo a massive $125 million expansion to gradually add more immersive experiences over the next 20 years. The transformation kicked off earlier this year with the opening of the Florida Wilds, an exhibit featuring expanded areas for animals. The new expansion plan, which the zoo is raising funds for, includes a connection to the Hillsborough River. "In collaboration with the City of Tampa, the Zoo is developing plans to expand to the Hillsborough River, creating a new realm connecting Tampa to its cultural roots. Guests will encounter multiple South American species including sea lions, giant river otters, jaguars, and a variety of other rarely seen wildlife," the press release read, noting guests can then connect to the zoo via water taxis. The expansion also includes:
- A new manatee rescue center, which is opening in January 2026.
- Stingray Shores, an interactive experience where guests can feed stingrays, which is opening in fall 2023.
- In the Africa exhibit, at the ground level, guests will see red river hogs. A higher climb will bring guests side-by-side with gorillas and ultimately safely face-to face with a variety of playful primates. The realm will also feature multiple-species habitats bringing together endangered African elephants, Masai giraffes and white rhino, according to the release. There will be additional experiences and upgrades to other exhibits.