Tampa Zoos, Aquariums & Animal Parks
From Lowry Park to the Florida Acquarium..
The Lowry Park Tampa Zoo is one of the finest zoos of its size (41 acres, 1500 animals), with animal exhibits ranging from Siberia to Florida's native species. As home to the Pepsi Manatee and Aquatic Center, it is one of three manatee hospital and rehabilitation facilities in Florida.
Going from fur to fins, take time when in the downtown area to view the Florida Aquarium Tampa. More than 4,350 specimens of aquatic plants and animals -- some native to Florida, others from all over the world -- can be found at this waterfront institution.
Whatever kind of fun and interesting Tampa things-to-do you are looking for, you'll find that Holiday Inn Express is a great place to stay while touring the Tampa area.
Tampa area zoos and botanical gardens are listed in order by distance from the hotel.
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Lowry Park Zoo • 13.0 mi
1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL. 33604, (813) 935-8552
The Lowry Park Zoo is a place for all ages. It is ranked among the top three zoos of its size. Located just west of downtown, it has 41 acres of natural habitat. It's home to the Pepsi Manatee and Aquatic Center, one of three manatee hospital and rehabilitation facilities in Florida.
With over 1500 animals from four continents, attractions include Primate World, Jungle Carousel, Asian Domain, Lorikeet Landing, Birds of Prey Theater, Petting Zoo, and Discovery Center. Grab a bite to eat at the Lowry Park McDonalds while you're there.
Hours: Daily 9:30a-5p.
Big Cat Rescue • 15.9 mi
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 273-4021
Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild. The sanctuary is home to the most diverse population of exotic cats in the world, with 16 species and subspecies of wild cat represented among more than 100 residents. These include tigers, lions, liger, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild.
Florida Aquarium • 19.5 mi
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 273-4021
Experience The Florida Aquarium and see why it's among the top aquariums in the world. There's over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals, including sharks, otters, gators, free-flying birds, exotic sea dragons, & more. Plus dive shows and animal encounters daily. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, it has a fresh water stream running through the Aquarium with ducks and birds flying around.
It is a wonderful place to just get away and enjoy nature. Take this opportunity to view Florida's wildlife in ways you never thought possible.
Hours: Daily 9:30a-5p.
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