Tampa Zoos & Aquariums

Tampa's first zoo, established in the late 1930's, conatined a collection of native Florida animals such as alligators, raccoons and exotic birds. Today the Lowry Park Zoo features a large and diverse collection of animals, 41 acres of natural habitats, a children's petting zoo, a discovery center, a Jungle Carousel and much more.

The Florida Aquarium,an non profit organization, seeks to enhance public understanding through education about aquatic environments. The theme of the entire aquarium is geared around following a single drop of water from an underground source through various habitats until it reaches the ocean. Public displays feature the interactive " No BoneZone", an exhibit of rare sea dragons and sea horses, a wet worlds forest habitat, coral reefs and of course, aquatic animals including sharks and rays.