Tampa is known for it’s wildlife, especially creatures such as Manatees but due to boats and other man made things, they tend to get injured and need a helping hand. Luckily they have the Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park that has been around since 1991 and has cared for over 400 sick and injured of them.

As you can tell by that one paragraph, this is not your average zoo it also works as a hospital to look after injured animals. Zoo Tampa is located a shortish distance out of the town centre. To get there by public transport you can get wither the HART bus routes 41 and 45. It is open most days of the year between the hours of 9:30am – 5pm.  Now, I will say that the cost of entering the zoo is pretty pricey per person but if you book in advance you can get entrance for $36.95 for adults.

So what is actually in the zoo for it to have a hefty entrance fee? well firstly it is a conservation and they do nurse ill animals back to well health. There are a lot of animals you can see in the zoo and it is a really big place, some of the creatures include White Rhinos, Manatees, Tigers, Orangutans, Lemurs and much more.

The park is pretty big and apart from being a zoo it is also home to a number of rides, a play area for kids and even a tram you can get to get around the park.

I visited this zoo in 2013 and really liked it, it is very big and there is a lot to see and do. It was lovely to see Manatees so up close and whilst they are in an enclosure it is nice to know that they are being looked after and cared for.