Lowry Park Zoo located in Tampa, FL is offering specials for first responders and active duty military. From Jan. 8th to Feb. 28th, all first responders get free admission, and all Florida residents get in for the price of a kids ticket. Also, starting Jan. 8th, all active duty military gets in free plus four free tickets; this offer can be taken advantage of every 12 months.
Lowry Park Zoo was founded in the 1930’s and gets about 1 million visitors annually. The zoo has received the Trip Advisor Certificate of excellence for five straight years from 2010-2015. As of 1988, the zoo is home to 56 acres of habitat for 1,300 animals. It has received the Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has been recognized for its family friendly atmosphere. In 2004, the State of Florida recognized the biodiversity and conservation efforts. It has also been awarded the American Association of Animal Hospitals (AAHA) twice since 2015; this is the only zoo given this award.
Besides offering habitat attractions, the zoo also has educational programs, up-close animal encounters, and behind the scene tours. The zoo also has a sanctuary and works daily to preserve endangered animals. They specialize in rehabilitating Manatees, and even have an underwater viewing center letting visitors see inside the world of manatees. Every year hundred of Manatees are injured or killed by boaters; they work on educating the public on prevention. A very popular attraction is the boat ride. Visitors board a boat down the road from the zoo and go on a one hour scenic tour with a Capitan that educates the public on local wildlife. Visitors are also able to see where Al Capone stayed while in Florida and where his crews would sneak in liquor to the US during prohibition.
After you go to the zoo, make sure to leave a comment letting us and other heroes know what your favorite part was. For more information on location and hours of operation, please visit http://www.lowryparkzoo.org/