Why You Should Vote For ZooTampa For Best Zoo In The Country
Animal lovers! ZooTampa is battling for the “Best Zoo” in the country and “Best Zoo Exhibit.” USA Today has nominated our local zoo out of 19 other zoos in the country. They’re looking for the best zoo that excels in fields of animal care and enrichment while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors. Here’s why you should vote for our favorite, ZooTampa.
ZooTampa’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals. They also aim to create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways. The David A Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, has helped with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of more than 500 sick, injured and orphaned manatees.
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
Not only has ZooTampa done incredible work for years, but they’re constantly striving to be better. Recently the zoo announced a huge expansion that aims to create more engaging educational opportunities and animal interactions. Some exhibits are even expected to be done sometime in 2023.
Right now, ZooTampa currently sits at number #6 in the standings of Best Zoo in the country. But we think Champa Bay can get it to #1 where it belongs. Voting ends on Monday, March 6, and you’re able to vote once per day.
[Source: ZooTampa Press Release]
What ZooTampa Could Look Like After Their $125 Million Expansion
Manatee Rescue
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
As we mentioned earlier, one of the first projects to be completed in this transformation is the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The new Manatee Rescue (opening January 2026) will be an innovative multi-dimensional environment that will immerse guests in the manatee’s world. With this new makeover, guests will be able to see the life-saving work taking place every day to save these gentle sea cows in real time.
Manatee Rescue will also feature a new interactive habitat, Stingray Shores (opening Fall 2023). Guests will have a chance to touch and feed stingrays while they swim carefree. More adventurous visitors can even wade into the water for a rare up-close-and-personal encounter!
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
South America Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
This could be the most exciting news… In collaboration with the City of Tampa, the Zoo is developing plans to expand to the Hillsborough River. Guests will encounter multiple South American species including sea lions, giant river otters, jaguars, and a variety of other rarely seen wildlife. The expansion will also offer a new way of getting to the Zoo itself – via water taxis!
This riverfront expansion will also feature new retail, entertainment, dining and green spaces!
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
Africa Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
The reimaged Africa realm will take Zoo guests to all new heights. At ground level, guests will see red river hogs in their natural environment. A higher climb will bring them side-by-side with mighty gorillas. Go even higher in the tree tops to safely be face-to-face with the playful primates. The expanded habitat will also allow guests to see other species such as African elephants and Masai giraffes. And the best part of all- there will be a unique opportunity for guests to sleep within the roar of the king of the jungle.
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
Asia Realm
Photo courtesy of ZooTampa
After its transformation, the Asia realm will immerse guests with overhead paths that provides unforgettable and safe ways to connect with wildlife such as Bornean orangutans and Malayan tigers.
