Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Zoo Tampa, what happened?
- Thread starter SwampDonkey
- Start date
You are correct @SwampDonkey they did infact have 6 (including domestic) swine species at the same time. Beardeds were in the current gharial and wartys were across from clouds (binturong) which I believe holds a tortoise species
Yeah, they used to do more mixed habitats. They had silvery lutung in with the orangutan and key deer with whooping cranes and white tailed deer and sandhill cranes around that time as well.
I could be misremembering, but I recall the reeve's muntjac being in the main aviary at one point when I was there. They also had domestic goats with the Indian rhino at one time in the 90s.
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I think I have pics of the lutungs when they were with the orangs.
It wouldn't surprise if they had muntjac in the main Aviary but I don't recall. They did keep there male royal antelope in the far section of the main Aviary when he wasn't breeding.
Coincidentally I remember muntjac with the GoH rhino at one point, before or around the expansion.
They definitely used to do more mixed exhibits. Red fox was in the black bear exhibit and weren't the skunks mixed with something as well?
It wouldn't surprise if they had muntjac in the main Aviary but I don't recall. They did keep there male royal antelope in the far section of the main Aviary when he wasn't breeding.
Coincidentally I remember muntjac with the GoH rhino at one point, before or around the expansion.
They definitely used to do more mixed exhibits. Red fox was in the black bear exhibit and weren't the skunks mixed with something as well?
They also had grey fox in the bear at one time. I believe that the skunks are still in with the tortoise by the owls, I don't remember them being anywhere else, but it is totally possible; fruit bats, tamarins, and green iguanas in the main aviary for quite a while; American crocodile and alligators, I am sure I am missing some others.
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Um, holy heck, that aviary is gorgeous! Beautiful! Very unlike anything I have seen before. No wonder zoochatters miss it so much and have spoken so highly of it. Thank you for directing me to the photos. I'm glad some users have explained in more detail why it was removed.
I see now, thank you! I had been a little confused how removing a climbing platform made the exhibit worse but I think I am seeing why.
Unfortunately, despite being great exhibits, large outdoor aviaries overall are rather difficult exhibits from a design/structural/maintenance perspective, especially anywhere that gets weather. Unless you want to sacrifice some of the aviary's naturalism/immersion with large metal poles, etc, weather is going to extremely limit how big an aviary can be built- whether that weather be snow in the north, wind/hurricanes in the Southeast, etc. As much as I'd love to see more zoos with impressive, giant aviaries, weather is a massive limiting factor to where these types of exhibits can be built, and to what degree naturalism needs to be sacrificed with support beams and the like.
All very true. To be honest though, I hadn't assumed anything like this aviary was possible. Part of why I came to the thread to question it is I couldn't conceive of an exhibit like that having existed in the first place. I was expecting to see a pond or an ugly looking small exhibit that happened to have some rarity in it.
SusScrofa
Well-Known Member
From the comments on this site, I didn’t have high expectations from Zoo Tampa. After my recent visit, I have to agree with many members observations made about it.
A few points from my perspective:
1. The most noticeable issue is that the zoo exhibits mostly look very old and worn out. It feels like they're due a modernizing update. Many enclosures are also pretty bare, lacking vegetation or other naturalistic aspects. On top of that there were issues with the smaller size of some enclosures, especially by the primates. Some don’t care about aesthetics much, but this is an expensive and major city zoo. I'm judging it on a higher curve and frankly I felt the presentation was a bit underwhelming.
2. Lets talk Africa. The walkthrough section was good, if not a little rough-around-the-edges, but the safari ride is a really pointless experience that weakens this part of the zoo. The greatness of safaris is showing herds of animals in beautiful and naturalistic fields, but Tampa’s safari ride just takes visitors through a small back space with a bunch of rustic ungulate paddocks, far from an ideal safari experience. On top of that, a few species can only be seen on the ride including the Patas Monkeys. This was my first time seeing this species and I really wanted to spend some time observing and photographing them but I could only see them briefly and get a few unclear images. The zoo would be far better off turning this part of Africa into another walkthrough. Have the safari videos in a show or a conservation side room.
3. The aviaries had some puzzling decisions. Why separate the main aviary into two sections? The species sometimes cross anyways and it just makes the entire exhibit feel smaller. A couple of the enclosures within the aviary (Seriema/Amazons and Sulawesi Hornbill) are also too far from the walking paths to offer good viewing opportunities. The observation area of the Asia Aviary is limited to a small porch in the front, but most of the birds are on the ground far away in the back. I really liked the lorikeet aviary, but only two lorikeet species and Bananabirds in there.
4. From other members comments, Tampa suffered very high species loss over the years and the collection bareness felt very palpable to me. The zoo felt less "complete" compared to many other city zoos. I’m not sure why exactly, it could be the omission of a few standard ABC’s in city zoos (lions, gorilla, zebra) or maybe it’s the fact that there are way too many repeat animals in different enclosures throughout the zoo, already ignoring geographical accuracy (four different exhibits with Asian Giant Pond Turtles, four with African Spoonbill, etc). The above issues could also play a role.
5. The standard adult price of $46 is also steep. To be fair the city pass made it come out cheaper, but I still have higher expectations if they're charging such a price. Tampa doesn't come close to matching Bronx Zoo and they're both the same admission cost.
I know this criticism might sound harsh, so I should say that with all that I still enjoyed Zoo Tampa and I think it’s a good zoo when taken on its own. Among the highlights, I really loved the Manatee Care Center exhibit, and the Shoebills and high amount of hornbill and duiker species were a treat. They also probably have the best Old World Monkey collection of any zoo in Florida, certainly of the ones I've been to.
Its just that this is supposed to represent the Tampa metro area's main zoological attraction and yet it leaves a lot to be desired, and I would of expected more than a "just good" visit. I also visited the nearby Busch Gardens a day later and I found it to be a far superior zoological experience even with it being a theme park who's main focus is roller coasters (that’s not to take away anything from Busch Gardens as they are very much a legitimate zoological institution and truly have some amazing exhibits, its more that Zoo Tampa hasn't kept up with the game).
A few points from my perspective:
1. The most noticeable issue is that the zoo exhibits mostly look very old and worn out. It feels like they're due a modernizing update. Many enclosures are also pretty bare, lacking vegetation or other naturalistic aspects. On top of that there were issues with the smaller size of some enclosures, especially by the primates. Some don’t care about aesthetics much, but this is an expensive and major city zoo. I'm judging it on a higher curve and frankly I felt the presentation was a bit underwhelming.
2. Lets talk Africa. The walkthrough section was good, if not a little rough-around-the-edges, but the safari ride is a really pointless experience that weakens this part of the zoo. The greatness of safaris is showing herds of animals in beautiful and naturalistic fields, but Tampa’s safari ride just takes visitors through a small back space with a bunch of rustic ungulate paddocks, far from an ideal safari experience. On top of that, a few species can only be seen on the ride including the Patas Monkeys. This was my first time seeing this species and I really wanted to spend some time observing and photographing them but I could only see them briefly and get a few unclear images. The zoo would be far better off turning this part of Africa into another walkthrough. Have the safari videos in a show or a conservation side room.
3. The aviaries had some puzzling decisions. Why separate the main aviary into two sections? The species sometimes cross anyways and it just makes the entire exhibit feel smaller. A couple of the enclosures within the aviary (Seriema/Amazons and Sulawesi Hornbill) are also too far from the walking paths to offer good viewing opportunities. The observation area of the Asia Aviary is limited to a small porch in the front, but most of the birds are on the ground far away in the back. I really liked the lorikeet aviary, but only two lorikeet species and Bananabirds in there.
4. From other members comments, Tampa suffered very high species loss over the years and the collection bareness felt very palpable to me. The zoo felt less "complete" compared to many other city zoos. I’m not sure why exactly, it could be the omission of a few standard ABC’s in city zoos (lions, gorilla, zebra) or maybe it’s the fact that there are way too many repeat animals in different enclosures throughout the zoo, already ignoring geographical accuracy (four different exhibits with Asian Giant Pond Turtles, four with African Spoonbill, etc). The above issues could also play a role.
5. The standard adult price of $46 is also steep. To be fair the city pass made it come out cheaper, but I still have higher expectations if they're charging such a price. Tampa doesn't come close to matching Bronx Zoo and they're both the same admission cost.
I know this criticism might sound harsh, so I should say that with all that I still enjoyed Zoo Tampa and I think it’s a good zoo when taken on its own. Among the highlights, I really loved the Manatee Care Center exhibit, and the Shoebills and high amount of hornbill and duiker species were a treat. They also probably have the best Old World Monkey collection of any zoo in Florida, certainly of the ones I've been to.
Its just that this is supposed to represent the Tampa metro area's main zoological attraction and yet it leaves a lot to be desired, and I would of expected more than a "just good" visit. I also visited the nearby Busch Gardens a day later and I found it to be a far superior zoological experience even with it being a theme park who's main focus is roller coasters (that’s not to take away anything from Busch Gardens as they are very much a legitimate zoological institution and truly have some amazing exhibits, its more that Zoo Tampa hasn't kept up with the game).
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Thanks for the detailed persepctive, I really love reading other peoples opinions and views on ZT. As a long time visitor and previous volunteer in both the aviary and primate departments I can add a little insight that may help clarify some things.
Yeah, that is a constant issue, but usually it is cyclical. By this I mean that when we are in our rainy season (May-September/October) the plants all look great, but when it stops the exhibits loose many of their plants and grasses. The walkways are irrigated, so those don't die out everywhere.
Primate World is the last major section that has not received a update. The hamadryas baboons received the new glass windows, but that is about the only update since the zoo opened. It is time for a major refresh there. Asian Gardens received an update that brought it to much higher standards, but some of the habitats (primarily the tiger) are just too small by today's standards.
I agree, and the 1+hour wait time is too long to bother with generally. The patas monkeys are actually "rescues" from Safari Wilderness. They were put on an island there....and promptly swam off and escaped into the Green Swamp. Once they were all caught they were given to ZT and have been in the back paddock since that time. This all went down not long after the owner and previous Director of ZT/LPZ (Lex Salisbury) left under distress.
Ha, right? I don't really know, but there must be some reason, it has been like that since it opened. At one time they were strict about keeping the species on their sides, they had real doors and then heavy plastic strips, now it is just that plastic chain.
That's a hold over from when they had more "sensitive" species in the back aviaries.
They had chimps until recently, swapping for the baboons was a good move. Lions and gorilla are on the master plan, closer than further out from my understanding (although those things change).
Worth noting is that the ZT ticket is a "pay for a day, come all year" ticket, so you could actually come back for free through 2023. That is not super relevant to tourists, but to residents it is a very good perk. Compared to similar zoos like Phoenix which is $39 for a single entry anyways. Large and even medium zoos just seem to be getting more and more expensive, like everything.
Busch has always been a tough comparison since ZT opened Africa. Before that they complemented one another well, but now there is a direct comparison. Busch benefits from near limitless money and backing that most city zoos can't achieve. It is great to have both in the same city, they do still complement one another well. Busch has a great collection, but overall it is pretty basic, ZT has the benefit of animals you can't see elsewhere (shoebill) or at least are not as common (Masai giraffe vs generic giraffe), etc.
I find it interesting how few pictures get posted from Busch as well, it is a major destination that many zoochatters go to, but we have not had any new pics since 2022 and 2020, and not that many of them.
Busch is great though, I just bought a fun pass, so I expect to add a lot more detail on them this coming year.
Thanks for taking the time to share, I really enjoyed reading your post.
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I very much remember the Patas escape. In fact, a good friend of mine is the one who sourced the monkeys to Lex and told them an island was a bad idea cause they can swim!
Wasn't the Main Aviary zoogeographically split into African and Asian at one point? I know they used to have a bat species in there and would keep small hoofstock in there as well hence possibly the reason it was sectioned instead of one big area
Wasn't the Main Aviary zoogeographically split into African and Asian at one point? I know they used to have a bat species in there and would keep small hoofstock in there as well hence possibly the reason it was sectioned instead of one big area
Hahha that sounds about right. Lex can be visionary, but he is also obstinate.
Broadly, yes, but there has nearly always been overlap. Maybe when it first opened that was the idea, but since the late 90s it has been mostly mixed. Broadly the more ground living birds have always been in the larger side, which makes sense since it is much larger. There were bats in the large side at one point, along with muntjac, tamarins, and green iguanas.....a real jungle menagerie.
SusScrofa
Well-Known Member
Ah, I wasn't aware of the price being for year-round entry, that makes it far more worth it. Its interesting you mention Phoenix's cost because I went right before covid and can be almost certain I paid less than $30 a ticket (no discounts or anything applied). Looks like they had a massive price increase post-pandemic.Thanks for the detailed persepctive, I really love reading other peoples opinions and views on ZT. As a long time visitor and previous volunteer in both the aviary and primate departments I can add a little insight that may help clarify some things.
Yeah, that is a constant issue, but usually it is cyclical. By this I mean that when we are in our rainy season (May-September/October) the plants all look great, but when it stops the exhibits loose many of their plants and grasses. The walkways are irrigated, so those don't die out everywhere.
Primate World is the last major section that has not received a update. The hamadryas baboons received the new glass windows, but that is about the only update since the zoo opened. It is time for a major refresh there. Asian Gardens received an update that brought it to much higher standards, but some of the habitats (primarily the tiger) are just too small by today's standards.
I agree, and the 1+hour wait time is too long to bother with generally. The patas monkeys are actually "rescues" from Safari Wilderness. They were put on an island there....and promptly swam off and escaped into the Green Swamp. Once they were all caught they were given to ZT and have been in the back paddock since that time. This all went down not long after the owner and previous Director of ZT/LPZ (Lex Salisbury) left under distress.
Ha, right? I don't really know, but there must be some reason, it has been like that since it opened. At one time they were strict about keeping the species on their sides, they had real doors and then heavy plastic strips, now it is just that plastic chain.
That's a hold over from when they had more "sensitive" species in the back aviaries.
They had chimps until recently, swapping for the baboons was a good move. Lions and gorilla are on the master plan, closer than further out from my understanding (although those things change).
Worth noting is that the ZT ticket is a "pay for a day, come all year" ticket, so you could actually come back for free through 2023. That is not super relevant to tourists, but to residents it is a very good perk. Compared to similar zoos like Phoenix which is $39 for a single entry anyways. Large and even medium zoos just seem to be getting more and more expensive, like everything.
Busch has always been a tough comparison since ZT opened Africa. Before that they complemented one another well, but now there is a direct comparison. Busch benefits from near limitless money and backing that most city zoos can't achieve. It is great to have both in the same city, they do still complement one another well. Busch has a great collection, but overall it is pretty basic, ZT has the benefit of animals you can't see elsewhere (shoebill) or at least are not as common (Masai giraffe vs generic giraffe), etc.
I find it interesting how few pictures get posted from Busch as well, it is a major destination that many zoochatters go to, but we have not had any new pics since 2022 and 2020, and not that many of them.
Busch is great though, I just bought a fun pass, so I expect to add a lot more detail on them this coming year.
Thanks for taking the time to share, I really enjoyed reading your post.
Maybe, I went to PHX back in 2016, but then not again until 2021. I always use the reciprocal AZA discount, so it is usually 50% off at most AZA zoos with my ZooTampa membership.