Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park About the zoo's safari ride

[Lucas Lang]

Hi everyone, I plan to have a visit for Zoo Tampa and Clearwater aquarium next weekend, and I will spend a day at Zoo Tampa.
I'm not sure if it is worth to take a safari ride of the zoo during the visit. I see that the species mostly could be seen during normal tour especially the shoebill. So, is it worth to take a ride? Thanks a lot

 

[SwampDonkey]

Hi everyone, I plan to have a visit for Zoo Tampa and Clearwater aquarium next weekend, and I will spend a day at Zoo Tampa.
I'm not sure if it is worth to take a safari ride of the zoo during the visit. I see that the species mostly could be seen during normal tour especially the shoebill. So, is it worth to take a ride? Thanks a lot

If the ride line is less than 40 minutes I think it is worth it. The ride itself is a bit hokey, but you do see some areas you can't see from the walkways. Animals that you can see that are not on the main area are bongo and patas monkey, maybe marshal eagle. Sometimes you may also see the duikers in the Okapi habitat that you may not be able to see from the walkway, if they are on the back fence you can only see them from the ride. At times I have seen marabou stork from the ride and not on the walk, so some animals may be present in the main safari yard that may not be out on exhibit otherwise.


Personally I have not seen the shoebill on the ride since they opened the new shoebill aviary.

It is highly advisable to get there when the zoo opens as that ride line gets long fast. I think the left side of the truck (you load from the rear of the truck) offers better views, overall.

 

[pachyderm pro]

The species that are only visible from the safari ride are patas monkey, eastern bongo, yellow-backed duiker and gray crowned crane. The ride is also the only way to get a close look at the bull elephant yard which is behind the main paddock. Otherwise, everything that can be seen on the ride can be seen on the regular path as well.

 

[Lucas Lang]

If the ride line is less than 40 minutes I think it is worth it. The ride itself is a bit hokey, but you do see some areas you can't see from the walkways. Animals that you can see that are not on the main area are bongo and patas monkey, maybe marshal eagle. Sometimes you may also see the duikers in the Okapi habitat that you may not be able to see from the walkway, if they are on the back fence you can only see them from the ride. At times I have seen marabou stork from the ride and not on the walk, so some animals may be present in the main safari yard that may not be out on exhibit otherwise.


Personally I have not seen the shoebill on the ride since they opened the new shoebill aviary.

It is highly advisable to get there when the zoo opens as that ride line gets long fast. I think the left side of the truck (you load from the rear of the truck) offers better views, overall.

Thanks for the advise, I will do that!

 

[Lucas Lang]

The species that are only visible from the safari ride are patas monkey, eastern bongo, yellow-backed duiker and gray crowned crane. The ride is also the only way to get a close look at the bull elephant yard which is behind the main paddock. Otherwise, everything that can be seen on the ride can be seen on the regular path as well.

Thanks for your information!