Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park News 2021
- Thread starter Jaxton
- Start date
All the stingrays in the zoo’s stingray touch tank died. The attraction will be closed for the next 8 weeks while zoo officials investigate.
Zoo officials investigate mysterious deaths of dozen stingrays residing in ZooTampa’s touch tank
Zoo officials investigate mysterious deaths of dozen stingrays residing in ZooTampa’s touch tank
Yikes. I’m supposed they are only closing the area for 8 weeks after this. A similar incident happened at Brookfield many years ago and they instantly closed the exhibit for good.
I’ve never been too keen on stingray touch tanks. Great experience for guests but the numerous issues that have come up over the years have led to hundreds of dead rays.
I would not be surprised to see them go for good, the zoo has grown a lot since they had them put in. I actually kind of miss the pelican/cormorant habitat that was there before.
What is happening with their ex bonobo area and what plans they have with the giant tortoises?I am going to ZooTampa next we so if their is anything you want me to check up on just let me know.
Nothing is happening as far as I am aware of. Last I was there it was just the fencing blocking the habitat, but peeking through a hole showed no progress on the actual habitat.
I am not sure there are any plans for the tortoises other than what they have. They took over the warthog enclosure in Safari Africa a while ago.
The zoo confirmed on their Facebook page (and apparently on the TV Show "Secrets of the Zoo") that the Clouded Leopards are now resident in an enclosure that is technically off exhibit, but can be seen behind the Roaring Springs flume ride.
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
It is super hard to see them though
Yeah, I can believe that. At least it is better than them being in the temporary enclosures in the animal care/vet center long term. I mean, they kind of are, but they are way better than the true temporary enclosures.
Any updates on the elephant breeding program?I am going to ZooTampa next we so if their is anything you want me to check up on just let me know.
Mai Thai
Well-Known Member
I asked the elephant keepers and they said they Sdudla is fertile but has not been mating with the females. They have no plans of using AI on the elephants or bringing in a bull for Mavi and Mpumi to mate with. ZooTampa’s elephant breeding program is absolutely rubbish at the moment.
That is so unfortunate. He was one of very few African bulls who are proven breeders in North America, so I really hope this changes in the future and he is able to sire more calves with Mbali and Matjeka. If not, atleast he has 3 living daughters unlike most other non-breeding males in the country and hopefully all 3 girls recieve a bull to breed with in the near future.
Exactly the reason why they should definitely bring in another bull!
And/Or move out the females to a breeding location with a track record male as well as evaluate the cows for reproductive or behavioural issues.
A female white rhino was born this past Sunday (6/6)
ZooTampa at Lowry Park welcomes baby southern white rhino | wtsp.com
ZooTampa at Lowry Park welcomes baby southern white rhino | wtsp.com
It looks like they figured out the stingray issue.
Fox 13 (local station) article
Fox 13 (local station) article
Of further interest is that they are not going to re-open it as it currently is, but rather they are going to redesign the habitat/exhibit.
Ongava, the zoo’s Southern White Rhino bull and father of the five latest calves born at Zoo Tampa, was moved to Safari West recently, probably to breed with their female(s). Also, I’m willing to bet Ongava managed to get Kidogo pregnant one more time before leaving.
A male nyala calf was born on July 4th, to mom Azu and dad Orion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRG9VLEttUN/?utm_medium=copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRG9VLEttUN/?utm_medium=copy_link
Most of the outdoor parts of Florida are closed past Roaring Springs to the alligator habitat. I knew they were remodeling the panther habitat, but they are actually remodeling that whole area. Below is a map:
It appears the Florida Aviary is being demolished for "seating" and the kestrel habitat is gone too. The alligators will remain, but I did not see any out in the habitat right now (likely due to construction nearby). It also looks like the bear habitat will be downsized. I would imagine that the Florida Aviary was nearing end of life without a major remodel itself.
On the plus side, the panthers are going to have a really great setup.
Finally had a chance to ride the safari tram since they redid the theme and some of the enclosures.
I did not realize that they drive right by the other Shoebill aviary. You have to go on the tram ride to see it:
Also, for those that are curious, here is what the water aviary looks like now:
It appears the Florida Aviary is being demolished for "seating" and the kestrel habitat is gone too. The alligators will remain, but I did not see any out in the habitat right now (likely due to construction nearby). It also looks like the bear habitat will be downsized. I would imagine that the Florida Aviary was nearing end of life without a major remodel itself.
On the plus side, the panthers are going to have a really great setup.
Finally had a chance to ride the safari tram since they redid the theme and some of the enclosures.
I did not realize that they drive right by the other Shoebill aviary. You have to go on the tram ride to see it:
Also, for those that are curious, here is what the water aviary looks like now: