What’s coming to the zoo? Elephants, tigers, and animals from South America
The funding will support the care of endangered and threatened species.
A world of change has been approved for ZooTampa. Hillsborough County Commission recently said yes to a $75 million contract with ZooTampa that will allow transformations to habitats and environments featuring animals from Asia, Africa, and those to be newly introduced from South America.
The funding will support the care of endangered and threatened species. It will also fund expanded public education programs and new opportunities for people to form lasting connections with animals and each other, according to ZooTampa.
The $75 million approved 4-3 by the County Commission comes from Community Investment Tax funds for capital improvements, those raised by a half-cent per dollar local sales surtax in Hillsborough County.
ZooTampa is matching the $75 million in county funds with private donations as it works to implement its $150 million master plan over the next 15 years.
As part of that plan, the zoo’s footprint would expand across the street to accommodate the South America habitat. Plans call for creating a home for various South American species, unique dining and special-event venues, and multiple public access points to Lowry Park. Residents and visitors will get more enjoyment of the riverfront when the plan is realized, zoo officials say.
The plan also calls for modernization of the Asia section of the zoo where visitors will experience some of the world’s most endangered species, including orangutans and tigers.
Transformation of the Africa environment will include vistas for African elephants. “The expanded multi-species habitats in this area reinforce the Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the conservation and protection of endangered species,” zoo officials say.
And just for fun, a new family ride that caters to all age groups will be introduced in the zoo’s Australia.
With the County Commission’s approval, ZooTampa has “reached another major milestone as we continue our march toward the future as a premier conservation organization and Florida’s most-attended cultural institution,” says Joseph Couceiro, CEO and President of ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
“The County’s investment with the Zoo’s match ensures we can continue advancing critical wildlife conservation, expanding educational opportunities for families, and strengthening our role as a cultural and economic anchor for our community.”
