TAMPA, Fla. – The skyline of Tampa’s wildlife conservation scene just got a major boost as ZooTampa at Lowry Park officially closed the books on its “Guardians of Wildlife” capital campaign. Reaching a total of $33 million, the fundraising effort paves the way for the grand opening of Florida Waters, a massive new expansion set to welcome the public this March.
The project was propelled by historic contributions from the Straz Family Foundation and the Spurlino Foundation, funding the construction of the Straz Family Manatee Rescue. This cornerstone habitat is designed as a multi-species environment that mirrors the state’s diverse ecosystems.
This latest development marks a turning point for the park’s long-term strategy.
“The upcoming grand opening of Florida Waters combined with the previously expanded Florida Wilds completes our vision for the Florida Realm,” said Joe Couceiro, President and CEO of ZooTampa. “The multiple habitats provide a lifeline for imperiled wildlife, where species like red wolves, panthers, bears, stingrays and manatees get a second chance. It’s a place where people learn that zoos like ours are vital conservation institutions dedicated to rescuing, educating, and preserving species for future generations.”
The financial backbone of the campaign included a wide range of public and private support. Key funding came from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, alongside numerous private families and foundations.
The Florida Waters project actually began its rollout with Stingray Shores and the expansion of the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. Now the largest nonprofit facility of its kind globally, the center has added two 16,000-gallon medical pools equipped with innovative rising floors to assist the veterinary team, which remains on call 24/7 for manatee emergencies.
Visitors to the new area can expect an interactive experience that goes beyond typical animal viewing. The expansion includes a mangrove walk-through tunnel, a jellies aquatic exhibit, and freshwater spring simulations.
READ: Collision Claims Life Of Endangered Florida Panther
In a move toward transparency in conservation, guests will be able to watch live veterinary procedures and see exactly how the zoo handles sick or orphaned manatees. Other highlights include the Otter Oasis, which provides underwater views of the animals, and the Reptile & Amphibian Discovery area, which pulls back the curtain on the zoo’s breeding programs for endangered species.
By integrating these specialized habitats, the zoo aims to bridge the gap between entertainment and urgent environmental advocacy.
“Florida Waters showcases the Zoo’s role as a leading organization in Florida wildlife conservation and expands educational programming that underscores the urgent need to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems and the species that rely on them,” Couceiro stated. “It highlights the essential work of modern, AZA-accredited zoos in conservation, education, and animal welfare. It solidifies our resolve to continue our real-time conservation initiatives and role as a jewel in the Tampa community.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
