March 8 was a historic day in Tampa Bay, as the Zoo announced a series of exciting strategic developments. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is now ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and heads into 2018 with a refreshed, contemporary identity featuring a new logo and revitalized vision. The Zoo also shared future plans that will enhance the Zoo’s capacity to preserve Florida wildlife and create memorable guest experiences.
“Our new logo is symbolic of our brand’s evolution during the past two years and our vision for the future. It is representative of our growing commitment to wildlife conservancy, as well as the major role we will play in the heartbeat of Tampa’s future,” said ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s CEO, Joe Couceiro.
In the past two years, the Zoo’s mission has evolved under Couceiro’s leadership and the support of the Zoo’s board of trustees and endowment foundation, forming an unwavering commitment to quality, and placing more emphasis on exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn added, “ZooTampa is a part of this city’s legacy. It’s a jewel that gives Tampa families and tourists a place to connect, have fun and learn about wildlife conservation. I am proud to have this beloved, iconic Zoo in our backyard. Their vision for the future aligns with Tampa’s growth and adds to our destination.”
Couceiro laid out the ambitious plan for the revitalization of the Zoo’s Florida realm in several phases:
- Roaring Springs – a wild, new family water adventure, presented by Pinch A Penny, will open later this spring.
- Key West – an original region of the Florida realm will be renovated showcasing the colorful sights and sounds of Florida’s southernmost point.
- Florida Wilds – the Florida Boardwalk will be transformed to expand its capacity to provide vital care to Florida wildlife like black bears, Key deer and panthers.
- Florida Waters – construction is underway on an upgraded life support system at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center allowing the Zoo to treat even the most severe cases. The center offers guests views of real-time rehabilitation of injured manatees. A future reimagined manatee recovery habitat will allow guests more ways to be nose-to-nose with the gentle sea cows before they are released back into the wild. The area will also feature interactions with playful otters and stingrays.
The Zoo’s commitment to animal care extends far beyond Florida wildlife. Over the last several months, the Zoo celebrated births of endangered and threatened species including a southern white rhino, Malayan tiger, Bornean orangutan, African penguins and a pygmy hippo. These babies are significant in helping save endangered species and fight extinction.
“We are in a time of new beginnings,” Couceiro said. “From new inspirational encounters and a refreshed look, to a reinforced dedication to education, to Florida wildlife rehabilitation and release programs -every component of the Zoo will be touched by this exciting transformation. We are committed to providing our great city with an iconic zoo with a bold vision to motivate guests in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.”
For the latest on theme parks, attractions, dining venues and more across the region, be sure to follow Touring Central Florida on twitter @TourCentralFL & @androckb, and give our facebook page a like.