Calling all animal lovers! If you enjoy viewing, interacting, and supporting the local wildlife of Tampa, Florida, then you are sure to enjoy these exciting destinations.
Big Cat Rescue
The Big Cat Rescue aims to care for wildlife while also ending the abuse of big cats in captivity. The Big Cat Rescue also works to end the extinction of big cats around the world. The 67-acre sanctuary houses lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, servals, caracals, and jaguars.
Each tour is pre-paid and pre-reserved so make sure you get your tickets early. There are a few different tours to choose from including day tours, feeding tours, keeper tours, kids’ tours, and night tours. The proceeds from tickets go back to helping the big cats. You can further help the Big Cat Rescue by donating your time. You can also learn more about, and support a favorite big cat within the park.
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium has a lot to do and see and will keep you and the family entertained all day. The aquarium is divided into different habitats. In the Wetlands Trail, you will find alligators, otters, free-flying birds, and pythons. The Journey to Madagascar has lemurs, chameleons, geckos, and an Indian Ocean Reef. The Bays and Beaches exhibit consists of stingrays, giant sea turtle, spiny lobsters, and more. The No Bones Zone is a unique space in the aquarium where you can learn and touch the sea creatures without a backbone including anemones, sea cucumbers, and sea stars.
Visit the beautiful Coral Reef and watch surgeonfish, stingrays, porcupine fish, sand tiger sharks, moray eels, and lionfish swim by. In the Dragons Down Under exhibit, you will find sea dragons, sea horses, pipefish, and dwarf sea horses. There is also a splash pad for kids in the outdoor play zone, which is perfect for cooling off in the Tampa heat. Take in an educational movie at the 4-D theater. You can also sign up for a tour including the Wild Dolphin Cruise, Penguins: Backstage Pass, Close up Critters, and swim with the fish tours.
Zoo Tampa
Spend the day visiting your favorite animals at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. You can watch the animals in their natural habitat with close encounters including the African Penguin Backstage, Alabama Tortoise Encounter, Southern White Rhine Backstage, African Elephant Backstage, Indian Rhino Feeding, and Koala Photo Encounter. Support the animals by donating which helps toward animal care, education, and wildlife conservation.
After exploring the zoo, hop on one of the many rides like the Overland Express Train, Roaring Springs, and Expedition Africa. You can refuel at one of the on-site restaurants with snacks like short ribs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tiramisu. Adults will enjoy the beer and wine garden located in the Africa area. Make sure you keep an eye on the calendar of events throughout the year including Toddler Tuesdays and Zoo University.
Whether you enjoy large cats, sea life, or tortoises, these Tampa destinations are worth checking out. Spend the weekend with some of Florida’s best wildlife while creating lasting memories with your family.
Image via Flickr by chad_sparkes under use of CC BY 2.0
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