The Zoo’s “Year of More” Continues with Soft Opening of Interactive Habitat
ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Stingray Shores, a new interactive habitat that gives guests a chance to touch, feed, and even get in the water with stingrays, is now open. The state-of-the-art habitat is home to two species of stingrays, cownose and southern, and features a 30,000-gallon saltwater naturalistic pool that is low enough for young children to peer and reach into the water, yet provides “rest zones” for the animals if they choose to take a break.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to get into the water and be immersed in the aquatic world of stingrays during an unforgettable Signature Encounter. During the experience, guests join a guide and professional aquatics team member in the water for an adventure that connects them with these amazing species like never before.
While awe-inspiring and entertaining, Stingray Shores also aims to educate guests on environmental conservation. Stingray species are progressively becoming threatened or vulnerable to extinction, particularly as a consequence of unregulated fishing. The area has interpretative signage, that provides guests with additional information about helping this important species and ways they can safely share the Gulf waters with the “angels of the sea.” The new area also features a retail shop with aquatics merchandise and the opportunity to feed the rays.
The new habitat was made possible through a gift from Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton, who have a strong passion for the protection and preservation of Florida wildlife. The Signature Encounter is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays.
ZooTampa is home to more than 1,100 animals, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is recognized as Florida’s leading and most attended zoological cultural attraction.
Pictures are available here.