ZooTampa's Attendance Soars, with Exciting New Attractions Just Around the Corner

It’s no secret that ZooTampa has been booming! Following the release of a popular docuseries “Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa” which aired in early 2020, the park saw some of the highest attendance numbers in its history this year. To expand on this growth, they plan to open some especially exciting new habitats and experiences in the upcoming years. Here is the latest info:

First on the list is the reopening of the stingray touch pool, now called Stingray Shores. After a sudden ‘supersaturation event’ led to the overnight deaths of the stingrays at the former Stingray Bay, attendees both young and old are thrilled at the revival of the touch tank. Stingray Shores features a plethora of new state-of-the-art water monitoring systems and safeguards to protect the stingrays and will once again allow guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with these friendly Florida animals; the same way ZooTampa guests had been doing at Stingray Bay for generations.

Also in the works is a South America realm complete with entertainment, dining, shopping, and new species of wildlife. The area caters to both zoo-goers and local residents who can access the renovated green spaces along the waterfront without park admission via all-new water taxis.

A Manatee Rescue center will transport guests into the spectacular world of the manatee, and feature newly added acute care and nursery pools. Play alongside otters and jellies whilst learning about ZooTampa’s world-renowned manatee conservation efforts at the Riverbank Oasis.

Sponsored by the Tampa-based steakhouse chain Outback comes a newly remodeled kids zone themed around Australian wildlife. Kids can encounter wallabys while parents grab a refreshment at the Boomerang Bar. A new ride called Aussie Trek will also debut in this area.

Lastly, the Asia realm will get a revamp, some of the highlights being gorgeous overhead paths that bring guests and animals together (safely) and exotic encounters with critters like Bornean orangutans and Malayan tigers.

Surrounding neighborhoods have been brought in for focus groups as the zoo looks to improve not just the park, but the entire community in which it resides. The proposed additions are rumored to boost Hillsborough County’s economic activity by a whopping 42 percent.