ZooTampa Raises $33 Million for Historic Florida Waters Expansion and Manatee Rescue Center

ZooTampa at Lowry Park has achieved a major philanthropic milestone, raising $33 million toward its largest expansion in the zoo’s history — a campaign that strengthens the nonprofit’s mission of wildlife conservation, education and community engagement.

The funds were secured through Guardians of Wildlife, a multi-year capital campaign that recently wrapped up this historic giving effort. Generous support from community partners, individual donors, and significant contributions from foundations — including key gifts from the Straz Family Foundation and the Spurlino Foundation — provided the financial momentum needed to bring the ambitious project to life.

The centerpiece of this fundraising success is the Florida Waters expansion, a new immersive area at ZooTampa that invites visitors to connect with Florida’s native wildlife like never before. The project creates a dynamic habitat featuring underwater manatee viewing, an otter enclave, interactive mangrove walkways, and exhibits showcasing jellyfish, reptiles and amphibians. Guests will also be able to witness rescue and rehabilitation work in real time — a first for the region.

At the heart of the Florida Waters expansion is the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, a state-of-the-art facility where visitors can observe manatees in care as they recover and prepare for return to the wild. The expansion expands on ZooTampa’s critically important conservation footprint, particularly in the rescue and rehabilitation of Florida’s native species.

For decades, ZooTampa has been a leader in wildlife conservation and education, caring for more than 1,300 animals and participating in worldwide species preservation programs. The zoo’s efforts extend far beyond its 63-acre grounds, including hands-on rescue operations and community outreach aimed at inspiring future generations to protect the natural world.

Joe Couceiro, President and CEO of ZooTampa, reflected on the milestone: “This fundraising achievement reflects the community’s trust in our mission and our commitment to conservation. With the completion of Florida Waters and the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, we offer new opportunities for education, connection, and hope for wildlife.”

The Florida Waters expansion is part of a larger planned $125 million transformation that will unfold over the coming years, adding new realms and wildlife experiences that celebrate landscapes and species from Florida and around the world.

As ZooTampa prepares to open the new exhibits this spring, supporters and visitors alike will soon witness the culmination of this fundraising journey — one that not only enhances the guest experience but also deepens the zoo’s role as a champion for wildlife conservation on the Suncoast and beyond.

Photos from Zoo Tampa Facebook Page