Zoo Accessibility; Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Zoo Accessibility Information

The Zoo’s pathways, facilities and exhibits are designed to provide all visitors an enjoyable experience. In recent years, the Zoo has made many enhancements to the front parking lot, ramps, entryway, walkways and handrails to benefit all guests, making the property easier to navigate.

Parking:

Parking spaces are reserved for disabled guests in the front lot, with ramp accessibility to the main entrance. On days of peak visitation, when the designated spaces are full, Zoo parking lot security will try to assist vehicles carrying disabled guests.

Transportation:

Manual wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent inside the Zoo on a first come, first served basis. Due to the popularity of these rentals, we are unable to guarantee availability or reserve equipment. A photo ID or $5.00 refundable deposit is required to rent a manual wheelchair. A photo ID is required to rent an electric scooter. Personal wheelchairs or ECVs are welcome inside the Zoo. NEW: Thanks to support from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the Zoo now has aqua chairs (waterproof wheelchairs) available free of charge so that no child will be left out from splashing in the Zoo’s fountains on the hottest days.

Non-Motorized Wheelchair:
$8.00 per day
ECVs (Motorized Wheelchairs):
$17.00 for 3 hours or $25 for the day
Aqua Chairs (Waterproof Wheelchairs):
FREE

Service Animals:

The Zoo welcomes trained service animals, provided that the animals remain properly leashed and controlled. For the health and safety of the Zoo’s animals, personal pets are not permitted. The Zoo does not offer pet boarding facilities.

Sign Language Interpretation:

With at least two weeks advanced notice, a sign language interpreter may be available to enhance your visit to the Zoo. Please contact our education department at 813-935-8552, ext. 268 or email to inquire about scheduling an interpreter.

Autism Friendly:

The Zoo has established a partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF to improve our capacity to serve children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. As a result, the Zoo has been designated an “autism friendly business.”

The Zoo has visual aids and “tool-kits” available at the front gate which contain supplies and small toys which can be borrowed at the guest’s request for assistance. Gluten-free menu options are also available at Zoo restaurants.

We are happy to provide an Autism-friendly version of the Zoo map. Please see any front gate ticket window for a copy or click here to print and plan at home before your visit.

We are pleased to offer “Scripted Stories” to assist with your Zoo Visit. The social experience stories are to help parents, teachers and other caregivers prepare guests with autism for their visit to the Zoo. The stories help to minimize sensory issues they may encounter or difficulties understanding rules and unexpected experiences. It is suggested that you review the stories prior to the visit to the zoo. The story booklets are available at the Zoo, just ask a staff member for details.

DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING "STORIES" FOR YOUR ZOO VISIT:

Services:

All of the Zoo’s restaurants have wheelchair-accessible entrances. Family restrooms which accommodate wheelchairs or companions are located adjacent to the Garden Grille restaurant (near the front gate), Wallaroo Station and the Safari Africa plaza.

Assistance:

The Zoo’s Visitor Service staff is pleased to assist guests requiring special assistance to ensure an enjoyable experience. Please contact a supervisor in advance of your visit by email or at 813-935-8552 ext. 250.