In the days ahead of the grand opening for its Florida Waters exhibit, ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced this week that it raised $33 million toward its largest planned expansion to date.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Guardians of Wildlife capital campaign netted two historic gifts from the Straz Family Foundation and the Spurlino Foundation that helped fund the construction of both Florida Waters and its cornerstone habitat: the Straz Family Manatee Rescue. It’s a multi-species habitat featuring not only manatees but native fish species, turtles, otters and other creatures in Florida\u2019s diverse ecosystems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Financial terms of the two donations for ZooTampa at Lowry Park, a nonprofit at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue, Tampa, were not disclosed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Florida Waters exhibit opens in March and is part of a $125 million planned expansion at the zoo. The grand opening of Florida Waters and the previously expanded Florida Wilds exhibit mark the completion of ZooTampa\u2019s new Florida Realm, says president and CEO of ZooTampa Joe Couceiro.<\/p>\n
The exhibits also give guests the opportunity to learn about ZooTampa\u2019s nationally-recognized conservation work, Couceiro says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe multiple habitats provide a lifeline for imperiled wildlife, where species like red wolves, panthers, bears, stingrays and manatees get a second chance,\u201d Couceiro says in the release. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where people learn that zoos like ours are vital conservation institutions dedicated to rescuing, educating, and preserving species for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n