{"id":402682,"date":"2026-09-17T17:20:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T17:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/402682\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T17:20:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T17:20:15","slug":"hillsborough-approves-75m-contract-for-zootampa-upgrades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/402682\/","title":{"rendered":"Hillsborough approves $75M contract for ZooTampa upgrades"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 The Hillsborough County Commission approved a motion to move forward with finalizing a contract that would provide ZooTampa at Lowry Park<\/a> with $75 million in Community Investment Tax funds for capital improvements, according to a statement from the zoo.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa said the funding would support projects related to animal care, public education, economic growth and visitor experiences.<\/p>\n

The money has not been described by ZooTampa as finally awarded or paid. The zoo said the commission approved a motion to proceed with finalizing the contract.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa said the public funding would be combined with private fundraising and zoo operational money as part of a $150 million master plan over the next 15 years.<\/p>\n

What ZooTampa plans to build<\/p>\n

ZooTampa said the plan includes modernizing its Asia area with expanded naturalistic, multi-species habitats for animals including orangutans and tigers.<\/p>\n

The zoo said its Australia area would be expanded to include a new family ride.<\/p>\n

In Africa, ZooTampa said it plans to expand multi-species habitats and create new viewing areas for African elephants.<\/p>\n

The zoo also said the plan calls for expanding across the street near the Hillsborough River with a South America area. ZooTampa said that area would include habitats for South American species, dining and event venues, and additional public access points to Lowry Park and the riverfront.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa cites conservation, attendance<\/p>\n

Joe Couceiro, ZooTampa\u2019s CEO and president, said the county money would come at an important time for the zoo.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa said the projects would support endangered and threatened species, expand educational opportunities and strengthen the zoo\u2019s role as a cultural and economic anchor.<\/p>\n

The zoo also described itself as Florida\u2019s most-attended cultural institution.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa said Community Redevelopment Area dollars are not available in its area and said the county money, combined with the zoo\u2019s match, would help support its long-term plans.<\/p>\n

ZooTampa thanked Commissioner Joshua Wostal, other commissioners who supported the motion and county staff.<\/p>\n

No timeline for a final contract vote was included in the zoo\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

TOP STORIES FROM WFTV CHANNEL 9<\/p>\n

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