Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo FY13
Master Calendar of Events

2013

Wild At Heart

Thursday, February 14 • multiple tours depart at 6:30 - 10p.m.

Friday, February 15 • multiple tours depart at 6:30 - 10p.m.

Saturday, February 16 • multiple tours depart at 6:30 - 10p.m.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, singles, couples and groups of friends (ages 21 and up) are invited to the Zoo for a lighthearted look at love in the animal kingdom. This 8th annual tour and dinner will entertain guests with interesting stories about the pairing, partnering and mating habits of our animal residents.Guests are welcomed with champagne and up-close animal encounters, tour and romantic dinner. The event is open bar. The event will last approximately 3 hours.

$6 Day

Sunday, February 24 • 9:30a.m.-5p.m.

Visit your favorite animals at the Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $6 admission per person. Free extra parking is available on $6 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track. Free shuttles will run continuously from that lotto the Zoobetween 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From I-275, take Exit 49 to Bird Street and go one block East. Park in indicated areas. Please note: due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $6 Day.

DinoQuest 2

March 1 -May 28 • 10 a.m.-5p.m. daily Zoo operating hours

They’re back! Discover a limited engagement outdoor exhibit of lifelike and life-size dinosaurs at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. This dynamic display features dinosaurs ranging from the treacherous Tyrannosaurus to the towering Brachiosaurus that move, blink and roar. Visit these prehistoric pals during the day, take a Zoo School program featuring primitive predators, or have a dynamite time after dark at Dino Nites -- an experience that is sure to unearth some curiosity! A special attraction fee will apply. DinoQuest daytime admission is $4 per person in addition to Zoo general admission. See the DinoQuest web page for more information.

ZOOZoom

Saturday, March 2 • check in 6:30a.m., run 7:30a.m., walk 8a.m.

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the 7th annual ZOOZoom, a 5K run that winds through the Zoo and along the scenic Hillsborough River. Registration cost includes admission to the Zoo for the day for the entrant only, tee-shirt and post-race refreshments.

Dino Nites (evening hours for DinoQuest 2)

March 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 • 6:30 -9:30p.m.

April 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27 • 6:30 -9:30p.m.

May 3, 4, 10, 11, 24, 25 • 6:30 -9:30p.m.

Have a DINO-mite time after dark at Dino Nites, a unique evening experience in the DinoQuest exhibit are with access to other amenities like free Zoo rides. Dino Nites admission is $9.95 per person which includes DinoQuest, free rides and select areas of the Zoo. See the DinoQuest web page for more information or to purchase tickets to Dino Nites.

Orangutan Egg Hunt

Friday, March 29 • 11a.m.

Watch the Zoo’s Bornean orangutan family have some Easter fun with their own egg hunt, an annual treat for the primates and zoo guests. The egg hunt is included with Zoo admission.

Karamu XXV

Saturday, April 13 • 6:30p.m.

Join the area’s top business and community leaders at Karamu XXIV, the Zoo’s signature annual black tie gala. Hosted by event chairs Heidrun and Alan Divers, this year’s event brings the Latin flair and atmosphere of South Beach chic to the Zoo’s spectacular Safari Lodge events facility and adjoining outdoor plaza. Guests will enjoy cocktails, up-close animal encounters, seated dinner, auctions, live entertainment and dancing

Enrichment Day/Earth Day/Party for the Planet 2013

Saturday, April 20 • 9:30a.m. - 5p.m.

Celebrate the living Earth at the Zoo with a day of family fun and discovery. Learn new ways to connect to the environment and make a difference in conservation by spending the day with the animals who share our planet. Enjoy a wide variety of animal enrichment activities, educational displays and exhibits throughout the Zoo. Enrichment Day activities are included with Zoo admission.

Día Del Niño (Day of the Child)

Sunday, April 28 • 9:30a.m. -5p.m.

¡Vamos al zoológico! -- Let’s go to the Zoo! Join the Zoo for the 3rd annual cultural festival Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries on various days. This one day celebration features a variety of family activities and entertainment including live music from local Latin artists, bilingual talks and more. Activities are included with Zoo admission. Don’t miss dining with “Dora the Explorer” from Nick Jr.™

Charity Golf Classic at Old Memorial Golf Club

Monday, May 6 • 10:30 a.m. Check-in & lunch, 12:00 Noon Shotgun Start

Take to the course for a cause and join the Zoo for the Charity Golf Classic, at exclusive Old Memorial Golf Club, one of Golf Magazine’s top 100 U.S. courses. The outing features a shotgun start, contests on the course, live auction, raffle drawings, and an awards dinner and banquet. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

$6 Day

Sunday, May 19 • 9:30a.m. - 5p.m.

Visit your favorite animals at the Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $6 admission per person. Free extra parking is available on $6 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track. Free shuttles will run continuously from that lotto the Zoobetween 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From I-275, take Exit 49 to Bird Street and go one block East. Park in indicated areas. Please note: due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $6 Day.

Summer Safari Night

Theme: Ladybug Release

Saturday, June 29 • 5 -8p.m.

The Zoo stays open late with free unlimited rides, special animal encounters, and great food and drink. Extended hours are included with Zoo admission. A special activity of a ladybug release is planned to happen during this event.

Red, White & Zoo Long Weekend

July 4 - 7 • 9:30a.m. -5p.m.

In honor of Independence Day, members of the military (active-duty and retirees) and up to three direct dependents are invited to visit the Zoo for free on July 4-7. The military member will need to show a Department of Defense photo ID at the Zoo’s ticket counter. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult with a valid military I.D. must accompany minors. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. No rain checks. Also, during Red, White & Zoo Weekend, you won’t want to miss

All-American Teddy Bear Picnic

Saturay, July 6 • 11a.m.-2p.m.

The Zoo stays open late with free unlimited rides, special animal encounters, and great food and drink. Don’t miss the Teddy Bear Picnic from 11-2 p.m. Grab your teddy bear and head to the Zoo for a “beary” good time.

Summer Safari Nights

Theme: Fairytales & Frogs, a royal celebration of frog conservation

Saturday, July 13 • 5 -8p.m.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All the princesses and knights from across the land are gathering at an event that’s sure to be grand – the Zoo’s first ever Fairytales & Frogs event! Come dressed as your favorite fairytale character for a day of discovery and fun with frogs. Meet real frogs and toads, and the zookeepers who care for them. Live entertainment by Radio Disney AM 1380. Don’t miss the VIP High Tea Party at 3p.m. and 4p.m….a special opportunity fit for a queen. Seats may bereservedin advance or the day of the event, while spaces last.

$6 Day

Sunday, July 21 • 9:30a.m.-5p.m.

Visit your favorite animals at the Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $6 admission per person. Free extra parking is available on $6 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track. Free shuttles will run continuously from that lotto the Zoobetween 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From I-275, take Exit 49 to Bird Street and go one block East. Park in indicated areas. Please note: due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $6 Day.

WaZoo Beer Fest

Saturday, August 3 • 7:30 -10:30p.m.

Named one of the “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country” by USA Today, this 18th annual tropical taste explosion features 250 beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from favorite restaurants, and live music. Beat the heat with the Blue Moon® “Beastly Beverage Club” (VIP-level ticket) in the Zoo’s the Safari Lodge --the only air-conditioned space at WaZoo -- with early entry at 6:45 p.m.

Zoo Run Run

Saturday, August 24 • Check-in 6:30 a.m., Race 7:30 a.m., Walk 8 a.m., Fun Run 9:15 a.m.

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the 11th annual Zoo Run Run, a 5K run that winds through the Zoo and along the scenic Hillsborough River. Children can enter a special "Fun Run" which follows the 5K. Registration cost includes admission to the Zoo for the day for the entrant only. All Early Bird registrants are guaranteed a tee-shirt; others available while supplies last.

$6 Day

Sunday, September 15 • 9:30a.m.-5p.m.

Visit your favorite animals at the Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $6 admission per person. Free extra parking is available on $6 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track. Free shuttles will run continuously from that lotto the Zoobetween 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From I-275, take Exit 49 to Bird Street and go one block East. Park in indicated areas.Please note: due to this special discount, Zoo rides are not included with admission on $6 Day.

Zombie Walk/Run/Challenge with Thriller Dance Party

Saturday, September 21 • Check-in XX p.m., Race xx:xx p.m., Walk xx p.m., Dance Party 9:00-11p.m.

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the Run For Your Lives it’s a zombie-infested 5K obstacle course race and Thriller Dance Party.

ZooBoo

September 27-28 is Shriek Peek Preview Weekend • 7-11p.m.

October 4, 5, 11-13, 18-20, 24-27 • Opens 7p.m.

Get ready to get spooked with the return of the frightfully fun ZooBoo, Tampa’s largest family Halloween event. It’s a ghoulish good time for all. Don’t miss this haunting holiday tradition with thrills, chills and family frights. Hours are 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m.on Sundays through Thursdays. Tickets available online in September at LowryParkZoo.com.

Pumpkin Toss

Friday, October 18 • 11a.m.

Watch the animals have some Halloween fun with their own pumpkin party, a seasonal treat for the animals and guests at the Zoo. See which animals stomp, chomp, kick, play and pounce on special seasonal treats! The pumpkin toss is part of the animal enrichment program at the Zoo and is included free-of-charge with Zoo admission

Zoofari

Saturday, November 2 • 7-11p.m

For 27 years, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has served up one of the biggest, tastiest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Bay area known as Zoofari. Bring your biggest appetite to this annual feast, only at the Zoo. For one ticket price, guests can go on a sampling safari of the Bay area’s best restaurants, enjoy open bars, browse the “Art Safari” art auction, and dance to live music on multiple stages. The Rhino Club includes early entry and exclusive use of the beautiful Safari Lodge and outdoor plaza. Animals are not on exhibit during the event. Tickets will be available online in late-September at LowryParkZoo.com.

Fiesta del Coqui (Coqui Festival)

Saturday, November 17 • 10a.m.-2p.m.

Join the Zoo for the 3nd Annual Fiesta del Coqui—a party with live music, crafts, activities and food to celebrate Hispanic culture and the tiny frog of Puerto Rico— the coqui! This is a party with a purpose. One-third of amphibian species, of which frogs make up the majority, are threatened with extinction. Learn more about these, and other frogs and toads, and what you can do to help protect them. Note: November 19 is Discovery of Puerto Rico Day.

Wild Wonderland 2013

December 7, 13-22, 26-29 • 6:30-10p.m.

Meet Santa and his merry mammals – REAL REINDEER – and light up your holidays during the 14th annual Wild Wonderland. Spread some seasonal cheer this year as you explore the Zoo’s whimsical world of holiday magic with wondrous animated displays, free rides and traditional holiday treats. Most animals are not on exhibit during the event.

Noon Year’s Eve 2013

Tuesday, December 31 • 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

Ring in the New Year family style at the annual “Noon” Year’s Eve daytime celebration hosted by the Zoo and Radio Disney AM 1380. The party begins when the Zoo opens with games, arts and crafts, live entertainment, educational displays and more. Families can ring in the New Year with noisemakers, hats and a juice toast as they watch the clock strike 12 NOON. Activities are included with Zoo admission.