TAMPA, Fla. — For all the animal lovers out there – ZooTampa at Lowry Park might be the place to check out with it being voted among the top 10 zoos in the country.
The zoo and its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center secured the honor of being named among the "Best Zoo" and "Best Zoo Exhibit" in the 2023 USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards.
Recognized as a leader in conservation, animal care and education, ZooTampa is home to many critically endangered, threatened and vulnerable species.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park was ranked as No. 6, following closely behind the Brookfield Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Brevard Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as No. 1.
The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, which is focused on protecting and saving sick, injured and orphaned manatees, ranked as No. 4.
The exhibits that topped the Tampa-based one included Night Hunters at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Rocky Mountain Wild at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Asian Highlands at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.
"We are honored to have been recognized in the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards and thank our guests, members, employees and residents for their continued support throughout the voting process," President and CEO Joe Couceiro said in a statement. "Tampa Bay is an award-winning city in so many areas and we are proud to add another accolade and point of pride to our amazing community."