7/31/2019 A Walk on the Wild Side by Heather Turk

1/1

recreation taMPa 7

From manatees, whales and dolphins to the

animals that inhabit the states many theme

parks, theres no shortage o wildlie guests

can get up close to during their Florida

vacation. However, some o the most unique

animal encounters are oten overshadowed

by the states major animal attractions. Heres

a look at three wildlie experiences that are

sure to leave just as big o an impression as

their lovable residents.

TAMPAS LOWRY PARK ZOORecognized as the No. 1 Zoo in the U.S.

by Parents magazine in 2009, Tampas

Lowry Park Zoo features 1,500 animals

on nearly 60 acres of natural habitats.

Offering various hands-on experiences,

guests can feed a giraffe, ride a camel,

hold a lorikeet, touch a stingray and more

at one of several interactive exhibits andhabitats. Lowry Park is also one of the

only zoos in the country where guests can

feed a white rhinoceros! Other attractions

include educational shows, rides and

water play areas.

SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARYLocated north of St. Petersburg in Palm Harbor,

the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is home to

more than 70 animals, including orangutans,

chimpanzees and monkeys. The animals come

from all walks of life, and some of the chimps

are well into their 50s and 60s (according to a

representative for the sanctuary, chimps only

live 25 to 35 years in the wild). In addition to

great apes and small primates, guests will see

a variety of reptiles and tropical birds during

their visit, including alligators and cockatoos.

SUNCOAST SEABIRD SANCTUARYThe largest nonproft wild bird hospital in

the U.S., the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is

located in Indian Shores. The frst acility to

breed Eastern brown pelicans in captivity, the

sanctuary helps injured wild birds and then

releases them back into nature. Permanentlyinjured birds are given a home at the

sanctuary, and at any given time guests can

view more than 600 eathered riends ranging

rom tiny song and garden birds to majestic

birds o prey. Admission is ree.

PhotoofAfricanelephantsandfe

edinggiraffecourtesyofTampasLowryParkZoo;BobbythechimpanzeebyRonPriest;EasternbrownpelicansbyMaryAnnRiskus

A wALk ONThE wILd sIdE

animal attractions lEt guEsts comE FacE to FacE

with somE oF Floridas wildEst rEsidEnts

By Heather Turk

Aside from the glorious weather, Florida is known for the numerous animals thatcall its beautiful terrain and coastal waters home.

africn eehn tm lowry prk Zoo

earn brown ican a hsuncoa sabird sancuary

boy he chimnzeehng ou he sunco

prime sncuryfding gira a

tama lowry park Zoo

EC_Pub_Jun-Sept2012.indd 7 5/24/12 5:29 PM