Call of the Wild: Animal Encounters in Tampa

Florida’s semitropical land is home to some remarkable creatures. From native wildlife to unexpected zoo inhabitants, Florida’s animals call for a visit; and Tampa is one of the best places to start for amazing animal encounters.

Roar with the tigers (and lend them a paw, too) at Big Cat Rescue

See big cats like leopards, tigers, lions and lynxes (just to name a few)—and help end the exotic animal trade when you visit the Big Cat Rescue. This organization does exactly what its name claims: It houses and rehabs big cats who were previously kept as pets, and it works to end this dangerous practice. The only way to enjoy animal encounters with these kitties is on a prepaid and guided tour, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Channel your inner sea cow at the Manatee Viewing Center

Apollo Beach’s Big Bend power station gives sanctuary to manatees coming in for a swim in its surrounding calm, warm waters.

Just south of Tampa, the waters from Apollo Beach’s Big Bend power station flow out nice and warm, drawing a stream of gentle, lolling manatees to its canal. Since commercial operations began at the power station’s Unit 4 in 1986, so many manatees have found refuge during cold months that the canal became a federally designated manatee sanctuary. Check out these mammals, affectionally known as “sea cows,” free of charge at the Manatee Viewing Center, which is maintained by Tampa Electric. Spare some time during your animal encounters to explore the center’s tranquil butterfly garden and tidal walk too.

Meet the one of the last giant tortoise species at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Say cheese! At ZooTampa at Lowry Park, mosey on over for a selfie with a 4.5-foot Aldabra tortoise.

The Aldabra giant, second only to the Galapagos as the world’s biggest land tortoise, can weigh upwards of 560 pounds. Native to an island north of Madagascar, five of these mellow Aldabras live at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and you can meet them at the twice-daily Aldabra tortoise animal encounters event. This zoo also displays animals native to Florida, such as stingrays and flamingos, as well as creatures from more distant lands, such as mandrills and clouded leopards.

Encounter alligators at Croc Encounters Reptile Park and Wildlife Center

Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side-by-side. Learn the differences between these two reptiles—and get a close-up look at both—at Tampa’s Croc Encounters Reptile Park and Wildlife Center. This conservation and educational facility gives sanctuary to unwanted reptiles and amphibians, which range in size from tree frogs and box turtles to Nile crocodiles. Before you go, print a coupon off their website for a chance to feed a turtle—or for a photo op with you holding a small alligator!

Interact with dolphins and penguins at The Florida Aquarium

From seahorses and coral reef exhibits to wild dolphin cruises, the Florida Aquarium offers dozens of hands-on experiences and exhibits.

Aside from the expected aquarium experience (which we’re not knocking—sea turtles and sharks are awesome), The Florida Aquarium offers several animal encounters, including a Wild Dolphin Cruise, which departs from the aquarium twice daily if the weather cooperates. You can also meet and interact with the aquarium’s African penguins—a seriously cool (but not cold: African penguins live in a temperate environment) way to spend an afternoon.

Lions, tigers and roller coasters—oh my!—at Busch Gardens Tampa

Amusement park Busch Gardens Tampa has unlocked the thrill-seeker’s winning combo: zoo animal encounters and rides. Alongside Florida’s ever-present (and native) American alligators, you’ll find Komodo dragons, meerkats and cheetahs. At Kangaloom in Walkabout Way, you can even hand-feed a kangaroo.

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