My daughter and I left here around 9:30 and arrived at Lowry Park about 10:15 or so. It took a bit longer than it should have because of Tampa traffic. I haven't been in a rush hour situation since I moved to Florida.

We went to get our tickets and I asked about the EcoTour which is a ride on one of the local rivers to see wildlife but the boat wasn't running so we settled for doing just the zoo. As things turned out, that was a good thing. The zoo was much bigger than I thought it was.

The first place we went, after getting some breakfast, was the aviary. There were several scattered around the park. It really is a bird lovers paradise. On the way over to the birds we saw this gal.



The aviary was really big and two stories. There were birds every where and most of them had the run of the place making for good photo ops with no cage wires in the way.







The zoo is broken up into numerous sections: Asian Gardens, Manatee and Aquatic Center, Florida Wildlife Center, Safari Africa, Ituri Forest and the Wallaroo Station Children's Zoo. We really had no plan and just wandered into things beginning at Wallaroo Station.

Next we went to the Africa display. They have many animals including elephants.



And Okapi.



They also have an area where you can feed the giraffes. This is something I've always wanted to do!

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We also went on the Skyride which takes you to treetop level and runs the entire length of the park. It was beautiful up there and the nice breeze felt terrific.









Another thing we did in Africa was go on the Safari ride. OMG! This thing made the one at the AK seem like it was running on a newly paved road. If you ever do it, make sure your fillings are not loose.

We continued to wander. There was another aviary full of budgies. A man and his family were in there and for some strange reason these birds were absolutely fascinated with his shoes. When he was finally able to get away, they went after mine.



For whatever reason, they didn't like my shoes as much.

More birdies. They were everywhere!!



Next we ended up in the Florida Wildlife area. They had two of the biggest alligators I've ever seen!



A beautiful cougar.



Several otters.

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And two injured Bald Eagles.





By now it was getting really hot and we'd been on our feet for more than 4 hours. Even the animals were feeling the heat.



It was time for the manatee show. This zoo has quite a reputation for rescuing manatees that are injured or sick. The talk was interesting but somewhat depressing. These huge creatures are so fragile!



We began to stagger to the exit. Along the way we saw more birds





and something I've never seen before and will probably never see again... a whooping crane.



The only part of the zoo we didn't really explore was the Asian section. A good reason to return some day!

So we get back to the car and I'm thinking, what a nice day that was. After being on the road for a while my daughter says she's starving and how would I like to go out to eat. I say sure and she says well how about going to Bomas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!! Now I know I've converted her into a Disney freak.

So we head from Tampa to Disney and actually made pretty good time. Along the way we went by this.



Ok, art or junk? You be the judge.

The story. Only in Florida.

Hillsborough Airstream trailer "artist" makes case before appellate panel - St. Petersburg Times

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The closer we got to the AKL, the smokier it became. Nearly across the street from where the parking lot is was a brush fire. When we were driving in it looked like the hotel was on fire.

Because it was early, we got seated right away and absolutely pigged out. Then we cursed ourselves the entire ride home for being such gluttons.



We tried to walk off some of the bloat after dinner and I took these.









So that was our day. I highly recommend the Lowry Park Zoo. And for a nice, if somewhat over the top dinner... Bomas will always be one of my first choices.

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Sounds like you had a great day!
And you took some great pictures.
I will definitely put that zoo on my bucket list!
Thanks for sharing your pictures........ I love pictures!
Is that you feeding the giraffe?

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Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Love Love Love your pictures! Have you ever thought of taking "post card" photos? Yours turn out so great!

Hey, just saw the weather report down there where you are..
TAKE COVER!!!
YIKES!!!----- Looks like ya'll are taking a pounding from the radar report.

Thanks for sharing,
X

Who didn't know she was going to get to go to the zoo today! What a cool surprise!

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Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Yes. I broke one of my cardinal rules... Thou shalt not be in a photo.

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Great pics-sounds like a fabulous day. A friend of mine was raving about Boma's last week-must be pretty good eats! You are so lucky to live where you live-I would move there in a heartbeat...

I was at the Lowry Park Zoo just 2 weeks ago!! I was down visiting my dd and the zoo is always a must with Faith!! The day we went was really hot so the animals were a bit lethargic, but it was a fun day for sure!! I LOVE the giraffes and the fact that you can get so close! Isn't their breath hideous!! lol It is a great zoo and I would recommend it to anyone!

Your pics are fabulous and brought back fond memories! Thanks for sharing.

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Melissa

I had to post to tell you, I really love your photos. You have a great eye!
The fourth pic is my fav, great composition and color!

Joy

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Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

Very nice photos, Amazing Quality
Suzanne

Thank you for the pictures. It helped me remember the times that I visited one of my favorite zoos.

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Laura
Please visit my blog
http://mylifeinlaurasworld.blogspot.com/

Ok I have got to meet you when I come down to see my Mom this summer. I have never been able to get any pix of those Airstreams as we went by them, mine have always blurred or we would drive by too quick to get my Camera out to grab one.

If things work out we maybe in Florida permanently next spring at the earliest or summer at the latest.

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~ Christine ~
Grammie to Trinity Lorayne Jean Keens Born June 9, 2011 Loving my awesome guitar picking 100% Country Boy boyfriend Kenny !
RIP Daddy~ 01/24/1930-06/01/2007 I miss you !
Dont Think you Can .. know you can ~ Jeff Hardy