Hillsborough County commissioners approved a $75 million investment in ZooTampa’s capital‑improvement plan, a move that will double the zoo’s funding to $150 million over the next 15 years. The county’s contribution comes from Community Investment Tax funds generated by a half‑cent sales tax, and will be paid out at $5 million per year through 2041.
What the money will fund
The zoo plans to use the new capital to upgrade existing habitats, many of which date back to the 1980s. Key projects include modernizing the Primate and Asia areas, expanding the elephant enclosure, and creating mixed‑species habitats in the Africa section. A family‑friendly coaster is also slated for the Australia zone.
Perhaps the most ambitious component is a brand‑new South America section, to be built in two phases. The expansion will extend the zoo across North Boulevard, taking over a city‑maintained maintenance facility. The new area will feature an event courtyard, a jaguar‑focused flooded forest, and a restaurant, while preserving the green space surrounding the existing Lowry Park building.
Economic and tourism impact
ZooTampa currently welcomes roughly 1.2 million visitors each year. ZooTampa Chief Marketing Officer Sandra Torres said the upgrades are intended to turn Tampa into a destination that zoo‑goers specifically seek out, much like San Diego does for the San Diego Zoo. “We hope that one day, you know, same way people visit San Diego to go to San Diego Zoo, that people think about, ‘Hey, let’s go to Tampa because we want to go through Tampa,’” Torres explained.
Local officials and business leaders anticipate that the enhanced attraction will draw additional tourists, generate new jobs, and provide a world‑class educational resource for future generations. The zoo also emphasizes its role as the largest cultural institution in Florida and the second‑largest educator of Hillsborough County children outside of school.
Commission vote and community response
The funding agreement passed on a narrow 4‑3 vote. While four commissioners supported the investment, three argued the money could be spread among other cultural institutions in the county. Despite the split, the agreement reflects a commitment to preserving and expanding a key family‑focused amenity.
Next steps
ZooTampa will spend the coming year finalizing the details of its capital‑improvement plan. The South America section is expected to be the final phase of construction, with all projects slated for completion by the end of the funding period in 2041.
County officials and zoo leadership say the partnership underscores a shared vision for Tampa’s growth, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a family‑oriented destination that values education, recreation, and economic vitality.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
