'Christmas in the Wild' returns to Lowry Park Zoo

TAMPA (FOX 13) - It’s a wild Christmas at Lowry Park Zoo.

Over at the Lowry Park Zoo, visitors will be able to celebrate another year of its annual “Christmas in the Wild” event. The great thing about weather in Florida this time of the year is the fact we can still enjoy outdoor activities.

The zoo offers a great family-friendly place to spend the holidays with lights, food, decorations and animal activities. It transforms into a venue where families can face-to-face with the wildlife and stroll with Santa’s elves.

There will be carolers dressed in Dickens-area costumes performing traditional classics, holiday story time with Mrs. Claus, and even a 50-foot animated Christmas tree.

A unique menu has been created for all the foodie visitors. The chef has whipped up savory dishes such as braised short rib with smoked Gouda mac and cheese, S’mores bacon, a holiday burger. There will be sweet desserts including a peppermint mousse, deconstructed apple pie and gourmet hot chocolates.

Christmas in the Wild takes place Fridays and Saturdays on December 21-23 and 26-30.

Visitors to the park will also be able to see the rare baby pygmy hippo and join in the fun for a holiday-themed gender reveal. 

The endangered hippo was born at the zoo December 1 and the zoo will be revealing the baby's gender on December 21. Guests will also be able to submit a suggestion for the baby's name, which will be revealed at a later date. 

The gender reveal party begins at 5:45 December 21.

Christmas in the Wild at Lowry Park Zoo
1101 West Sligh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604
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