After 30 years, Lowry Park Zoo gets new name

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Thirty years after opening its doors to the public, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo has a new name, logo, website, and mission.

The 56-acre animal sanctuary is now called ZooTampa at Lowry Park. 

Zoo officials made the announcement Thursday, also revealing plans for the park's expansion.

The zoo's mission has evolved under its new CEO, Joe Couceiro, who took the helm two years ago. Officials say the zoo's board of trustees and endowment foundation's "unwavering commitment to quality" further supports the park's future.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park will undergo a revitalization in several phases, according to the plan laid out by Couceiro. 

The plan includes a new water adventure called Roaring Springs and renovation of the Key West area of the park.

Couceiro also said the Florida Boardwalk will be renamed Florida Wilds and will be expanded to allow for care of wildlife like black bears, Key deer, and panthers.

Florida Waters will be upgraded with a life support system at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, allowing the zoo to treat the most severe cases. The area will also feature interactions with playful otters and stingrays. 

Couceiro also revealed some future zoo concepts, including improvements in the Asia, Wallaroo, and Africa realms.