By Nicole Heubusch
Sea lions swim at about 25 miles per hour, faster than manatees and even humans. They are classified as a “pinniped”, meaning they have winged feet, which helps with their fast swimming. There are seven different types of sea lions, and from Saturday, March 1 through Saturday, May 31, some of them will be taking over Lowry Park Zoo.
They will have a splash zone, giant inflatable bounces and slides, a specialty gift shop and food and beverages available at the zoo. It is just $2 per person in addition to the zoo’s general admission. Guests will get to see a thirty-minute Sea Lion Splash Show as well as have the chance meet them up close for a photo for an additional cost. Sea Lions are known for their intelligence, playfulness and their barking. They are mostly social animals and are most comfortable in a group setting, packed in closely together on land or even in the ocean. They are often taught tricks and love to entertain. Besides seeing the Sea Lion Splash show, guests will also learn about a few types of Sea Lions, the Patagonian and California sea lions and also learn about the variety of life on the coast of Mexico, Central, and South America.
The Lowry Park Zoo supports education and conservation and they hope to teach the importance of preserving the environment to their guests. Each exhibit teaches guests about not only the animals, but also how to care for them and the environment around them. The zoo has a zoo school and hosts classes, birthday parties, zoo sleepovers, and camps to educate children and adults on animals and the environment and help develop their imagination.
Lowry Park Zoo is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and parking is free. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors 60 and up and $19.95 for children three and under. For more information on the sea lions, visit www.LowryParkZoo.com/SeaLions.
Tampa Bay’s Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa.
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