Sea Lion Splash is making a splash at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo beginning Saturday and running through May 31.
The attraction features a colony of coastal sea lions, educational shows and an outdoor activity area. It also showcases a rotating group of three to five “aquatic ambassadors” representing both California and Patagonia sea lions.
While the sea lions charm the audience, guests will have a chance to learn about the variety of life along the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America, and conserving natural habitats for them.
“The sea lion educational program is designed to help us to better appreciate some of our nearest neighbors from the California coast to South America,” said Craig Pugh, chief executive and executive director of Lowry Park Zoo, in a release. “Up-close experiences with animals here at the zoo help make the far away more familiar, and keep us from taking for granted the wildlife that live in our own backyard.”
Sea lions are highly intelligent animals that can be trained to demonstrate natural behaviors on cue, according to the zoo. These particular sea lions are expected to entertain crowds with flips, barks and other specific behaviors.
Admission to Sea Lion Splash is $2 per person in addition to general zoo admission. Extra fees also apply for interactive sea lion photo opportunities. Admission to Lowry Park Zoo typically runs $24.95 for single-day adults, $22.95 for senior citizens 60 and older, and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11.
Sea Lion Splash, which is owned and operated by Squalus Inc., is sponsored locally by Seal Swim School, Land Rover Tampa and Tampa Bay PowerSports.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., in Tampa. For more information, visit LowryParkZoo.com.
