Tampa, FL - It’s time for summer family fun at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo! For Florida residents who stay closer to home this summer, the Zoo is introducing a “Summer Family Fun Pass” for unlimited summer admission in celebration of being named the #1 Zoo in the U.S. by Parents magazine (May 2009). The golden days of summer will also bring another Australian favorite – the Queensland koala – to Wallaroo Station, the Zoo’s 4.5-acre Australian-themed family area.

A koala exhibit is currently under construction adjacent the Zoo’s Kangaroo Walkabout, home to a group of Eastern grey kangaroos and Bennett’s wallabies. Progress continues daily and when construction is complete this summer, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will be one of only a few facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to exhibit koala.

Although the newest Australian native has yet to arrive, summer family fun starts now! The new Summer Family Fun Pass includes unlimited daytime admission to the Zoo June 1-August 31, 2009 with unlimited amusement rides for $69.95 for a family of four. Specifically, the pass covers up to two adults/seniors and two children in the household; additional family members in the household are $20 per person. The Summer Family Fun Pass is value-priced, set at the same price as Zoo one-day admission for a family of four (two adults/two children), and priced well below the cost of one-day admission plus individual ride wristbands for a family of four. The Summer Pass is now available at the Zoo’s front gate. Parking at the Zoo is free.

“We are grateful that our community views the Zoo as a good value and worthy of its support. We are extending this special offer as our way of saying thank you, and we welcome guests to help us celebrate the ‘best zoo’ award by Parents magazine,” said Trisha Rothman, VP Marketing and Sales for Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

The Summer Family Fun Pass differs from the Annual Zoo Pass membership in that it is valid for the summer only (June 1-Aug. 31, 2009) and does not carry the benefits associated with annual membership (Annual Zoo Pass membership includes reciprocal admission or discounts at other zoos and aquariums, discounted admission to the Zoo’s seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Wild Wonderland, special member only events, subscription to Zoo Chatter magazine, and more).

Current Annual Zoo Pass members can get a sizzling summer deal also -- unlimited ride wristbands, valid all summer, for only $10 per person. The Zoo has six great amusement rides to enjoy, including:

• Gator Falls -- Get set to get wet! Float down the “river” on the new (July 2008) Gator Falls log flume and splash down 30-feet over an alligator exhibit.
• Safari Ride -- Climb aboard the custom-made, open-air safari vehicle for a 15-minute guided tour of the Safari Africa habitat area with behind-the-scenes views.
• Treetop Skyfari -- Catch a bird's eye view of the zoo on the Treetop Skyfari sky ride. You'll soar above the trees and see what's happening in the Zoo below.
• Boomer's Flyin' Bananas -- Kids can soar high in their own “flying” banana. The bananas "fly" in a circular motion with control levers to move them up and down.
• Tasmanian Tiger Roller Coaster – Show your stripes by riding a new (Dec. 2008) tiger-themed mini roller coaster which accommodates adults/guardians to ride with children.
• Jungle Carousel -- Round and round you go on this colorful endangered species carousel. Take a ride on a cheetah, manatee, elephant or another exotic creature.

About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Named the No. 1 zoo in America by Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004), Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48). The Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free. Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for more information.

To view Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-29-Tampa's_Lowry_Park_Zoo