Wade With The Stingrays At ZooTampa

If you've ever wanted an up-close encounter with stingrays, ZooTampa can help you check that item off of your bucket list.

I'm so excited about this new animal experience coming to ZooTampa. I've grown up around the gulf coast. As a kid looking for sand dollars in the ocean sand, I was always told to shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Shuffling presumably prevents you from getting stung by a stingray. If you shuffle your feet, they'll swim away. You definitely don't want to get a stingray barb in your foot or leg. I hear it's extraordinarily painful. I don't want to find out.

Well, put your fears aside about getting whipped by their barbed tail. The Stingray Shores experience at ZooTampa (which begins in March) is very safe. They do give advice to those who have shellfish allergies. Apparently, it is recommended that you do NOT participate in this encounter if you are allergic to shellfish. Why? Well, the stingrays are fed a diet that largely consists of shellfish. You don't want to ingest any water while you are participating.

Let me describe what the experience will be like. First of all, you need to reach the height (and age) requirement, which is 48 inches or taller. And if you are under 18, you need to be supervised with an adult accompanying you. Secondly, bring your swimsuit and you will be provided with a wetsuit, water shoes, and a towel. The whole experience will last for about 20 minutes, but you should plan to be there for an hour and a half. This will include instruction time and changing time.

So get ready to enjoy it when it opens on March 15. You'll pay anywhere between $44.95 and $59.95. It all depends upon which day you might go.

On Tuesday, February 27, ZooTampa held a sneak preview of the encounter that takes place in a 30,000-gallon saltwater naturalistic pool. It's perfect for guests, as it's not too deep. And the stingrays can reach rest zones if they don't want the interaction and stimulation.

If you'd like to book tickets to wade with the stingrays at ZooTampa, click here.

We had an exciting day at Christmas in the Wild at Zoo Tampa.

It's easy if you are a Zoo Tampa member. You can also "Pay for a Day" and get in for free to Christmas in the Wild. If you want to go to the night event and enjoy all the lights, they recommend that you register online and pay the $5 in advance to hold your spot.

It really is a special time at Zoo Tampa this time of year. As soon as you walk in you'll be able to see the gigantic, gorgeous collection of Christmas trees. And though we weren't there at night, we still saw all of the animal light displays that light up the night. You can also enjoy the festive, yummy holiday treats. delectable holiday treats.

During our daytime adventure to Zoo Tampa, I believe we had the most fun when we went on the safari. You get to learn so many fun animal facts about the typical zoo animals: giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros, etc. But I also notice that Zoo Tampa is home to some creatures you won't necessarily find at other zoos. I enjoyed learning about the Marabou storks. Did you know they all have red feathers on the head. And the bird with the brightest red in their feathers is in charge.

If you're looking to do something special with family members or friends this year, and especially if you have younger children, you must visit Zoo Tampa and enjoy Christmas in the Wild.

If you'd like to purchase tickets, click here.