From the streams to the rivers to the brackish waters near our coasts and the clear waters of the Keys, ZooTampa’s Florida Waters exhibit will take you on a journey of water in our state, immersing you in the world of the animals that call the waterways home.

And the crown jewel is the Straz Family Manatee Rescue that has undergone a massive renovation. This is ZooTampa’s largest expansion to date, and while it’s not set to debut until spring 2026, we’re giving you a SNEAK PEEK from our recent hard hat tour because it’s too good not to share!

The Journey Begins: Otter Oasis

ZooTampa's Florida Waters Otter Oasis rendering — Florida Waters at ZooTampa: Otter Oasis rendering

Your journey starts at Otter Oasis, which has expanded from its original footprint and will be even more lush than before. There’s a shade structure over the guest walkway, and the otters will get their own shade sails over their habitat, so you can linger a bit longer while you interact with the playful otters with views underwater and above.

Fun Fact: Theme designers who also work with Disney and Universal are helping with the design to create the immersive experience.

As you enter the building that houses Straz Family Manatee Rescue, there are two new bathrooms in case someone needs a quick break! But let’s continue the journey into the Manatee Rescue Tunnel …

Straz Family Manatee Rescue

The building footprint might feel familiar, but it’s going to be a different experience since it is being completely renovated. Even the ceiling is 5 feet higher, giving it a more open feel.

You’ll start above the water among the cypress trees and work your way down through the mangroves, where you’ll get to see the manatees from several different viewing windows. Our favorite spot is the new stadium seating viewing area in front of the big window.

Florida Reef Tank and Moon Jellies

ZooTampa's Florida Waters Rendering: Manatee Stadium seating and Moon Jellies

As water continues its journey from the springs to the estuaries, it makes its way to the sea, and for the first time, ZooTampa will have tropical fish on display in a 10,000-gallon reef tank.

They are also adding three Moon Jelly tanks that will light up in different colors. This also serves as a perfect backdrop, as the room can transform into an event space too!

Brackish Tank

There is another large tank that gives you a view from the underwater mangroves and piers, showcasing the animals that call Florida’s brackish waters home.

Fun Fact: The acrylic glass walls of the brackish tank and Keys tank were so heavy that the construction team had to use the largest crane in the Southeast to set them into place before the roof went on.

Once you’ve made your way through this journey, you'll move on to the existing and recently renovated Stingray Shores.

Through it all, the manatee rescue efforts continued…

ZooTampa Manatee tank from outside — ZooTampa's Manatee tank pictured from the outside. You can see the building in the background that is now five feet taller.

Here’s what’s really incredible about this project … ZooTampa was able to continue its manatee rescue work by working closely with the construction crew to monitor the animals, who did great! In fact, the Zoo rescued a record number of manatees during this expansion.

You’ll get to experience it yourself this spring 2026, making this the perfect time to gift your family a ZooTampa membership so you can also experience Christmas in the Wild and the New Year’s Eve celebration, all while supporting the Zoo’s work to conserve.

Fun Fact: ZooTampa is the only nonprofit Manatee Critical Center in the world and one of two currently.

Learn more at zootampa.org