Wildlife Adventures

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White rhino at Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Wildlife adventures in the Tampa Bay Area.

Tag along with these wildlife experts for animal adventures in the Tampa Bay area:

• Volunteer with nonprofit Tampa Bay Watch, which protects and restores the marine environment of the estuary. (727-867-8166, www.tampabaywatch.org).

• Combine a day on the beach with a free guided nature tour at Fort DeSoto Park (not offered in July or August), what TripAdvisor ranked as the No. 1 beach in America for two consecutive years. (727-582-2267, www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm)

• Other county and city parks also offer guided wildlife tours for little or no cost. Learn about coastal wildlife and Native American heritage at Weedon Island or go on a monthly bird hike (727-453-6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org). See wetland wildlife at Brooker Creek Preserve (727-464-3347, www.pinellascounty.org/Events/Events_newsrel.htm#guidedhikes) and amphibians and reptiles at the 245-acre Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg (727-453-6800, www.stpete.org/boyd). Tours cost $3 for adults and $1.50 for children (three to 15). Children under three are free.

• Get closer to the rhinos at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Endangered Species Tour or feed and care for giraffes and antelopes on a Keeper for a Day Tour (888-800-5447, www.buschgardens.com).

• Experience the wild side of summer with more than 100 camps for kids at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Teen and adult programs are offered as well. (813-935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com)