The small 41-acre Lowry Park Zoo is ranked one of the top three zoos for its size by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

With 1,600 animals representing 272 species (including 31 threatened or endangered species), manatees are one of the Lowry Park Zoo's main attractions.

The Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center offers excellent underwater views of manatees in a natural habitat.

There's also a manatee critical care facility. Just like a hospital for humans, the manatee hospital provides x-ray and dark room, an operating room, and anesthesia for injured or ill manatees. Pepsi Cola and the city of Tampa fund the center.

Animals that regain their full health are released back into the wild.

Although the aquatic center is available for viewing as part of the general admission fee, behind-the-scenes tours of the hospital are usually conducted Wednesday through Sunday only.

Contact info: Located at 7530 North Boulevard in Tampa. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 813-935-8552 or website.

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