Visit Us

Step into a world of wonder

Step into a world of wonder at our exhibits, where you can learn about the diverse wildlife of Tampa Bay and the incredible work being done by local rescues. Explore our interactive displays and enjoy up-close encounters with our animal ambassadors, many of whom are pet surrenders that have found a safe haven with us. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by at the Tampa Bay Rescues Discovery Center.

Our Exhibits

Ancient Giants

Encounter Alligators, Crocodiles, and Caiman

Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring presence of alligators, crocodiles, and caimans at our Discovery Center. Step into the indoor exhibit and get up close to these ancient reptiles, where you can witness their formidable jaws and sleek bodies in action. Discover the incredible adaptations that allow the American alligator to thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and learn how the distinct behaviors of crocodiles and caimans make them unique among reptiles. This thrilling encounter promises to be an unforgettable experience, perfect for reptile enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the vital roles these apex predators play in their ecosystems!

Whiskers and Wonders

Dive into the World of Small Exotic Mammals

Dive into the enchanting world of small exotic mammals, where you’ll meet an adorable collection of furry friends, including African door mice, playful bunnies, and charming pocket pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. Each animal has a heartwarming story, having been given a second chance at life as pet surrenders or wildlife that could not be returned to the wild. Experience the joy of interacting with these affectionate creatures and learn about their care, habitats, and the unique personalities that make them so endearing. This exhibit is perfect for everyone—from seasoned exotic pet owners to families looking to discover the wonders of small mammals.

Primate Paradise

Meet Our Black & White and Red Ruffed Lemurs

Step into the heartwarming Lemur Sanctuary, where our captivating Black & White and Red Ruffed Lemurs await your visit. Unable to be released into the wild due to COVID-19 restrictions, these magnificent primates have found a loving home with us. Witness their playful antics as they leap and swing in their indoor habitat, showcasing their social structures and unique behaviors. Learn about their diet, which includes fruits, leaves, and flowers, and the vital conservation efforts being made to protect these endangered species. This exhibit offers a meaningful connection that celebrates compassion and the importance of wildlife conservation—an experience that will leave you inspired!

Serpent Secrets

Journey Through the Kingdom of Snakes

Slither into the fascinating world of snakes and explore a mesmerizing array of serpents, featuring vibrant corn snakes, majestic ball pythons, and elusive green tree pythons. Discover the incredible adaptations that help them thrive, such as the corn snake’s camouflage and the ball python’s unique defensive coiling. Learn about the vital role these snakes play in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. Whether you’re a reptile lover or simply curious about these legless wonders, this snake exhibit offers a thrilling adventure filled with captivating insights that will leave you in awe.

Desert Dwellers

Meet the Resilient Animals of the Sand

Embark on a captivating journey through the desert and encounter an incredible array of remarkable desert animals. Meet our gentle sulcata tortoises, known for their impressive size and long lifespan, and discover the secretive lives of monitors, sand fish, and bearded dragons. Learn how these resilient creatures have adapted to thrive in harsh environments, and don’t miss the chance to see how they interact with their surroundings. This exhibit highlights the wonders of desert life and the challenges these animals face, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about reptiles or fascinated by the desert ecosystem.

The Feathered Gallery

A Symphony of Birds

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of birds as you enter our bird room, where you’ll be greeted by an array of feathered beauties. Marvel at the brilliant plumage of macaws, the affectionate nature of African lovebirds, and the playful personalities of green cheek conures. Experience the joy of watching our majestic Amazon blue front parrots, which can live for over 50 years! This interactive exhibit allows you to connect with these intelligent and colorful avian companions while learning about their care and conservation. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply looking to add a new feathered friend to your family, this exhibit promises a delightful experience that’s sure to inspire.

Lizards Unleashed

Adventures from Every Corner of the Globe

Delve into the captivating world of lizards and explore a diverse collection representing species from various regions around the globe. Meet our stunning Chinese water dragon, known for its vibrant coloration and aquatic habits, and marvel at the unique adaptations of the basilisk, renowned for its ability to run across water. Discover the fascinating behaviors of iguanas and the charming leopard geckos, each with their distinct personalities and care needs.

You’ll also encounter the Cuban and Bahamian anoles, showcasing their adaptability to different environments, as well as the colorful bearded anole and the mesmerizing chameleons, famous for their color-changing abilities. Don’t miss the endearing blue tongue skinks, with their signature blue tongues as a defense mechanism, and the hardy euro mastic, known for its gentle demeanor and unique feeding habits.

Get up close with the tokay gecko, recognized for its striking appearance and vocalizations, as well as the frilled dragon, which displays a remarkable frill around its neck as a defense mechanism. This exhibit not only highlights the incredible diversity of lizard species but also offers insights into their unique habitats and behaviors. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this lizard exhibit promises to be a captivating experience for all.

Slow and Steady

A Fascinating Journey with Turtles

Dive into the captivating world of turtles and tortoises, where you can meet a colorful assortment of these remarkable reptiles. From the charming pink belly African sidenecks to the elusive musk turtles, each species showcases unique characteristics. Marvel at the pink belly’s distinctive shell and discover the musk turtle’s ability to produce a musky odor as a defense mechanism.

Explore our delightful collection of tortoises, featuring the vibrant red-footed tortoise, the hardy Russian tortoise, the intriguing hinge-back tortoise, and the elongated tortoise, each with its own fascinating adaptations and behaviors.

This exhibit emphasizes the importance of turtle and tortoise conservation, as many species face threats from habitat loss and pollution. With interactive displays and educational information, visitors will have an engaging opportunity to connect with these incredible creatures while highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action to protect their environments.

Axolotls

The Magical Water Creatures

Don’t miss our enchanting axolotls, known for their charming appearance and remarkable regeneration abilities! These unique aquatic creatures, often referred to as “Mexican walking fish,” are actually amphibians. They can regrow lost limbs and even parts of their hearts and brains! Observe their captivating gills and playful personalities as they swim gracefully in their aquatic habitat. Learn about their natural environment and the conservation efforts in place to protect them, as they are critically endangered in the wild. This exhibit is sure to fascinate visitors of all ages with its blend of science and wonder.

Fennec Fox Visits

Keep an eye out for our special guests—the playful fennec foxes! Due to their sensitive nature, these adorable creatures make occasional visits to our center. Known for their large ears and playful demeanor, fennec foxes are fascinating animals that thrive in desert environments. Learn about their unique adaptations, including their ability to listen for prey underground, and enjoy the opportunity to observe these enchanting animals up close when they visit. This experience adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit and showcases the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife.

Coming Soon - Help Us Complete It!

Native Plant Garden

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming addition of our Native Plant Garden, designed to encourage natural pollinators and provide a sustainable food source for our animals! This vibrant garden will feature a variety of native plants that thrive in our local ecosystem and attract essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

To make this vision a reality, we need your help! We invite our community to join us in completing this vital project. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, donating native plants, or spreading the word, every bit of assistance will bring us closer to creating a flourishing habitat that supports biodiversity and enhances the well-being of our resident animals.

Together, we can celebrate nature’s beauty and the crucial role of pollinators in our environment. Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved as we work to unveil this exciting new feature that underscores our commitment to conservation and sustainability!

there's always something new to experience

Join us for exciting events and programs designed to engage, educate, and inspire visitors of all ages. Learn about the stories behind the exotic animals that have come to us as pet surrenders and the importance of responsible pet ownership. From guided tours and workshops to special presentations and family-friendly activities, there’s always something new to experience at the Tampa Bay Rescues Discovery Center. Check out our calendar and be a part of our mission to promote wildlife conservation and rescue efforts in our community.