Tampa, Florida is home to 2 exciting locations where you can, in fact, encounter lions, tigers and bears.

The first is Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. It’s the #1 family-friendly zoo in the USA. For the young and the young at heart, the zoo offers enjoyment for everyone! Visit more than 2000 animals in lush, natural habitats. The zoo is divided into 7 main exhibit areas:

1. Free-flight aviaries where more than 80 bird species make the aviaries their home.
2. Primate World - Swing into primate world where monkey business is a daily occurrence.
3. The Florida Boardwalk - From land, sea and sky, you'll be amazed at all the wonderful creatures that make Florida home.
4. Wallaroo Station a family-oriented Australian animals section featuring a huge water-play park, pony and mechanical rides.
5. Florida Manatee & Aquatic Center - With compelling views from both above and below the water see up close Florida's beloved manatee. You also have the ability to see into the hospital area and talk with keepers about what they are doing to help protect and save these gentle creatures.
6. Safari Africa - It's a jungle in here! The ultimate African experience in Tampa Bay. See some of the finest natural wildlife at close hand--elephants, zebras, warthogs, White rhinos, cheetahs, pygmy hippos, okapi, and more.
7. Asian Gardens - Clouded leopards and tigers and bears, oh my!

Big Cat Rescue is home to over 150 large, exotic cats. Most of whom have backrounds of abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Big Cat Rescue offers guided tours on Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m. for adults and children 10 and over. These are walking tours and take about an hour and a half and the cost is $20.00 per person. On Saturday they offer tours at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. for adults and children 10 and over. You can sign up for a Two for One Pass by visiting there official web site. They also now offer feeding tours, night tours and keeper for a day tours.

The Big Cat Keeper Tour is the most exclusive behind the scenes experience you can find in the animal world that is respectful to the animals and safe for the guests. If you are an animal lover and want to see the inner workings of a real animal sanctuary, then this is the experience you have been searching for.

Find out about more fun summer Tampa Bay activities at www.tampabay360.com