Daytripper

Kitty corner

Romeo and Rose, 4-month-old Siberian tiger cubs, are on loan to the Lowry Park zoo through the end of March. The brother and sister join more than 1,500 animals at the zoo, voted one of the nations' top three mid-sized zoos.

Romeo, who is white and black, and Rose, orange and black, romp and play for the entertainment of visitors.

The zoo's 41-acres of natural habitats are in five main exhibit areas: the manatee and aquatic center, the Florida wildlife center, the Asian domain, primate world and the 4.5-acre Australian-themed Wallaroo Station, where the new Tasmania Tower waterfall, rock-climbing wall is located. Kangaroos, wallabies and several breeds of goats are part of the exhibit.

Located on the banks of the Hillsborough River, the zoo now offers a boat ride called River Odyssey Ecotour, where wildlife enthusiasts may see osprey, turtles, hawks, herons and manatees in their natural environment. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children.

The zoo will celebrate spring with flowers, lights and nighttime visits during March. Spring Fling runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; visitors can see thousands of illuminated flower and animal-shaped light displays, animal shaped topiaries, a baby animal exhibit and munch on chocolate covered strawberries while they ride a horse drawn carriage through the park.

Visit lowryparkzoo.com for information.

Lowry Park Zoo

HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

COST: Adults $9.50, seniors 50 and over $8.50, children 3-11 $5.95, 2 and under free.