Advertising firm goes wild with new contract

ST. PETERSBURG — ZooTampa at Lowry Park has selected Paradise Advertising & Marketing Inc., based in St. Petersburg, as its agency of record.

According to a press release, Paradise will lead the zoo’s brand strategy. It will also handle creative and integrated media services to brand and promote ticket sales, special events and annual pass memberships. The agency’s debut campaign for the zoo, dubbed Christmas in the Wild, included billboard, radio, digital and social advertising.

"What set Paradise apart was a combination of data-led insights paired with best-in-class creative thinking," ZooTampa President and CEO Joe Coucerio states in the release. "Paradise has a strong understanding of our industry, our mission and our region, and that will help us define and refine strategic marketing priorities to grow and maintain long-term success."

Formerly known as Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the release states, was the seventh new client secured by Paradise in 2019. 

“ZooTampa is a leader in education, rehabilitation and conservation, and we’re excited to promote all the incredible experiences a guest will have during a visit,” states Barbara Karasek, CEO and co-owner of Paradise, in the release. “Our companies and people are positive stewards for our planet. To have such shared values with a world-class institution right in our backyard is a dream come true.”

Paradise reported revenue of $9.75 million in 2018, up from $9.05 million in 2017.