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Gator Falls Opening Delayed Yet Again

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By HOWARD ALTMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

The much-ballyhooed opening of the new Gator Falls ride at the Lowry Park Zoo – scheduled for today - is being delayed.

Technical difficulties are being blamed.

"The manufacturer is currently working to try to diagnose the issues," a zoo media release states "The White Gator exhibit, located within the Gator Falls area will not be visible until the ride opens. While the Zoo regrets the opening delay, our priority has always been to make sure that our rides are safe and fully operational for guests. A new anticipated opening date will be announced as soon as advised by the manufacturer."

Yesterday, however, zoo officials blamed the delay on inclement weather.

The exhibit was supposed to open for hundreds of VIP guests Friday night at Lowry Park Zoo, but with rain in the forecast, the zoo canceled the event.

"We are canceling because of the small hurricane that is forming above the zoo right now," joked Trisha Rothman, director of marketing for the zoo.

"Our new Gator Falls comes with raging waters, a treacherous 30-foot drop, and even some hungry albino alligators waiting for you at the end," the zoo's Web site states. "Get set to get WET!"

The ride has received temporary certification, but inspectors are coming out tomorrow as well, Rothman said yesterday.

She said that because the ride might need to be shut down during the inspection process, it wasn't expected to open until early this afternoon.

The VIP event was rescheduled for next Friday.

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