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Zoo Ride's Debut Has 2nd Delay

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 15, 2008

TAMPA - The opening of the new Gator Falls water flume ride at Lowry Park Zoo was delayed Saturday for the second time.
Technical difficulties are being blamed.

"The manufacturer is currently working to try to diagnose the issues," a statement said. "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."

A spokeswoman did not return calls seeking more detail about the technical difficulties.

On Friday, zoo officials blamed another delay on inclement weather.

The exhibit was supposed to open for hundreds of VIP guests Friday night at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave.

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 were coming in Saturday as well, Rothman said Friday.

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

The VIP event was rescheduled for Friday.

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