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A Bit Late, Lowry Zoo Opens Gator Falls Ride, Exhibit

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Austin White, 3, of Valrico, gets wet as riders splash down on Gator Falls, a new water flume ride at Lowry Park Zoo.

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 26, 2008

TAMPA - After a nearly two-week delay, Gator Falls, Lowry Park Zoo's newest ride and exhibit, has opened.

The $1.5 million water flume, set amid fauna, most of it native, features six log-shaped cars seating up to four riders each. The 90-second ride rises to about 30 feet above the park's Florida section and drops, with riders getting splashed with water.

The ride also takes visitors over the zoo's newest exhibit, two albino alligators. The ride and the exhibit replace the bison that previously roamed the area.

The opening was delayed at first by two minor defective parts, David Zimmerman, the zoo's vice president and chief operating officer, said Thursday in an interview that was part of a media day.

The parts were replaced, but timing issues relating to the water speed and distance between cars plagued the staff, Zimmerman said, adding that afternoon thundershowers also delayed resolution of the problems.

Zimmerman said the addition of the ride is "is almost entirely due to exit surveys and focus groups."

He said play areas with water, such as the manatee fountain, are well-liked by visitors.

"We know how popular 'wet' is here," he said.

The alligators are a 5 to 6 year old male weighing 70 to 80 pounds and a 3 to 4 year old female weighing 50 to 60 pounds. They lack melanin, or pigment, making them white with cloudy eyes that appear pink. They cannot tolerate sun, and the zoo has canopies in their exhibit area.

John Than, assistant curator for herpetology and aquatics, said the tricky part is keeping them warm but out of the sun.

Gator Falls requires four tokens (at $1 each) during regular zoo hours. It and other rides are free with admission during some special events, such as Summer Safari Nights, which will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays during the summer.

Tribune correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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