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Zoo is making changes

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

jpoltilove@tampatrib.com

Published: June 13, 2009

TAMPA - Department of Health officials have confirmed it was elevated levels of chlorine in Lowry Park Zoo's splash fountains that caused skin irritations for a group of elementary school-age children Thursday, a zoo spokeswoman said Friday.

The officials came to the zoo late Friday morning and approved the Billabong Fountains in the zoo's Australia-themed play area to reopen with changes to the chlorination process that the zoo is in the process of making, zoo spokeswoman Rachel Nelson said.

The area remained closed Friday.

The zoo planned to monitor the area Friday night and this morning before the zoo reopens, and it's possible the area will officially reopen today, Nelson said.

About 20 children visiting from a child care center and five from families visiting the zoo were exposed to the chlorinated water. None of the injuries Thursday was serious, zoo officials said. Some children were taken to a hospital, although none by ambulance.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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