Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida has changed its name and revealed plans for an expansion and revitalisation of its campus.
Now known as Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, the 22.6-hectare animal sanctuary has also unveiled a new logo, website and water ride.
The Florida Boardwalk area will be renamed Florida Wilds and is to be expanded to enhance the zoo’s capacity to provide care, rescue and rehabilitation to threatened wildlife. Visitors to Florida Wilds will be able to see black bears, alligators, panthers, Key deer and other native species as they trek along the winding Florida Trail.
Florida Waters will also be upgraded, receiving a life support system in its manatee critical care centre, which will allow the zoo to treat the most severe cases.
The new water ride will be called Roaring Springs and replaces the former flume ride. Suitable for guests of all ages, they will board a boat and drift along a spring surrounded by native landscape and wildlife. The journey takes a turn when the elevation drops and riders experience a 3-story splashdown.
While riding Roaring Springs, visitors will be able to catch glimpses of all the animals found in the Florida Trail.
“Part of our mission is to create exceptional, personalised experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways,” said the zoo’s CEO, Joe Couceiro.
“Roaring Springs will provide a thrill for guests while the future expansion of the Florida region improves the zoo’s capacity to care for and protect Florida wildlife. With these enhancements, the evolution of the zoo continues and I am proud to lead the zoo into the future.”
Nearly one million people a year visit Zoo Tampa to see more than 1,300 animals. The expansion is the biggest at the zoo in 10 years.
Image: c. Zoo Tampy at Lowry Park.
