Zoo refreshes brand, opens new attraction for summer

TAMPA — ZooTampa at Lowry Park, formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo, debuted its family water adventure ride, Roaring Springs, June 9.

The unveiling of the new attraction follows the zoo’s recent name change and logo overhaul, which were designed to give the longtime Tampa institution a more contemporary identity.

Roaring Springs, according to a press release, delivers unexpected adventure and thrills to zoo-goers. Riders board a boat and gently drift along a crystal-clear spring surrounded by native landscape and wildlife before taking a sudden turn when the elevation drops, leading to a three-story plummet and splashdown.

ZooTampa, in the release, says the Roaring Springs attraction will give customers a good look at native Florida wildlife — as well as cool relief from the summer heat. It also represents the zoo’s first major expansion in 10 years.

“Part of our mission is to create exceptional, personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways,” states ZooTampa CEO Joe Couceiro in the release. “Roaring Springs will provide thrills for guests while the continued transformation of the Florida Region improves the zoo’s capacity to rescue threatened native wildlife throughout the state. With these enhancements, the evolution of the zoo continues and gives our guests reasons to keep coming back.”