New ZooTampa attraction has an old-Florida feel

There are new additions at ZooTampa at Lowry Park with an old Florida feel.

Roaring Springs is about to open at the zoo and is a nod to old-school Florida. There is new food meant to impress all foodies, with fresh-squeezed orange juice, sun tea (which you can ask to make it into an “adult beverage”), conch fritters, and key lime parfait, and other mobile food so you can eat and walk around the zoo.

There will also be a new water ride for the family to experience together, built around a village. Expect to get soaked, which would be nice during the heat. The owners say the village will sell the new food items, as well as products made in Florida.

Visitors can also see Walter the panther, who is now visible in his new habitat. If you recall, he originally arrived at the zoo in April with an injury requiring half of his paw to be removed. Zoo keepers decided he would need to live out the rest of his days at ZooTampa since his partial-amputation would prevent him from properly hunting. 

The Roaring Springs section opens to the public on Saturday. Learn more about ZooTampa and how to visit by clicking over to the zoo website