Central Florida Zoo debuts return of train attraction
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors young and old all aboard its newest attraction, a one-quarter scale model train called The Champion.
Joined by sponsors and dignitaries, CEO Richard Glover cut the ribbon on the miniature locomotive Thursday morning after more than three years without a train ride at the Sanford destination.
“It's a completely different experience than walking around the zoo. This is a chance for people to get immersed in Florida's natural habitat and be involved with nature,” Glover said. “Since I got here a year ago, I can't tell you how many people have asked me when we're bringing the train back.”
The new electric locomotive is modeled to look like an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad steamliner, the train that once provided daily service from New York to Miami starting in 1939. Visitors can embark on eight-minute rides approximately every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
The zoo has not had such an experience since late 2019 when the zoo's train stopped suddenly, causing the caboose to tip over and resulting in minor injuries.
The project of building a new train and revamping the attraction began in 2021 but was met with setbacks, especially Hurricane Ian.
“The ground was very soft with standing water on top. The tracks warped, so we had to get it back level and aligned perfectly,” Glover said. “We spent several months revamping the tracks and crossing guards, then going through the inspection process, which takes about two or three months.”
Wharton-Smith, Inc. helped with the construction and repair work, including making sure the crossing guards work properly.
“I can't tell you how many times I've been here working on this and a little one comes up asking, ‘Hey mister, when's the train coming by?'” said Tim Smith, the company's president and CEO. “We knew it was coming, we just couldn't make it happen as quickly as we wanted to.”
Longtime zoo board member Al Sarabasa, president and CEO of D&A Building Services, Inc., said he's witnessed the institution's growth over the last decade and a half.
“What we have here is a jewel for the community and for children. We need for people to understand what we have here,” he said. “I'm very proud to sponsor this train, something that my grandkids will be able to enjoy.”