Central Florida Zoo’s miniature train was back on its tracks Thursday after a long wait

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The popular Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden attraction made its maiden voyage in Sanford to excited visitors Thursday morning.

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The sound of whistles tooting brought joy to many visitors that have been waiting several years for the shiny new miniature train called the Champion to return.

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It’s been four years since the train pulled out of its station. It was back in December 2019, the train shut down after a derailment caused injury to four people. At the time the zoo was fined and has been working with state inspectors to reopen the ride.

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“Every time we come to the zoo, we ended the day with a ride on the zoo train. so yeah, those memories are still there. so, it’s so exciting to see it now has new life.” said a zoo guest.

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It’s not just the nostalgia to have the train back at the Central Florida Zoo, but an important economic component as well. For only five dollars a ride, helps feed a lot of animals.

The train is just one piece of the puzzle as they plan for the future. Next month they will announce new projects on a track that will map out what the zoo will look like over the next 20 years, Glover said.

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