Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues the momentum of its $200 million planned five-year investment in new attractions, guest experiences and park enhancements with the opening of Lion & Hyena Ridge on July 25, one of the world’s most immersive animal habitats and the newest addition to the park’s award-winning zoological collection.
The debut marks another milestone in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s ongoing transformation, including new rides and attractions, enhanced animal experiences, expanded dining and retail offerings, improved guest amenities and infrastructure enhancements. It also represents just one part of the enhancements that will continue with additional attractions, immersive experiences and park-wide improvements still to come.
“Opening Lion & Hyena Ridge marks an exciting new chapter for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as part of our $200 million enhancement plan and delivers an extraordinary new reason to visit this summer and beyond,” said Jon Vigue, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “This immersive experience brings guests closer than ever to these incredible animals while showcasing our continued commitment to exceptional animal care and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
The one-of-a-kind animal habitat spans nearly 35,000 square feet and will be home to America’s largest coalition of lions in an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility. Guests will be transported to the heart of Africa with immersive viewing areas and naturalistic environments, inspiring conservation and curiosity for all ages. Featuring rotational spaces and multiple enrichment zones, Lion & Hyena Ridge is designed to support the physical, social, and mental well-being of two of Africa’s most iconic species: five young male lions and a pair of spirited hyenas.
Adventure Awaits at Lion & Hyena Ridge
• 270-Degree Views – Guests can get closer than ever before through expansive glass viewing areas and shaded pathways offering awe-inspiring, 270-degree perspectives of the new habitat.
• Innovative Habitat Design – An authentic environment featuring rocky kopje formations, cascading water elements, and diverse spaces that allow the animals to climb, explore, and engage in natural behaviors.
• America’s Largest Lion Coalition in an AZA-Accredited Facility – Guests will meet brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman, all born in 2024, along with hyenas Cazi and Dazi.
• Africa’s Most Fierce Rivalry – Guests can witness Africa’s top predators firsthand and understand how the formation of teams in the wild helps them compete for survival. Through learning about these natural behaviors, guests can decide if they are Team Lion or Team Hyena.
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