Busch Gardens Tampa Busch Gardens Notes and News

I don't know the current on display number unfortunately, the last couple times I've been there I've only seen one tiger on display
 
PSO said:
I don't know the current on display number unfortunately, the last couple times I've been there I've only seen one tiger on display
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Likewise, and to be honest I could not tell if it was malayan or not...can you tell?
full
 
It's official:
Welcome, Bandar! | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Everyone say hello to Bandar! He's a 9-year-old endangered male Sumatran tiger who's joined our diverse collection of more than 200 animal species.... | By Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Facebook
Everyone say hello to Bandar!
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He's a 9-year-old endangered male Sumatran tiger who's joined our diverse collection of more than 200 animal species. Bandar was transferred from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, WA, and is our first Sumatran tiger! In his new habitat, he'll join Rukayah and Zahra, a Malayan and Bengal tiger, over in the Jungala realm of the park. Next time you're here, be sure to stop by and pay Bandar a welcoming visit!
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That also answers the question of how many tigers they have: 3. One each of Sumatran, Malayan, and generic.
 
tigris115 said:
So how true is it that Busch Gardens is silently phasing out elephants?
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I have not seen anything official. They did not have any luck reigniting their breeding program when Spike was there. They essentially have an all cow non-breeding herd now. It would not be surprising if they phased out of Asian elephants. They did spend some resources on the barn and holding space. Potential for shift to African wouldn't be surprising either.
 
A sign on site says they are remodeling the chimp enclosure to add more climbing structures. It will make it look less natural, but it will enhance the chimp's lives.
 
MidwestFan said:
I have not seen anything official. They did not have any luck reigniting their breeding program when Spike was there. They essentially have an all cow non-breeding herd now. It would not be surprising if they phased out of Asian elephants. They did spend some resources on the barn and holding space. Potential for shift to African wouldn't be surprising either.
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I think that it isn't one of the largest habitats, so a shift to holding bachelor bulls or elderly cows could be possible. I'm not sure if there is a demand for that in North America at this point, though.
 
This was mentioned by @Elena over in the NA Malayan Tiger thread, but a female Malayan tiger from Little Rock Zoo is going to join the male a Busch in a couple of months.

That will bring their tiger collection to the following:
Sumatran: 1.0
Malayan: 1.1
Generic: 0.1

It is interesting, I am a member of the Busch Gardens Passholder Facebook group and people post tiger pictures frequently, I have only seen recent pictures of the Sumatran and the generic being out on exhibit. I have only seen the Sumatran in my visits this year.
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
0.1 Gorilla Kishina sadly passed away today at age 51 according to the zoo’s instagram page.
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Not from Busch Gardens’ social media, but rather from a former keeper there. Sad about the lack of transparency they have.

RACHEL HALE on Instagram: "I shouldn’t be the first to announce this, but since Busch Gardens has been lacking transparency as of late, it pains me to wish this Queen a final goodbye. Kishina, you held down the house and were toughest gorilla to form a relationship with. I’ll never forget my first “happy grumble” from you, or talking in weird voices you loved. You didn’t let many into your circle, you taught people how to have standards, and I’ll forever be honored you chose to let me in your troop. Speaking of standards, as a zoological community, we only get better when we are open, honest, and transparent. Since I left my job just over a year ago, six great apes have passed and the zoo has tried to keep all but one quiet, even to former keepers who consider these animals family. When management sits on a press release for an animal that has passed, claiming they’ll only post it if someone slips the news, they undermine the community as a whole. They undermine those that want to mourn their tough and unexpected loss. They undermine those that want to post fond memories of an animal they considered family. But most importantly, they undermine the soul that served as an incredible ambassador for their species. Nest in peace, Queen Bean. We won’t let your name be forgotten."
 
Other 2023 News:

On May 5th, it was reported that the zoo transferred (1.2) African lions named Kembe, Shaba, and Shtuko to the Potawatomi Zoo in Indiana.

https://wsbt.com/news/local/pride-o...le-two-female-kembe-shaba-shtuko-animals-cats

On June 18th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) ring-tailed lemur named Fizz was born and is now on exhibit.

Welcome, baby lemur "Fizz"! | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | This Father's Day, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest baby lemur, Fizz! Born to Ginger (mom) and Spike (dad), Fizz currently weighs... | By Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Facebook

On October 6th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.2) spotted hyenas named Tamu and Taziki to the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona.

Predator Passage | Phoenix Zoo

On October 12th, it was mentioned that a (0.1) African lion named Iris passed away on September 20th.*

On November 2nd, the zoo announced that, during a press conference, they will be renovating the Kangaloom area in 2024 (Starts at 10:25).


*Information given by @Robyn Graham on the North American AZA/SSP African Lion Population thread.
 
Smaggledagle said:
On November 2nd, the zoo announced that, during a press conference, they will be renovating the Kangaloom area in 2024 (Starts at 10:25).
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Ha, I didn't even know it was called "Kangaloom" now. I am not sure that I am 100% behind changing the theme to make it a "lush , green environment", but whatever. I actually like the layout now. Hopefully they keep the waterfowl parts of the exhibit.
 
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