Busch Gardens Tampa Busch Gardens Notes and News

Piece of September 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On September 11th, it was announced that the theme park acquired a female (0.1) binturong from Brandywine Zoo in Delaware, which will be an ambassador animal.

Brandywine Zoo

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On October 14th, the theme park announced they acquired a female (0.1) spotted hyena named Cazimira/Cazi from Hattiesburg Zoo in Mississippi, which is now on exhibit.

Also on October 14th, the theme park announced they reacquired a male (1.0) Malayan tiger named Rukayah from Bronx Zoo in New York, which is now on exhibit.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
 
On October 28th, Busch confirmed a construction project in the Edge of Africa area that will take their Nile crocodile & hyenas off exhibit. There's little information on what the construction project is, or how long it will take, that I can find, but the crocodile & hyenas are expected to make a return.

However, a lioness, Rose, is also being taken off-exhibit as of today (October 28th) and is not expected to return to an exhibit for, it seems, medical reasons.
 
Rijin said:
On October 28th, Busch confirmed a construction project in the Edge of Africa area that will take their Nile crocodile & hyenas off exhibit. There's little information on what the construction project is, or how long it will take, that I can find, but the crocodile & hyenas are expected to make a return.

However, a lioness, Rose, is also being taken off-exhibit as of today (October 28th) and is not expected to return to an exhibit for, it seems, medical reasons.
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So, I guess we know the construction project now. Today on November 5th Busch announced Lion & Hyena Ridge, a new expansion to Edge of Africa that expands the entire area "by 150%."

Frankly, I'm really excited about this, it seems like BGT is finally realizing at the animal experiences are the really important part of the park- if only they'd realize that at SWO, too, but it's a start if nothing else.
 
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Rijin said:
So, I guess we know the construction project now. Today on November 5th Busch announced Lion & Hyena Ridge, a new expansion to Edge of Africa that expands the entire area "by 150%."

Frankly, I'm really excited about this, it seems like BGT is finally realizing at the animal experiences are the really important part of the park- if only they'd realize that at SWO, too, but it's a start if nothing else.
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You linked to ZooTampa's post about Komodo dragon hatchlings, not to Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
 
What all the construction in Edge of Africa is about!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram: "Prepare for a wild new adventure in 2026! ☀️ With the debut of Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge, this is the largest and most immersive animal habitat expansion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in over a decade. This awe-inspiring new experience expands the beloved Edge of Africa area by 150 percent and introduces all-new state-of-the-art habitats, enhanced guest experiences, and unforgettable up-close animal interactions. Spanning nearly 35,000 square feet, Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge features two expansive, multi-functional habitats that will be crafted to support the physical, social, and mental well-being of each animal. Can't wait to experience the fun? For a limited time you can save up to 60% on Tickets, Fun Cards & passes with our Black Friday Pre-sale! Visit the in our bio now to learn more."
 
PSO said:
And the Veldt continues to shrink......

Granted, they really needed to expand at least the holding for the carnivores. They had major behavioral problem when the exhibit was at full capacity, 10 animals.

It just stinks seeing my favorite part of the park go away over the decades
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Maybe it's just because I don't like Serengetti Flyer but seeing it cut into the veldt/old Rhino Rally area was upsetting. At least this is an animal area, though- I'd much rather sacrifice some of the veldt to better, newer animal exhibits than a copy-and-paste ride.
 
StoppableSan said:
What all the construction in Edge of Africa is about!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram: "Prepare for a wild new adventure in 2026! ☀️ With the debut of Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge, this is the largest and most immersive animal habitat expansion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in over a decade. This awe-inspiring new experience expands the beloved Edge of Africa area by 150 percent and introduces all-new state-of-the-art habitats, enhanced guest experiences, and unforgettable up-close animal interactions. Spanning nearly 35,000 square feet, Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge features two expansive, multi-functional habitats that will be crafted to support the physical, social, and mental well-being of each animal. Can't wait to experience the fun? For a limited time you can save up to 60% on Tickets, Fun Cards & passes with our Black Friday Pre-sale! Visit the in our bio now to learn more."
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To see that both the hyenas and lions are each getting this much new space, I’m super excited for what the future will hold in execution!

However, I do wonder if this new development will be replacing the original enclosures as well as a part of the neighboring veldt?
 
Austin the Sengi said:
To see that both the hyenas and lions are each getting this much new space, I’m super excited for what the future will hold in execution!

However, I do wonder if this new development will be replacing the original enclosures as well as a part of the neighboring veldt?
Click to expand...

Well as stated earlier in the thread, for at least the Nile crocodile exhibit, it will not be replaced.
 
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