Jax, I like Busch Gardens better BUT it does not have animal species from around the world like Lowry Park does (it focuses almost entirely on Africa). I recommend Lowry Park for your October trip over Busch, mostly because there is major construction going on at Busch for a huge new rollercoaster...it is being built through or near several animal habitats and I suspect it may ruin those areas, now and forever after! Either way, wait for its completion.
I dont think cheetah hunt will ruin any areas at all. They will be building brand new animal exhibits along with the attraction. Mostly for Cheetah obviously. The coaster is an intamin launch coaster so built for speed. However Magnets will be used to power the trains along the track so no loud machinery will be heard. It will also be set at a distance between animal exhibits.