While Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is famed for its array of award-winning roller coasters, it also boasts one of the world’s largest zoological collections, home to over 200 species and more than 60,000 animals. The park offers a diverse range of opportunities for visitors to learn about these fascinating creatures through observation, guided tours, and interactive feeding sessions. This unique blend of rides and wildlife makes it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Animals
Serengeti Plain
The 65-acre Serengeti Plain offers a stunning display of wildlife, accessible through various viewing experiences. Visitors can observe the diverse range of animals from the Edge of Africa viewing points, embark on the detailed Serengeti Safari Tour, or enjoy a leisurely journey on the Serengeti Express train. This relaxing train journey offers excellent views of the free-roaming animals, with stops in Nairobi and Stanleyville.
Whichever way guests choose to explore, they will discover herds of rhinos, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, sable, kudus, bongos, nyalas, and ostriches. Bustling with wildlife, the Serengeti Plain is an essential destination for any animal lover.
Egypt
While it is hard to miss the Cheetah Hunt coaster tracks weaving through Busch Gardens, the ride’s namesake, the cheetahs, reside close by in their own habitat, Cheetah Run. Here, guests can watch these felines as they lounge, sprint, and play.
Nairobi
Nairobi showcases a diverse range of animals, from majestic elephants to playful penguins and from leisurely sloths to the ancient Aldabra Tortoises. Not to be missed is the Myombe Reserve, a habitat where you can observe gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural behaviors while engaging with their surroundings. This area offers a unique glimpse into the lives of both massive and minute creatures.
Edge of Africa
Explore the Edge of Africa, where you can come face-to-face with the kings of the jungle and the rulers of the river. This immersive habitat is teeming with life, featuring majestic lions, enormous hippos, cunning hyenas, playful lemurs, and formidable crocodiles. Each step through this area promises exciting encounters and unforgettable experiences with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Morocco
Situated near the entrance of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the alligator exhibit welcomes visitors, providing just a glimpse of the many animal adventures that await within the park.
Bird Gardens
Don’t let the name fool you – Bird Gardens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a vibrant tapestry of both airborne and terrestrial creatures. This area hosts a variety of birds, including the kookaburra.
It’s also home to Kangaloom, where guests can meet and mingle with kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos. Here, you have the unique opportunity to purchase special treats and feed these friendly marsupials as you wander the trails. Due to the interactive nature of this habitat, guests must be at least five years old to participate.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Just a stone’s throw from the world of Sesame Street, guests at Lori Landing can experience the joy of hand-feeding flocks of lorikeets. Immerse yourself in this enchanting experience as these colorful birds swoop down to sip sweet nectar right from your hands.
Jungala
Explore the thrilling world of Busch Gardens Jungala, where you can witness the majestic sight of tigers paddling through water, orangutans effortlessly swinging from vine to vine, and gibbons gracefully gliding through the air.
Congo
Venture into the Congo section of Busch Gardens and come face-to-face with the mightiest lizards on the planet – the Komodo Dragon. These creatures, known for their impressive size and power, offer a glimpse into the world of reptiles.
Pantopia
Be sure to check the daily schedule to catch Animal Tales at the Pantopia Theater – an enlightening presentation that delves into the critical role of conservation. This educational experience provides valuable insights into the lives of animals and emphasizes the vital role we all play in protecting their futures.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Animal Tours & Encounters
Serengeti Safari
Join an expert Education guide for a 30-minute trek across Busch Gardens’ 65-acre Serengeti Plain in an open-air vehicle, where you’ll get an up-close look at African wildlife. On this journey, you might spot zebras, ostriches, rhinos, and antelopes, and you’ll even have the chance to hand-feed a giraffe. Serengeti Safari tour prices start at $39.99.
Australia Insider Tour
Embark on a 30-minute walking tour with an Animal Care Specialist for an insider look at how Busch Gardens cares for Australian marsupials. This unique experience may include a chance to feed the resident kangaroo or wallabies right in their habitat. The Australian Insider Tour is priced starting at $39.99 and guests must be ages five and up to participate.
Animal Ambassador Insider
Join Animal Care Experts for an interactive training session where you can witness unique Animal Ambassadors showcase their wild behaviors and adaptations. The Animal Ambassador Insider tour starts at just $19.99. Guests must be older than three years old to participate in this engaging and educational tour.
Sloth Encounter
Experience a 30-minute behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths guided by an Animal Care Specialist. Learn about and interact with these famously slow-moving creatures. This unique opportunity is available to guests aged eight and older, with prices starting at $69.99.
Gorilla Insider Tour
Get an inside look at the Myombe Reserve, home to Busch Gardens’ resident troop of gorillas. During this 30-minute experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a private training session. Prices start at $29.99, and guests must be at least eight years old to embark on this tour.
Hippo Insider Tour
Learn more about one of the largest animals in the park on this 30-minute tour, which includes an up-close look at their daily care routines and a hippo feeding session. The tour is priced at $29.99 and is designed for guests aged eight and older.
Aldabra Tortoise Insider Tour
Join an expert education guide for a 20-minute walking tour that offers an insider’s view of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s resident giant tortoises. This experience is open to guests aged three and older, with prices starting at just $19.99.
Penguin Insider Tour
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to African penguins, a warm-weather species of penguin. In this 30-minute experience, guests will have the opportunity to meet a penguin up close and learn about conservation efforts to protect these animals in their natural habitats. This tour is available to guests aged five and older, with prices starting at $29.99.
Elephant Insider Tour
Embark on an off-road expedition for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s largest land animals. Meet the keepers, observe the training, and learn about the care routines of these incredible creatures. This tour is open to guests aged 10 and older, with prices starting at $29.99.
Cheetah Insider Tour
Dive into the care of the world’s fastest land animal with this 30-minute behind-the-scenes walking tour. Gain insight into the meticulous attention and expert care these remarkable creatures receive. The tour starts at $39.99 and offers a closer look into cheetah care.
Orangutan Insider Tour
Swing into the world of orangutans with this engaging 30-minute experience at Orangutan Outpost. The session includes a fascinating look at their training routines. Prices for this experience start at $29.99.
Tiger Insider Tour
Join expert animal care specialists for a 30-minute insight into the daily care and training of the tigers at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Tiger Insider Tour is priced starting at $29.99, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of these majestic animals.
Keeper for a Day Tours
Experience the ultimate adventure for animal lovers with this four-hour behind-the-scenes walking tour at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, running from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM. Engage in conversations with animal care specialists, get up-close with the park’s resident animals, and even receive a personalized name tag. Choose from four distinct paths:
Ambassador Tour: Immerse yourself in the world of flamingos, sloths, tortoises, and more. Assist in feeding and caring for these amazing creatures.
Elephant Tour: Go behind the scenes to see how the Busch Gardens animal care team daily feeds, trains, and manages the majestic Asian elephants.
Penguin and Reptile Tour: Meet fan favorites such as African Penguins and giant Aldabra Tortoises while learning about their care from expert specialists.
Giraffe and Rhino Tour: Traverse the 65-acre Serengeti Plain and work alongside animal care specialists to understand what it takes to care for giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more.
This tour is available to participants aged 13 and above. Each “Keeper for a Day” tour starts at $249.99 per guest, with a maximum capacity of three guests per tour.
Animal Care Center Tour
The Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a vital facility that supports the health and well-being of 200 animal species through nutrition, veterinary treatment, and diagnostics. This tour offers guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the treatment rooms and clinical labs, providing insight into the extensive conservation efforts supported by the hospital. Embark on this tour for just $19.99.
Catch incredible entertainment, thrilling attractions, and extraordinary animals when you visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Discounted admission is available here through your pals at Orlando Informer!