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Cheetah Hunt has a 48-inch (4ft or 1.2m) height requirement, which is four inches (0.1m) less than the park’s other major coasters SheiKra and Montu, and so allows families to enjoy the experience together. "Unlike the intense drop of SheiKra or the record- breaking loops of Montu," Dean explains, "Cheetah Hunt was not designed to test the limits of 'extreme' thrills. Instead, it was created to be smooth, graceful, low-to-the-ground coaster experience that interacted with the existing landscape and architecture and surprised riders with its multiple bursts of acceleration. The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it the best ride they’ve been on in a long time." Dean, of course, had ridden Cheetah Hunt repeatedly. "I was one of the first to ride Cheetah Hunt, along with our park’s engineering and operations teams. My two favourite elements are the second launch up into Windcatcher Tower and speeding up river through the canyon. But the best part of Cheetah Hunt is the overall experience; it truly is greater than the sum of its already-excellent parts." Home to 14 of the agile cats, the accompanying Cheetah Run animal habitat is reminiscent of the ruins of an ancient temple and features more than 11,000 sq ft of grassland, natural rock formations, shaded alcoves, a waterfall and a 220ft path for the cheetahs to run along. Several times each day, Busch Gardens’ animal care experts conduct sprints with the cheetahs, using a motorised lure system to stimulate the cats’ natural instinct to chase. Glass-panels allow Busch Gardens guests to get close to these highly endangered animals in total safety.


Interactive Encounters


Video panels and interactive touchscreens educate visitors of the plight of cheetahs in the wild and why their numbers have dwindled to between 10,000 and 12,500 worldwide. Guests will also learn about Busch Gardens’ partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund in South Africa. "The Cheetah Hunt ride and the Cheetah Run animal habitat," notes Dean, "along with the plaza area and addition of the outdoor seating at Crown


JULY 2011


Colony, come together to provide a destination within the park for riders and non-riders alike. Looking ahead to the Summer Nights and Howl-O-Scream events, we anticipate Cheetah Hunt plaza becoming one of the 'party centres' of the park." Creating such a unique ride requires several important considerations, concludes Dean: “Cheetah Hunt will be world recognised not only for the 'one- of-a-kind' ride experience but also for the iconic tower and the simulation of the Cheetah that it represents."


The new addition to the park further cements Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s reputation as a leader in both thrill rides and zoology. The Florida venue is home to more than 2,500 exotic and endangered animals, and offers adventure-seekers eight world-class rollercoasters, as well as many other thrill rides, live shows and a full calendar of special events.


www.buchgardens.com/bgt Cheetah Fun


Cheetah Hunt races across the Serengeti-themed landscape as it thrills guests at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Here are some of the stats associated with this multi- million dollar thrill ride.


•Launches •Other elements


Launch 1: 30 mph (48 km/h) Launch 2: 60 mph (97 km/h) Launch 3: 45 mph (72 km/h)


130ft (40m) drop into an underground trench Over-banked turns Floating parabolas Heartline roll inversions


•Track length


•Maximum speed •Maximum force •Maximum height


4,429ft (1.350m) 60 mph (97km/h) 4G


102ft (31m)


•Minimum rider height 48 inches (1.2m) •Active ride Time •Trains


90 seconds •Hourly capacity


5, 16 passengers per train 1,370


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