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Busch Gardens Florida
support spaces like this is important to all of us at Busch Gardens.” While the overall focus was on creating an
enriching and supportive environment for the lions and hyenas, Schaffer said the team was intentional when it came to the guest experience. Expansive glass panels, overhead bridges, cave viewing areas and shaded pathways offer a 270-degree view around the habitat, providing multiple opportunities for up-close personal moments. Shaded seating encourages guests to linger, observe the animals and talk with members of the animal care team about the two species. From there, guests can continue along the path
to the nearby meerkat colony and take in views of the park’s free-roaming animals including giraffes, ostriches and zebras on the 65-acre
Serengeti Plain. The result is a seamless journey that connects guests with African wildlife. Lion & Hyena Ridge is the latest example of
how Busch Gardens’ parent company, United Parks & Resorts, continues to invest in distinctive animal experiences across its parks. “Last year, Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish
Experience opened at SeaWorld San Diego,” Schaffer said. “It is the largest standalone jellyfish exhibit in the country. This year, our focus has been on creating this new habitat for Busch Gardens Tampa. Both projects demonstrate how our company continues to invest in habitats and experiences that are enriching for the animals in our care while providing engaging educational and emotional experiences for our guests.” Schaffer also pointed to the Wild Oasis area,
which opened at Busch Gardens in 2025, as an example of the park’s commitment to keeping opportunities to engage with animals at the forefront. Along with a pair of capybaras, Wild Oasis seamlessly connects a children’s play area and family drop-tower ride with habitats for giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds. While Lion & Hyena Ridge represents Busch
Gardens’ latest major capital expansion, Schaffer said the park takes a holistic approach to the overall visitor experience. “We are investing a great deal within the entire park,” he said. “We listen to our guests and do react and correct. All improvements matter. We are taking a critical eye to everything including benches, bathrooms, garbage cans, signage and the retheming of areas, such as our Coaster Coffee Company location. We are doing a lot throughout the park to enhance the overall guest experience.” The broader approach, he said, reflect Busch
DARK RIDE EDITION 2026 43
Gardens’ tradition and reputation for providing a mix of animal encounters, family attractions and thrill rides. “We’ve got incredible animal habitats throughout the park,” he continued. “We will keep reinvesting and enhancing them. If we need to take out or even bulldoze an area so that we can recreate something new and more modern for the animals, we will do that. If we have the ability to add additional habitats somewhere, we will do that, too.” “Busch Gardens Tampa has always been
known for providing a unique a mix of experiences for our guests,” Schaffer concluded. “Lion & Hyena Ridge is the newest experience, and we are not slowing down. Amazing things lie ahead for this park.” Now that’s something to roar about.
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