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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils ‘Lion & Hyena Ridge,’ One of the World’s Most Immersive Habitats
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to unleash its most ambitious new animal habitat in over a decade! The park is roaring into 2026 with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary addition to its award-winning animal care portfolio that invites guests to explore the heart of the African savanna like never before.
Opening in Spring 2026, this reimagined area of the park expands the existing space to more than double its previous size, creating nearly 35,000 square feet of dynamic savanna terrain. This vast, naturalistic ecosystem will be home to two of Africa’s most iconic species: a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas.
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A New Era for Immersive Animal Experiences
The new habitat has been meticulously designed by experts to meet the highest standards of animal care, wellness, and enrichment while offering guests an unparalleled connection to the wild:
- Innovative Habitat Design: The naturalistic environment features stunning rocky kopje formations, cascading water elements, and diverse spaces that allow the animals to choose and explore their surroundings throughout the day, encouraging natural behaviors.
- Immersive Viewing: Guests will step directly into the savanna experience through expansive glass viewing areas and shaded pathways offering awe-inspiring, 270-degree perspectives of the new habitat.
- Roaring Animal Stories: Guests will connect with the lion brothers—Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman (born in 2024)—and hyenas Cazi and Dazi, in an immersive new setting that features engaging educational moments to inspire conservation and curiosity.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our newest habitat, the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge, opening in 2026,” said Brian Bacica, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “This space not only offers our guests a closer look at these incredible species, but also reinforces our commitment to conservation, education, and animal care at the highest standards.”
Related-Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town Returns for 2025
Even More Reasons to Visit in 2026
The Lion & Hyena Ridge is just one highlight of an action-packed year ahead at Busch Gardens. The park’s event calendar is set to be bigger than ever, featuring:
- ALL-NEW Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends – Fun-filled themed activities for the family.
- ALL-NEW Food, Wine & Garden Festival – The park’s largest culinary celebration to date.
- ALL-NEW Glory in the Gardens (May) – A Christian music and spring garden festival.
- ALL-NEW Military Appreciation Month (May) – Exclusive events honoring service members.
- ALL-NEW Wild Oasis Kids’ Weekend (November) – Themed food, activities, and family fun.
Be Among the First: Secure Your 2026 Annual Pass
Guests can be among the very first to experience the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge by becoming a Busch Gardens Annual Pass Member. The 2026 Annual Pass includes unbeatable benefits, unlimited visits, and the opportunity to experience the new habitat before it opens to the public.
Annual passes for 2026 are on sale now, with the Black Friday Presale starting as low as $13.50 per month with no down payment. Membership includes access to all the returning and new vibrant seasonal events and exclusive perks:
- Unlimited admission with no blackout dates
- Free parking (select tiers) and guest tickets
- Discounts on food, beverages, and retail
- New in 2026! Free Quick Queue (select tiers) and $10 in quarterly park credits
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