Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has officially opened Lion & Hyena Ridge, a 38,000-square-foot habitat that marks a key milestone in the park’s broader $200 million transformation. The attraction, which debuted on July 25, is designed to replicate the African wilderness and features America’s largest coalition of lions alongside a pair of hyenas.
The habitat is part of a five-year investment plan aimed at improving guest engagement and animal welfare. According to park president Jon Vigue, the experience “brings guests face to face with these incredible animals whilst showcasing our continued commitment to exceptional animal care.”
Design and guest experience
Lion & Hyena Ridge includes 270-degree glass viewing areas, interactive cave spaces, and overhead bridges that allow visitors to observe the animals up close. The design incorporates naturalistic rock formations and water features, giving the animals varied environments to explore. Importantly, lions and hyenas—natural rivals—do not share the same space simultaneously, which supports their wellbeing and creates a dynamic viewing experience for guests.
The attraction is a centerpiece of Busch Gardens’ broader enhancement plan, which also includes new rides, dining options, and upgraded guest amenities. Annual pass holders can take advantage of unlimited visits, making it an ideal time to see the young lions and hyenas as they grow.
For travel professionals, the development signals a continued trend among theme parks and destination attractions to invest heavily in immersive, animal-focused experiences. Similar investments have been seen at other SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment properties, including SeaWorld Orlando’s new orca habitat and Discovery Cove’s expansion.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a major draw for the Florida tourism market, competing with Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World for both leisure and MICE visitors. The park’s focus on animal welfare and conservation aligns with growing consumer demand for ethical tourism experiences, a trend noted by the Wellness Tourism Association in its recent global standards for retreats.
The $200 million investment also positions Busch Gardens to attract more international visitors, particularly from Latin America and Europe, where Florida remains a top destination. The park’s location near Tampa International Airport (TPA) and its proximity to cruise ports like Port Tampa Bay and Port Canaveral make it a convenient add-on for cruise passengers and business travelers alike.
For tour operators and travel agents, the new habitat offers a fresh selling point for family and adventure travel packages. The park’s annual pass program, which includes unlimited visits, provides recurring revenue opportunities for agents who bundle park access with hotel stays and flights.
As the travel industry continues to recover post-pandemic, investments like Busch Gardens’ Lion & Hyena Ridge demonstrate the importance of creating unique, memorable experiences that drive repeat visitation and positive word-of-mouth. The habitat’s focus on animal welfare and immersive design sets a new benchmark for themed attractions in the competitive Florida market.
