“Lion & Hyena Ridge”: New Animal Habitat Announced for Busch Gardens Tampa
© United Parks & Resorts
(eap) The US animal and leisure park Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has announced a new animal enclosure for 2026. With “Lion & Hyena Ridge,” the park in Tampa, Florida is implementing its largest project of this kind in over ten years. The area, which will be the new home for lions and hyenas, will be more than twice the size of the previous enclosure and cover an area of around 3,250 square meters (35,000 square feet). The plan is to create a natural savanna landscape that will provide the animals with a species-appropriate environment featuring rock formations, watercourses, and varied retreat areas. Five young male lions and two hyenas will move into the new area. Generous glass fronts and shaded paths will give visitors a 270-degree view of the new animal enclosure.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our newest habitat, the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge, opening in 2026”, said Park President Brian Bacica. He adds, “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.”
In addition to the new animal enclosure, the park also announced a series of new event formats and festivals for the coming year, including “Sesame Street® Kid’s Weekends”, the “Wine & Garden Festival”, the “Glory in the Gardens” event (May), “Military Appreciation Month” (May), and the “Wild Oasis Kids’ Weekend” (November). ■
