Busch Gardens Opens New Lion and Hyena Habitat as Part of Park Transformation

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened its new Lion & Hyena Ridge habitat on July 25 as part of a larger $200 million, five-year initiative to enhance the park. The 38,000-square-foot habitat is designed to immerse visitors in the lives of lions and spotted hyenas while prioritizing animal welfare.

The habitat features extensive glass viewing areas, allowing for up-close encounters with the animals. It includes naturalistic rock formations, water features, and climbing structures intended to stimulate the animals physically and mentally. Visitors can explore interactive spaces and elevated vantage points throughout the exhibit.

Lion & Hyena Ridge houses America's largest coalition of lions in an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, along with two hyenas. To ensure the well-being of the animals, specific areas within the habitat are used by lions and hyenas separately, though both species are visible to guests.

This opening is a key component of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's ongoing transformation. The overall investment aims to introduce new attractions, improve guest experiences, and deepen the connection between visitors and the park's zoological collection.