TAMPA, Fla. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to unveil its most ambitious new animal habitat in over a decade: the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, opening in Spring 2026. This extraordinary addition will immerse guests in a dynamic, naturalistic African savanna, offering unprecedented views of two of the continent’s most iconic species.
The reimagined area more than doubles the previous space, creating nearly 35,000 square feet of dynamic terrain. It will be home to a pride of five young male lions—brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman, all born in 2024—and a pair of playful hyenas, Cazi and Dazi.
An Immersive and Innovative Experience
The Lion & Hyena Ridge is designed to set a new standard for animal habitats, focusing on both exceptional animal care and deeply engaging guest experiences.
Highlights of the new habitat include:
- Immersive Viewing: Expansive glass viewing areas and shaded pathways will offer awe-inspiring, 270-degree perspectives that make guests feel as if they have stepped directly into the savanna.
- Innovative Design: The naturalistic environment features rocky kopje formations (small hills), cascading water elements, and diverse spaces, allowing the animals to choose and explore their surroundings throughout the day.
- Roaring Animal Stories: Interactive and educational moments will connect guests with the lions and hyenas, aiming to inspire curiosity and promote conservation efforts.
“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.”
2026: A Year of New Thrills and Festivals
Alongside the debut of Lion & Hyena Ridge, Busch Gardens has announced a packed calendar of all-new festivals and family entertainment for 2026:
- ALL-NEW Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends
- ALL-NEW Food, Wine & Garden Festival, the park’s largest culinary celebration yet.
- ALL-NEW Glory in the Gardens (May) featuring Christian music and a spring garden festival.
- ALL-NEW Military Appreciation Month (May) with exclusive events.
- ALL-NEW Wild Oasis Kids’ Weekend (November).
Be the First to Experience the Ridge
Guests eager to be among the first to explore the new habitat can purchase a 2026 Busch Gardens Annual Pass. Annual Pass Members receive unbeatable benefits, including unlimited visits, free parking (select tiers), discounts on dining and retail, and, new for 2026, free Quick Queue and quarterly park credits (select tiers).
Annual Passes are on sale now, with a Black Friday Presale starting as low as $13.50 per month with no down payment, offering exclusive access to all returning and new vibrant seasonal events and the opportunity to experience Lion & Hyena Ridge before it opens to the public.
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