A Roaring Adventure Awaits: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Lion & Hyena Ridge Opens Spring 2026. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roaring into 2026 with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and the most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade. 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 where two of Africa’s most iconic species will thrive – a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas.
Highlights include:
- Immersive Viewing – Step into the savanna through expansive glass viewing areas and shaded pathways offering awe-inspiring, 270-degree perspectives of the new habitat.
- Innovative Habitat Design – A naturalistic environment featuring rocky kopje formations, cascading water elements, and diverse spaces that allow the animals to choose and explore their surroundings throughout the day.
- Roaring Animal Stories – Guests will connect with lion brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman – born in 2024 – and hyenas Cazi and Dazi, in an immersive new setting that allows engaging educational moments that’ll 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.”
Even More Reasons to Visit in 2026
Along with Lion & Hyena Ridge, Busch Gardens guests can look forward to a year packed with new festivals, family fun, and entertainment:
- 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) – 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 to experience the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass
Guests can experience the best of Busch Gardens with a 2026 annual pass, including unbeatable benefits, unlimited visits, and the opportunity to be the first to experience the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge before it opens to the public. Annual passes for 2026 are on sale now, with our 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 Pass Member benefits.
2026 Annual Pass Benefits Include:
• 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
Guests can learn more about all the events, future announcements, and the unbeatable benefits of being an Annual Pass Member by visitingBuschGardensTampa.com. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram,and TikTok.
About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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