Learn about the five lion brothers and two hyenas in the new Lion & Hyena Ridge. This immersive Busch Gardens habitat reinforces commitment to conservation and animal care.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is preparing for a landmark year, kicking off 2026 with an extraordinary new animal experience: the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge. This is the park’s most significant new animal habitat in over a decade, promising guests a truly immersive journey into the heart of the African savanna.
The reimagined area dramatically expands the existing space, creating a massive 35,000-square-foot dynamic terrain. This more than double its previous size. This sprawling habitat is set to be the thriving new home for two of Africa’s most fascinating species: a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas.
tep Inside the Savanna: Habitat Highlights
The design of Lion & Hyena Ridge prioritizes both the well-being of the animals and an unparalleled guest experience.
- Immersive Viewing: Get ready for stunning views! Expansive glass viewing areas and thoughtfully shaded pathways offer guests awe-inspiring, 270-degree perspectives of the new habitat, bringing visitors closer to the animals than ever before.
- Innovative Design: The naturalistic environment mimics the animals’ native landscape, featuring rocky kopje formations, cascading water elements, and diverse spaces that allow the animals to choose their surroundings and explore throughout the day.
- Meet the Residents: Guests will have the chance to connect with the charismatic pride of lion brothers—Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman, who were born in 2024—along with the energetic hyenas, Cazi and Dazi. Engaging educational moments throughout the exhibit are designed to inspire curiosity and conservation awareness.
“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. Park president Brian Bacica also noted, “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 Packed with New Events
Lion & Hyena Ridge isn’t the only excitement coming to Busch Gardens next year. The park has announced a full slate of brand-new festivals and entertainment that offer even more reasons to visit:
- ALL-NEW Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends (Themed family fun)
- ALL-NEW Food, Wine & Garden Festival (The park’s largest culinary celebration to date)
- 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 the First: Annual Pass Presale is Open
Want to experience the powerful new habitat before anyone else? Busch Gardens is offering exclusive early access to the Lion & Hyena Ridge for Annual Pass Members. Annual Passes for 2026 are now on sale, with a Black Friday Presale kicking off at an amazing low price. Passholders get unbeatable benefits, including:
- 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.
To purchase annual passes or gather more information about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, please visit the theme park’s official website.
The countdown to 2026 has officially begun, and it promises to be a memorable year of exploration, education, and thrilling new experiences at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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