Wild Oasis opens soon at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, featuring new animals like squirrel monkeys and capybaras in the all-new Habitat Hideaway.

Wild Oasis
Rudy the Capybara Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The new Wild Oasis area opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay soon. In preparation for the opening of this theme park area, new animal species have arrived. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently announced that it was investing nearly 40 million dollars into the theme park. Part of that money involved the revival of a former space turning it into Wild Oasis. Back in late January, we were invited for a hard hat tour of the area being transformed into Wild Oasis.

Wild Oasis in Jungala Area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Wild Oasis
Nugget the Capybara Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently welcomed several new animal species in preparation for the opening of Wild Oasis at Jungala later this spring. The newly arrived species, including a giant anteater, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds, have come from AZA-accredited facilities across the country. They will reside in Habitat Hideaway, one of several exciting new areas in the all-new adventure realm.

“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome these incredible species to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — some for the very first time!” said Kayla Wendzel, zoological curator of Wild Oasis. “Their arrival marks an exciting milestone toward opening day, when guests can connect with these fascinating animals in a lush, immersive environment.”

Prior to joining their new habitat, each animal underwent a routine quarantine and health exam at Busch Gardens’ state-of-the-art Animal Care Center. This ensures their health and well-being before joining the park’s existing collection of over 200 animal species.

For more theme park news and information, visit MSM News.

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.