11 Reasons Why Animal Lovers Should Vacation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

You'll find something for every animal lover in the family at this animal-centric amusement park.

By: Farima Alavi

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Photo By: Farima Alavi

Amusement Park + Safari

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay isn't your average amusement park. Aside from the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and delicious bites, the theme park features an African-themed safari, animal sanctuaries and a variety of animal encounters for every animal lover in the family.

Take the Serengeti Safari Tour

Where else in the world can you ride your favorite coaster, then walk on over to get a glimpse of wild animals? Book a tour early or day-of to enjoy beautiful views and animal sightings through Busch Gardens' Serengeti Plain.

Feed Giraffes

Explore the 65-acre natural habitat while a guide tells stories of the habitat as they take you through the Serengeti Plain in an open-air vehicle. Each person even gets the opportunity to feed one of the friendly giraffes.

Encounter Wildlife

During the safari, you'll spot cheetahs, tigers, elephants, hyenas and more. Your guide will share interesting facts about every animal you encounter. You may even come across black rhinos along with Winnifred, a southern white rhino.

Drop 335 Feet on Falcon's Fury

And yes, even if animals are your primary focus, if you're visiting Busch Gardens you owe it to yourself to check out Falcon's Fury. It's the tallest drop tower in North America, standing at 335 feet tall. As if that's not thrilling enough, your seat pivots at a 90-degree angle before dropping you — face-first — at 60 m.p.h.

It's Home to the Most Thrilling Rides

Besides its cute critters, Busch Gardens features several thrilling adult rides. One of the most popular rides is Sheikra, a 200-foot dive coaster that suspends you at the edge at a 90-degree angle before dropping at 70 m.p.h. The finale features a cooling splash for onlookers below.

Explore Via Train

The park is 335 acres, so exploring by foot is nearly impossible to do. Hop on the train for a different vantage on the park's wildlife while a guide gives you info along the way. During the holidays, they adorn the train in bunting and holly.

Visit the Bird Sanctuary

With more than 200 species, Busch Gardens is one of the largest (and highly accredited) zoos in the U.S. Animal lovers will find several exhibits, including sanctuaries for birds. Go into the sanctuary for an up-close look at some feathery friends like flamingos, toucans, kookaburras and more.

They're All About Animal Rescue

You can see animal care firsthand (and even participate) at Busch Gardens' state-of-the-art Animal Care Center facility. Kamali, an American Bald Eagle, is one of the animal ambassadors. With help from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Kamali was rehabilitated after she was found with a gunshot wound in her wing at a young age. Her trainers used positive reinforcement to help her become an animal ambassador. After more than a year, Kamali is now comfortable interacting with guests. Make sure to pay her a visit during your trip.

Interactive, Educational Exhibits

Kids and adults alike will love the educational exhibits throughout the park. While you're there, compare your arm span to an orangutan's — did you know their arm span is twice as tall as their height?

Enjoy an International Menu + Entertainment

Pick from Italian, American, Southwestern and Asian food at the Dragon Fire Grill & Pub while enjoying live performances. Don't forget to check out the craft beer selections if you're 21 or older.

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Tampa/St. Petersburg

11 Reasons Why Animal Lovers Should Vacation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Related To:

Shop This Look

Amusement Park + Safari

Take the Serengeti Safari Tour

Feed Giraffes

Encounter Wildlife

Drop 335 Feet on Falcon's Fury

It's Home to the Most Thrilling Rides

Explore Via Train

Visit the Bird Sanctuary

They're All About Animal Rescue

Interactive, Educational Exhibits

Enjoy an International Menu + Entertainment

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