Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is preparing to roar louder than ever in 2026 with the debut of Lion & Hyena Ridge, a massive new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care lineup. This isn’t just another habitat—it’s the park’s most ambitious animal experience in over a decade, bringing guests face-to-face with two of Africa’s most iconic species in a reimagined, 35,000-square-foot savanna.
The new habitat will more than double the size of the existing area, creating a dynamic environment where a **pride of five young male lions—Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman—**and two playful hyenas, Cazi and Dazi, will thrive. Visitors can look forward to immersive glass viewing areas and shaded pathways that provide 270-degree perspectives of the savanna, allowing for an up-close and personal look at the interactions between these remarkable animals.
Beyond the awe-inspiring sights, Lion & Hyena Ridge emphasizes innovation in habitat design. Natural rocky formations, cascading water features, and diverse terrains will offer both the lions and hyenas the freedom to explore and engage with their surroundings—just as they would in the wild.
“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,” said Brian Bacica, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
This new addition continues Busch Gardens’ long tradition of blending entertainment and education, giving guests the chance to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.
Even More to Roar About in 2026
Lion & Hyena Ridge is just the beginning. Busch Gardens has a full slate of new festivals and family-friendly events lined up for 2026:
- ALL-NEW Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends – Fun-filled themed weekends designed especially for families.
- ALL-NEW Food, Wine & Garden Festival – The park’s largest culinary celebration yet.
- ALL-NEW Glory in the Gardens (May) – A combination of Christian music and springtime garden beauty.
- ALL-NEW Military Appreciation Month (May) – Honoring service members with exclusive events and tributes.
- ALL-NEW Wild Oasis Kids’ Weekend (November) – Themed food, crafts, and outdoor fun for the whole family.
Get Ready to Experience the Ridge
Guests can be among the first to explore Lion & Hyena Ridge by securing a 2026 Busch Gardens Annual Pass. Passholders will enjoy exclusive early access to the new habitat, along with unlimited visits, seasonal event access, and special member-only perks.
The Black Friday Presale is already roaring to life, with passes starting at just $13.50 per month and no down payment required.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s 2026 season is shaping up to be one of its most exciting yet—where conservation, adventure, and heart meet on the African savanna.
A Fan’s Take
As someone who’s followed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for years, this announcement hits all the right notes. The park has always been a leader in combining thrill rides with world-class animal care, and Lion & Hyena Ridge feels like the next natural step in that evolution. The idea of standing just feet away from a pride of young lions—each with their own personality—and watching hyenas roam across a sprawling savanna sounds incredible.
What excites me most is how immersive and educational this new area will be. Busch Gardens has a special way of making guests feel connected to wildlife, and this expansion seems to capture that spirit perfectly. 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss year for animal lovers and park fans alike—and you can bet I’ll be there to see it roar to life.