By Juliana OctaviniAfter many rumors, the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced a super novelty: a new space for lions and hyenas which will be inaugurated in the American spring of 2026. The habitat promises to bring a little piece of African savannah to Florida.
The new area of the park, called Lion & Hyena RidgeIt'll be Busch Gardens' most ambitious expansion in over a decade. It will be about 35,000 square feet (almost twice the previous area), that is, plenty of space for animals to live in peace.
Who's gonna live there? A group of five young male lions — brothers — and also two hyenas. That's right: lions and hyenas sharing a savanna designed to be as natural as possible, with rock formations, water, areas to explore, rest... That is, a habitat of respect!
New habitat of lions and hyenas of Busch Gardens will be totally immersive
This new expansion of Busch Gardens will allow visitors to observe lions and hyenas closely in a new completely immersive habitat in 2026. In space, visitors accompany animals from various angles thanks to large glass panels and shaded paths that bypass the entire area.
Soon, the sensation will recall a walk through the African savannah. Those responsible for the park created a totally natural environment, with rock formations style kopje, running water and larger or more reserved spaces. So each animal decides where to relax or explore — total freedom, the way they deserve it.
And the best thing is that this whole proximity creates a genuine connection with wildlife: watching these symbolic species closely arouses curiosity, empathy and thus an enormous will to learn more about conservation.
Bush Gardens promises many news in 2026
Other than Lion & Hyena Ridge, Busch Gardens promises several other news for 2026.
In addition to the habitat of lions and hyenas, the park will receive new festivals, attractions for families and, in addition, special programming throughout all seasons.
For those who are planning a trip with children or want to include something different from Orlando parks routine, this renovation is practically an irresistible invitation to put Busch Gardens on the road map.
Here on the blog I love sharing experiences that run away from the obvious, and Busch Gardens always enters this category by mixing adventure with amazing animal life encounters.
The arrival of lions and hyenas in 2026 makes this combination even more special, bringing an extra dose of emotion, education and contact with species that many people have only seen in documentaries.
If you look for a quieter park day, with moments of contemplation and that taste of discovery, this expansion of Busch Gardens has everything to be perfect. And to be honest, I'm already counting the days to see this savannah up close!
Continue to follow the Jornada para Orlando because as soon as the park announces its opening, I will come back here to tell you, eh!
More information and ticket purchases you can get at Busch Gardens official website.
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