Busch Gardens’ major new attraction looks different from the original plans
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s major new Lion & Hyena Ridge does not look exactly like the ambitious concept art revealed last year, but that does not mean the finished habitat disappoints. We visited the nearly 35,000-square-foot attraction ahead of its July 25 opening to see what changed, whether it lives up to the hype and if it is worth adding to your next park day.
Lion & Hyena Ridge opens to the public July 25 following previews for Platinum Pass Members on July 22 and all Pass Members and Fun Card holders on July 24. The nearly 35,000-square-foot habitat is home to five young male lions and two hyenas.
We visited during the first preview to compare the finished experience with the ambitious plans and concept art Busch Gardens shared when it announced Lion & Hyena Ridge.
Lion & Hyena Ridge delivers a strong first impression
The first viewing area comes closest to the atmosphere promised in the concept art. Large glass panels overlook a grassy habitat filled with rocky formations, landscaping and water features.
The finished space does not fully match the rendering’s scale and polish, but concept art presents an idealized vision. By Busch Gardens Tampa Bay standards, the habitat is impressive and among the park’s stronger recent additions.
The habitat is larger than expected, with numerous viewing areas throughout the walkthrough. Some offer open-air views without glass, although the best close-up viewing is behind expansive glass panels. During our visit, the animals were easy to spot from several locations.
All photos by Jon Self
Brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo and Herman form the country’s largest lion coalition at an Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited facility. The habitat is also home to hyenas Cazi and Dazi. One of the hyenas is a 10-year-old male born at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Varied terrain and enrichment zones allow the animals to climb, explore and interact with their surroundings. Water features, fans and temperature-controlled rock formations help support their comfort throughout the year.
There is more here than one viewing window
Busch Gardens describes the experience as offering 270-degree views, and the broader layout encourages guests to look for the animals from several angles. Sightings will vary with animal activity, weather and time of day.
Separate habitats place the lions and hyenas within sight of each other while exhibits explain their roles in the African savanna. Interactive displays compare the lions’ claws and teeth with the hyenas’ powerful jaws before inviting visitors to choose “Team Lion” or “Team Hyena.”
The colorful educational elements are approachable for children and give families something to explore when the animals are resting.
Guests can also see into the Serengeti Plain, where giraffes, zebras and other animals may be visible. The wider view connects the habitat to Busch Gardens’ established African landscape.
Is Lion & Hyena Ridge worth visiting?
Lion & Hyena Ridge is a stellar upgrade and larger than we expected. With numerous viewing areas, strong opportunities to see the animals and an attractive habitat, it is well worth visiting during a Busch Gardens day.
The average visitor should not plan an entire trip solely around it, but Annual Pass Members, animal lovers and families who enjoy the park’s zoological experiences may find it a compelling reason to return. Anyone already visiting should place it on the itinerary instead of treating it as a minor detour between coasters.
Most guests will likely spend 15 to 30 minutes here, depending on animal activity and their interest in the exhibits.
Heat may be the biggest concern for guests along the outdoor paths, especially during a Florida summer. It will also be interesting to see how the landscaping holds up and how the animals use the space once they have had more time to settle in. Still, the first impression is highly encouraging.
A welcome return to Busch Gardens’ animal roots
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has built much of its recent identity around coasters and thrill rides, but animals and conservation have been central to the park since its earliest years.
Lion & Hyena Ridge restores some balance. Its scale, location and animal-care features show that a major Busch Gardens attraction does not need a lift hill or launch track to command attention.
Following the animal experiences introduced with Wild Oasis in 2025, the habitat signals renewed investment in the zoological identity that distinguishes Busch Gardens from Florida’s other major theme parks.
Lion & Hyena Ridge may not reproduce every bit of grandeur in its concept art, but it delivers strong animal viewing, an attractive environment and a meaningful reason to slow down and explore.
One more reason to visit Busch Gardens soon
Guests visiting during the habitat’s opening week can also take one last ride on Kumba. The legendary coaster will permanently close Aug. 2 after 33 years.
When Kumba debuted in 1993, it was Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster and featured the world’s tallest vertical loop. Its replacement, Kumba’s Revenge, is planned as part of the park’s continuing investment.
A late-July visit offers a fitting look at two sides of Busch Gardens: a new animal experience pointing toward its future and one final roar from an attraction that helped define its past.
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