![\"Lion](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lion-and-Hyena-Ridge-Busch-Gardens-Tampa-Bay-opening-day-Photos-by-Jon-Self-1200x675.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBusch Gardens Tampa Bay\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
We visited during the first preview to compare the finished experience with the ambitious plans and concept art<\/a> Busch Gardens shared when it announced Lion & Hyena Ridge.<\/p>\n Lion & Hyena Ridge delivers a strong first impression<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The finished space does not fully match the rendering\u2019s scale and polish, but concept art presents an idealized vision. By Busch Gardens Tampa Bay standards, the habitat is impressive and among the park\u2019s stronger recent additions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo and Herman form the country\u2019s largest lion coalition<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n There is more here than one viewing window<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 claws and teeth with the hyenas\u2019 powerful jaws before inviting visitors to choose \u201cTeam Lion\u201d or \u201cTeam Hyena.\u201d<\/p>\n The colorful educational elements are approachable for children and give families something to explore when the animals are resting.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 established African landscape.<\/p>\n Is Lion & Hyena Ridge worth visiting?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The average visitor should not plan an entire trip solely around it, but Annual Pass Members, animal lovers and families who enjoy the park\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Most guests will likely spend 15 to 30 minutes here, depending on animal activity and their interest in the exhibits.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A welcome return to Busch Gardens\u2019 animal roots<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s other major theme parks.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n One more reason to visit Busch Gardens soon<\/p>\n Guests visiting during the habitat\u2019s opening week can also take one last ride on Kumba<\/a>. The legendary coaster will permanently close Aug. 2 after 33 years.<\/p>\n When Kumba debuted in 1993, it was Florida\u2019s tallest, fastest and longest coaster and featured the world\u2019s tallest vertical loop. Its replacement, Kumba\u2019s Revenge, is planned as part of the park\u2019s continuing investment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Attractions Magazine stories<\/p>\n Follow us:<\/p>\n No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel<\/a> for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.<\/p>\n![\"Lion](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hyena-busch-gardens-jon-self.jpg\")
Hyena in a tub of water at Lion and Hyena Ridge.
All photos by Jon Self<\/p>\n![\"Themed](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/themed-habitat-busch-gardens-jon-self.jpg\")
Themed fencing and lamps at Lion and Hyena Ridge.<\/p>\n![\"Lion](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hyena-habitat-busch-gardens-jon-self.jpg\")
Lion and Hyena Ridge with Cobra\u2019s Curse in the background.<\/p>\n![\"Lion](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/team-lion-hyena-habitat-busch-gardens-jon-self.jpg\")
Team signs and information.<\/p>\n
![\"MouseFanTravel\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/D_B.png\"\/ "\\"\\"")
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