The Wandering Disciple

A pair of playful lion cubs, full of boundless energy and curiosity, were observed tumbling and wrestling at the Edge of Africa exhibit within the sprawling Busch Gardens theme park. Their boisterous antics provided a captivating spectacle for onlookers, highlighting the natural, spirited behavior of young predators in a carefully managed environment. The exhibit is renowned for simulating a natural habitat, allowing the majestic animals to display their inherent behaviors, with these cubs offering a particularly endearing glimpse into the early life stages of a pride.  You can see more photos from Busch Gardens here . Taken: March 10, 2007 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)

  SheiKra, the massive and thrilling dive coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, culminates its exhilarating journey with a dramatic and refreshing splashdown. After plunging riders down a 90-degree drop at speeds reaching 70 miles per hour, and navigating three inversions, the roller coaster trains pass through a water feature, creating an enormous plume of spray that drenches the surrounding area. This signature water finale offers a spectacular visual for park guests and a final, cooling burst of excitement for the riders as they return to the station.  Taken: December 31, 2006 at Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa, FL)

Step into the lush, immersive world of Myombe Reserve, a breathtaking tropical oasis that serves as a living, breathing transposition from the everyday bustle of Tampa, Florida, to the heart of a vibrant jungle ecosystem. This meticulously crafted habitat is far more than a simple exhibit; it is a sprawling sanctuary dedicated to the well-being and observation of some of the animal kingdom's most intelligent and charismatic great apes.  As visitors wander the winding pathways, they are immediately enveloped by dense, exotic foliage and the humid, life-giving air characteristic of a genuine tropical rainforest. The centerpiece of this extraordinary reserve is its commitment to providing an authentic and enriching environment for its resident chimpanzees and gorillas. These incredible primates roam complex, multi-layered habitats that mimic their natural African homes, complete with climbing structures, naturalistic rock formations, and ample foraging opportunities.  The thought...

Normally found in the dense jungles of Central Africa, the Western Lowland Gorilla is an impressive species and the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. These magnificent primates are known for their deep-set eyes, prominent brow ridges, and a dark coat of hair. Adult males, often called silverbacks due to the patch of silver hair on their backs, can weigh up to 400 pounds and stand six feet tall, commanding respect with their sheer size and intelligence. They live in family groups, or troops, typically consisting of one silverback, several females, and their young. Their complex social structure, use of tools, and varied diet of leaves, shoots, fruit, and insects make them a fascinating subject of study for primatologists.  But you don’t need to travel to the remote, often inaccessible regions of the Congo Basin to watch these amazing animals up-close and appreciate their grandeur. Zoos and conservation facilities around the world, like the Myombe Reserve at Bus...

A Galapagos Tortoise slowly crawls across its habitat at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Found in the Galapagos Islands, the tortoise is one of the world's most ancient and iconic reptiles. These gentle giants are the largest species of tortoise in the world, with some individuals weighing over 900 pounds and reaching lengths of nearly six feet. Their slow, deliberate movements are characteristic, reflecting their long lifespan—some have been known to live for over a century in the wild. At Busch Gardens, the habitat is carefully designed to mimic their native environment, providing ample space for grazing, sunbathing, and wallowing in mud, which helps regulate their body temperature and protect their skin. Their presence at the park serves as an important educational tool, highlighting the conservation efforts required to protect this vulnerable species in its fragile island ecosystem.  You can see more photos from Busch Gardens here .  Taken: November 12, 2005 at Busch Gardens Tamp...

  The Serengeti Express offers an unparalleled opportunity to embark on a truly unique safari experience, all within the confines of Florida. More than just a means of traversing the park's expansive grounds, this leisurely train ride serves as your essential ticket to a magnificent wildlife trek across the simulated Serengeti Plains. It is one of the three distinctive methods available for guests to explore this immersive environment and observe the diverse array of animals that call the plain home. As the train gently circles the vast habitat, passengers are treated to sweeping, unobstructed views, allowing for intimate encounters with species native to the African savanna. The experience is designed to transport visitors, offering a taste of the wild majesty of a true Serengeti safari without ever having to leave the state. More photos of Busch Gardens here. Taken: July 24, 2005 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)

  Prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Hop aboard the back of an authentic, open-air safari truck and venture deep into the heart of Busch Gardens’ expansive Serengeti plains. This isn't just a drive-by viewing; it's a truly immersive, up-close animal encounter that brings you face to face with some of Africa's most magnificent wildlife. As your knowledgeable guide navigates the sprawling habitat, you'll have the incredible opportunity to stand mere feet from towering giraffe, graceful antelope, and various other species roaming freely in the savanna. The highlight of the experience is the chance to personally feed these gentle giants, offering an entirely new perspective and forging a memorable connection with the animals. Throughout the journey, your guide will share fascinating facts and context, allowing you to learn more about the biology, behavior, and conservation status of the majestic creatures you encounter. It's a unique opportunity to see the Serenget...

  Montu, a majestic and exhilarating inverted roller coaster, is one of the premier attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Located in the Egypt-themed section of the park, this colossal steel coaster offers riders an intense, high-speed journey through seven inversions, including a massive 128-foot-tall vertical loop, an Immelmann loop, an inclined loop, and a zero-g roll. Named after the Egyptian god of war, Montu is renowned for its thrilling elements, airtime hills, and impressive speed, making it a must-ride experience for any adrenaline junkie visiting the Tampa Bay area. The coaster's layout is intricately woven through a simulated archaeological trench, enhancing the immersive theming as riders' feet dangle freely below the track. You can see more photos from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here . Taken: June 27, 2004 at Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, FL)

A Hippo enjoys a swim in a pool at the Edge of Africa exhibit at Busch Gardens. Hippos are the third largest land mammal behind the elephant and rhino. They spend their time near bodies of water eating vegetation. Despite being herbivores, hippos are the most dangerous animals in African because of their unpredictable behavior and enormous size.  You can get up close to these giant mammals at the Edge of Africa. The walk-thorough exhibit brings you up close to hippos, crocodiles, lions, hyenas and the Serengeti Plain.  Taken: August 24, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

Welcome to Jungala, the jungle region of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The four-acre region of the park is home up-close animals exhibits like the Tiger Lodge and Orangutan Outpost as well as thrilling family rides like the Wild Surge all nestled within the thick foliage of the jungle.  Opened in April 2008, Jungala is a departure from the rest of the park which features an Africa theme. It brings the Asian jungle to the park and is home to Malayan Tigers, Bornean Orangutans, White-cheeked Gibbons, Flying Foxes and False Gharials.  Taken: April 13, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

 A lion catches a cat nap under a shade tree at Busch Gardens. A male lion sleeps 18 to 20 hours a day and can sleep up to 24 hours following a large meal.  Busch Gardens is home to two prides of lions as well as over 200 species of animals. The 335 acre African themed park also has 28 thrilling rides nestled amongst the animal habitats. Taken: March 15, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

A pair of Gorillas grab an afternoon snack at Busch Gardens in Tampa. This mother and child pair enjoy a head of romaine lettuce provided by their keepers during an afternoon enrichment session.  Myombe Reserve at Busch Gardens recreates a tropical rainforest in the heart of Tampa. It is home to a troop of Western Lowland Gorillas like the pair pictured here as well as a community of chimpanzees.  Taken: December 9, 2007 at Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, FL)

For almost 50 years, the Stanley Falls flume ride at Busch Gardens has been helping guests beat the Florida heat. This soaking family favorite features a classic flume ride with a 40-foot splashdown guaranteed to cool you down.  Opened in 1973, Stanley Falls was added to the park during the Stanleyville expansion to the park. It was the park's first thrill ride and remains a mainstay at the park almost 50 years later. Taken:  November 4, 2007 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

A lioness yawns as she wakes up from an afternoon cat nap. Lions sleep a lot, females sleep 15-18 hours a day and males can sleep up to 20 hours a day. As hunters, lions can spend a lot of energy on a hunt so they require a lot of rest to store energy. And as the top of the food chain, the lions can rest comfortably without fearing an ambush attack while they are sleeping.  This African lion is one in the pride at Busch Gardens in Tampa. The theme park features a vast collection of African wildlife scattered around world class rides.  Taken: September 15, 2007 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

The Daytona 500 winning Chevy Monte Carlo of Dale Earnhardt Jr sits on display at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Jr won the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 just six years following his dad's win in the super bowl of stock car racing. Budweiser is a major sponsor for NASCAR and many other sports. As a result of this partnership, several of the NASCAR's can be seen on display in the Anheuser-Busch theme parks. Taken: September 3, 2007 at Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa, FL)

Just like the childhood fable, an Aldabra Tortoise crawls slowly across its enclosure. These massive turtles move at a speed of just 0.3 miles per hour in comparison to a human's average speed of 2.8 miles per hour.  Aldabra Tortoises are found in the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. They are the second largest tortoise in the world behind the Galapagos. Aldabras can reach up to 550 pounds in the wild.  Taken: November 12, 2005 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)

The Phoenix spins its riders upside down at in the Florida sunshine at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Located in the Pantopia portion of the park, the Phoenix is a based on an Egyptian cargo vessel and spins back and forth until making a complete 360 degree rotation. Currently the ride is out of service until further notice and its future is not clear.  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a theme park in Tampa, Florida that is part of the Sea World parks system. It features 28 rides and 200 species of animals within 335 acre African themed park.  Taken: May 31, 2009 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)

A Cheetah chases down a runner in the daily Cheetah Run at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal, reaching speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. Each day, the staff of Busch Gardens set up a chase for their resident cheetahs, simulating a hunt and letting visitors witness the speed and effectiveness of a cheetah hunt. After watching the hunt you want to feel the hunt, take a ride on the Cheetah Hunt coaster next store and witness the thrill of a zero to sixty hunt just like the wild cheetahs. (Photo: September 17, 2020)

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas. Today's Christmas themed photo of the day comes from Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town celebration. Every evening during the holidays, Busch Gardens transforms to a Christmas wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and plenty of holiday shows to get you in the Christmas spirit. (Photo: November 24, 2019)

 A bright and colorful Rainbow Lorikeet poses for the camera in the Lory Landing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.  Identified by its bright rainbow colors, this colorful parrot is native to Australia.  There are six subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet and they are the most viewed bird in Australia.  Because of their calm demeanor, they are a popular interactive exhibit at zoos worldwide like the Lory Landing here at Busch Gardens where you can enter the aviary and feed these colorful birds and its cousins.  (Photo: September 17, 2020)