Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is expected to spend around $40 million on theme park projects and expanding its Adventure Island Water Park.
Those numbers include Wild Oasis from Jungala Attraction, which is due to debut in May.
“Additions and improvements add to the aesthetics with infrastructure, operations, staff recruitment, equipment and more beautiful gardens and plant life,” Park President Jeff Davis said in a news release.
“The arrival of the new animals is also included in plans that will inspire awe and wonders for all visitors, including the re-ordered Meerkat habitat that is scheduled to open this summer,” said Davis, who moved to the role of Bush Gardens in February.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is owned by Orlando-based United Parks & Resorts, which operates Sea World Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Water Park in central Florida.
Improvements to park animal habitat include climbing structures for new groups of chimpanzees, new barns for giraffes and accessibility features for elderly elephants in the park.
The Wild Oasis, which is set to open this spring, will shine the spotlight on capybara, squirrel monkeys, tropical birds and giant antagonists. It also features a 35-foot drop tower, canopy climbing activities and interactive splash pads in an immersive environment. The exact opening date has not been announced.
New elements of Adventure Island are Castaway Falls, a multi-level play and splash area. The attraction spouts more spring announcements about “new thrills and interactive events.”
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The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival and Concert series is currently underway, with the summer evening event taking place on select dates from May 23rd to August 10th.
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