Baby Aardvark Born At Busch Gardens Tampa

Baby Aardvark Born At Busch Gardens Tampa

Baby Aardvark Born At Busch Gardens Tampa

Today’s moment of cuteness comes from Busch Gardens Tampa where they welcomed a new member of the their animal family.

A newborn aardvark at Busch Gardens Tampa is stealing the hearts of its caretakers, who are helping bottle feed the baby, which they characterize as unusual looking but adorable.

httpv://youtu.be/XUzCjQ7RlPs

The baby aardvark was born Sept. 18, 2015. It is healthy and is currently being cared for by its mother Izzy. While mother Izzy forages at night, the Busch Gardens animal care team bottle feeds the baby and monitors its health through routine check-ups.

This is Busch Gardens’ fifth successful aardvark birth and is part of the park’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Baby Aardvark Born At Busch Gardens Tampa

Newborn aardvarks are sometimes referred to as “ugly cute” with elongated noses, large floppy ears and hairless, wrinkly skin.  After two weeks, the folds of skin disappear and, around three weeks, the ears will begin to stand upright.

The baby’s sex will be determined within the next few weeks, along with the team’s decision on a name.

The mother and baby are currently behind-the-scenes at Busch Gardens.  The baby will be part of Busch Gardens’ animal ambassador program, helping to educate guests about this species and their counterparts in the wild.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Celebrates World Lion Day On August 8th

Busch Gardens Tampa World Lion Day

Busch Gardens Tampa gathers the pride to celebrate World Lion Day on Aug 8. The international celebration brings awareness the most iconic big cat in the World and Busch Gardens is celebrating with special keeper talks, animal enrichment and lion-inspired festivities.

Busch Gardens Tampa Celebrates World Lion Day On August 8th

Busch Gardens Tampa World Lion Day

WHAT:                 Busch Gardens celebrates World Lion Day

WHEN:                 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015

As populations decline sharply in Africa, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies lions as a vulnerable species. Busch Gardens Tampa is proud to support conservation projects that are committed to sustaining wild lion populations.

Busch Gardens Tampa World Lion Day

This weekend, Busch Gardens gives guests the opportunity to learn how they can help with lion conservation with World Lion Day activities. Plus, they’ll learn about the two lion prides and six lions that call the park home. All of Busch Gardens’ lions are part of the park’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Busch Gardens Tampa World Lion Day

Since its inception, the SeaWorld® & Busch Gardens® Conservation Fund has supported over 25 lion conservation projects in six African countries, totaling $320,000. The Fund is currently supporting five lion conservation projects in three African countries.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is one of the World’s foremost zoological organizations and a worldwide leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for one of the largest animal collections on the North American continent and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations.

For more information on the event, visit the Busch Gardens Tampa Blog or visit buschgardenstampa.com.

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Celebrate the Fourth of July At Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa logo Photo Key Wild Days

Busch Gardens Tampa Lights Up the Sky for Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day with Thrill Rides in the Dark, Live Entertainment, and Fireworks

Busch Gardens Tampa Fourth of July

On Independence Day, Busch Gardens® Tampa celebrates the red, white and blue all day, and even when the sun goes down, with thrill rides in the dark, live entertainment and an incredible fireworks show.

Open until midnight, guests can celebrate the Fourth of July festivities all night long. Challenge Florida’s top thrill rides, like North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower Falcon’s Fury® or Florida’s first and only triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt®. Plus, fireworks illuminate the sky at 9:30 p.m., with the best views in Gwazi Park right after the rock-fueled acrobatics show, Kinetix.

Guests can enjoy Summer Nights at Busch Gardens from June 27 to August 16. Experience all the thrills this summer with an Annual Pass, which includes unlimited admission with no blockout dates, free parking, special deals and discounts, and much more! It’s the best value for Florida residents and it starts at just $13 per month with EZpay.

For more information, visit buschgardenstampa.com. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

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Endangered Ring-Tailed Lemurs Born at Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Ring-Tail Lemur
Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa

Endangered Ring-Tailed Lemurs Born at Busch Gardens Tampa

 Busch Gardens Tampa recently welcomed three baby endangered ring-tailed lemurs to the more than 12,000 animals that call the park home. First-time mother Canada gave birth to Squirt on March 19, and twins Schweps and Seagramms were born to Ginger on March 27.

Guests will be able to see the lively baby lemurs in the Edge of Africa area of the park in June as the animal care team continues to introduce them to their new habitat. Check out the Busch Gardens YouTube channel now for a first look!

httpv://youtu.be/j8DibR6yeZc

These births come as a result of recommendations from the Ring-tailed Lemur Species Survival Plan through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Ginger and Canada arrived at Busch Gardens from the Duke Lemur Center in 2013. Spike, the sire of all three babies, came to the park from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in 2004.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, ring-tailed lemurs are the most endangered mammal group in the World due to habitat destruction, hunting and the exotic pet trade. The SeaWorld® and Busch Gardens® Conservation Fund contributes to the Duke Lemur Center’s SAVA Conservation Project in Madagascar, where awareness about alternative farming practices and reforestation help restore lemur populations.

Busch Gardens Tampa logo Photo Key Wild Days

Busch Gardens is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™, a leading theme park and entertainment company that delivers personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ also is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a worldwide leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for one of the largest animal collections on the North American continent and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations.

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Dragon Fire Grill Opens June 1 At Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Dragon Fire Grill Sign
Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa

Dragon Fire Grill Opens June 1 At Busch Gardens Tampa

All-New Dining Experience Offers Cuisine Inspired from Around the World

 

The all-new Dragon Fire Grill™ officially opens on June 1, featuring cuisines from around the world. Located in Pantopia™, Dragon Fire Grill features market-style dining, a wide selection of beverages and brand-new entertainment.

Market-Style Dining

Dragon Fire Grill reimagines the traditional culinary experience with market-style dining, featuring Italian, American, Southwestern and Asian cuisines. The menu includes shrimp lo mein, rotisserie chicken, flatbread pizzas, paninis and more. Dragon Fire Grill also adds to its current beer beverage lineup with national and local craft brews and adds a brand-new grab-and-go station featuring Starbucks coffee.   Plus, the Dragon Fire Pub offers a selection of premium cocktails and frozen refreshments.

Treasures of the Mirage

Guests are invited Busch Gardens’ all-new stage show, Treasures of the Mirage. This Arabian-inspired celebration transforms Dragon Fire Grill into a vibrant dance party with belly dancers and cultural music, creating an eclectic atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy.

Tribute Bands

On select dates from June 4 to 22, tribute bands bring guests together for a celebration of classic pop, soft rock and blues at the Dragon Fire Grill. Feel the beat with authentic renditions of ABBA, Billy Joel and the Blues Brothers:

June 4 – 8                            Abbamania, ABBA Tribute

June 11 – 15                       Turnstiles, Billy Joel Tribute

June 18 – 22                       The Official Blues Brothers Revue

Busch Gardens Tampa Dragon Fire Grill
Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa Dragon

Experience Dragon Fire Grill’s savory selections and live entertainment this summer with the Ride, Slide & Dine Ticket for just $99. For a limited time, this flexible deal allows guests to choose two visits and two meals to either Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island. For more information, visit buschgardenstampa.com.

Busch Gardens Tampa logo Photo Key Wild Days

Plus, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at buschgardenstampablog.com, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Tampa Facebook page and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

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Ride, Slide, & Dine Ticket Coming To Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa ride slide dine ticket

Busch Gardens offers Ride, Slide, & Dine Ticket  

Limited-Time Deal Gives Guests Ultimate Flexibility with Two Days and Two Meals to Either Busch Gardens or Adventure Island

Experience all the thrills this summer at Busch Gardens® Tampa and Adventure Island® with the Ride, Slide & Dine Ticket for just $99. For a limited time, this flexible deal allows guests to choose two visits and two meals to either Busch Gardens or Adventure Island.

The offer, which can only be purchased at buschgardenstampa.com, is available now through June 14, 2015 and provides the flexibility for guests to experience both parks, or even enjoy one park twice. Admission tickets and meal vouchers must be redeemed by Oct. 11, 2015.

Busch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. Venture across the Serengeti Plain® and race like a cheetah aboard Florida’s first triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt®. Plus, enjoy the fully-remodeled Pantopia® with shopping, dining, live entertainment and North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower, Falcon’s Fury®.

Located right across the street from Busch Gardens, Adventure Island is 30 acres of water-drenched fun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings. New for the 2015 season, hurtle high and experience a feeling of weightlessness on Colossal Curl™,Adventure Island’s newest family thrill slide.

Busch Gardens Tampa logo Photo Key Wild Days

Visit buschgardenstampa.com for more information about these great deals and others. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

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DigiTour Coming To Busch Gardens Tampa

DigiTour Busch Gardens Tampa

Social media’s biggest stars come together during DigiTour Tampa, only at Busch Gardens.

On Saturday, May 16 from 6-7:30pm, DigiTour in Tampa brings Vine and YouTube stars like Hayes Grier, Alyssa Shouse and Aaron Carpenter to the stage for thousands of fans. In addition to exciting performances, Busch Gardens will offer food trucks and other dining options on Gwazi Field throughout the event.

DigiTour Presents: United26 Tour at Busch Gardens is included with any Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. For the best view, purchase access to the Priority Section Presented by Coca-Cola and receive access to our priority section plus a voucher for a FREE Coca-Cola product.

DigiTour Busch Gardens Tampa  Logo

Priority Section Presented by Coca-Cola

Get the best view for the DigiTour Presents: United26 Tour from the Priority Section Presented by Coca-Cola®. This standing-room only section puts fans in the middle of this epic performance on Gwazi™ Field and includes a voucher for a FREE Coca-Cola® product at Busch Gardens®.

Cost is $40 per person; limit of 2 Priority Section tickets per purchase while supplies last.

Pass Members – don’t forget to take advantage of your Pass Member discount of $25 (a $15 savings)!

DigiTour at Busch Gardens Tampa Lineup

DigiTour Busch Gardens Tampa Lineup Banner

HAYES GRIER 

AARON CARPENTER

DANIEL SKYE

ALYSSA SHOUSE

ALEC BAILEY

JONAH MARAIS

TEZ MENGESTU

For more information and the latest updates on this site, “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter.

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Wild Days With Jack Hanna Returns to Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Wild Days Featuring Jack Hanna SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

Wild Days With Jack Hanna Returns to Busch Gardens

International Animal Expert Presents a Weekend of Wild Animal Encounters in April

 

Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna at Busch Gardens® Tampa on
April 18 and April 19 for Wild Days, a weekend of wild animal shows, autograph signings and special meet-and-greets.

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days 2015 Jack Hanna Busch Gardens Tampa Wild Days

The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales during animal shows in Stanleyville Theater at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  All shows are included with any annual pass, Fun Card or paid admission.

NEW! Jack Hanna’s Wild Days VIP Experience 

Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meet “Jungle Jack” himself and get up-close to some of his favorite animal ambassadors. This exclusive VIP experience includes a private meet-and-greet, commemorative Wild Days photo, a personalized autograph and even reserved seating for the Wild Days show. The Jack Hanna VIP Experience is $19.99, with Pass Member discounts available.

Jack Hanna Busch Gardens Tampa Wild Days

Jack Hanna Family Fun Sleepover
Saturday, April 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Guests will spend the night at Busch Gardens in one of the park’s secure on-site venues and enjoy a night of family fun, interactive activities and an animal adventure hosted by Jack Hanna. Dinner, a continental breakfast and commemorative gifts are also included. The sleepover is designed for families with children in grades 3 or higher; the cost is $78 per person, with discounts available for Pass Members. Busch Gardens admission is not required or included. Registration is required.

 

Hanna’s hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as a conservationist, author, television personality and lifelong adventurer. He isbest known as the star of the Emmy® Award-winning television series “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,” where audiences are invited to join him on expeditions around the globe.

 Busch Gardens Tampa logo Photo Key Wild Days

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

For park tickets or to register for the sleepover, visit buschgardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447. Media contact is Busch Gardens Public Relations at BGTPublic.Relations@buschgardens.com or 813-987-5090.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Gardening Masterpieces

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival

Imaginations Blossom this Spring with Gardening Masterpieces at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

Living Works of Art Capture the Excitement of Spring at Inaugural Food & Wine Festival

 

Busch Gardens Tampa is cultivating some excitement this spring with 11 brand new, larger-than-life topiaries, debuting for the park’s inaugural Food & Wine Festival. The Busch Gardens’ horticulture team began creating the living works of art last July, showcasing more than 16 different plant species:

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Spirit of Spring

Located near Bird Gardens, the 20-foot-tall Spirit of Spring features more than 165,000 plants of six different species. Inspired by a 100-year-old bronze art nouveau sculpture, the Spirit of Spring weighs more than 25 tons and will have its own internal irrigation system and reflecting pool.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Topirazzi

Inspired by paparazzi, five Topirazzi figures welcome guests at the front of the park. Crafted by computer-generated and automated laser-cutting machines, these masterpieces are the perfect photo opportunity for guests of all ages.

Sesame Street® Characters

Sesame Street® Safari of Fun blooms this spring with topiaries inspired by Elmo, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.  The topiaries will colorfully decorate the family-friendly area with thousands of red begonias, yellow St. Joseph’s coat and green creeping fig plants.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival

Naga’ Zira’ the Green Boa Constrictor

Reptile lovers will be in awe Naga’ Zira’ the Green Boa Constrictor, a sidewalk serpent made from more than 25,000 of red St. Joseph’s coats, green ficus’ and yellow alternantheras. This horticulture masterpiece is also located near the all-new Conservation Cabin, where guests can learn about animal conservation and even meet several snake species that call Busch Gardens home.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Giant Florida Octopus

The Giant Florida Octopus rises up to 18 feet from the depths of the Garden Gate pond with more than 64,000 flower varieties, including ajugas, creeping figs and alternantheras.

Busch Gardens invites guests to unleash their inner foodie during the inaugural Food & Wine Festival with an exciting variety of sample-size tastings of delicious cuisine and spirits, tempting taste buds like never before. Plus, the Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, soft rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music during live concerts every event day on Gwazi Field.

 

The Festival is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

 

For more information, visit buschgardens.com. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, and join the conversation by using #CorksandCoasters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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Busch Gardens Entertainment Spices Up Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens

Eclectic Entertainment Spices Up the Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival

This spring, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival brings together the best ingredients for a good time, including live entertainment, stage shows and local band performances on Gwazi Field:

 

 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

Local Band Performances

Before headlining concerts at 6 p.m., local bands take the stage at 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. Some of the hottest Tampa Bay-area bands will entertain festivalgoers, including the Jacob Jeffries Band, Orange Avenue and more. For the entire lineup, visit buschgardens.com.

Mix It Up

This high-energy, food-inspired rhythmic show will get the entire family’s pulse dancing with up-beat music, drum solos, dancers and more. Catch this all-new live stage show at Marrakesh Theatre select times on Festival days.

Wine Glass Harp

Wine glass harmonies vibrate throughout the Moroccan Village as a glass harpist fills the air with an interactive performance simply using wine glasses and water. Performances are at various times on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Atmospheric Entertainment

Busch Gardens brings together the best in entertainment with a flying cellist who combines the art of flying with music and a living fountain that captivates guests with a statuesque performance. Plus, character appearances from a chef, spice salesman and self-acclaimed food and wine experts add exciting, comedic flavor along the Festival pathway.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Entertainment Busch Gardens invites guests to unleash their inner foodie during the inaugural Food & Wine Festival with an exciting variety of sample-size tastings of delicious cuisine and spirits, tempting taste buds like never before. Plus, the Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, soft rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music during live concerts every event day on Gwazi Field. The event takes place on weekends now through April 26.

 

The Festival is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

For more information, visit buschgardens.com. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, and join the conversation by using #CorksandCoasters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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Busch Gardens Tampa Celebrates Sesame Street Safari Of Fun

Busch Gardens Tampa Sesame Street Safari of Fun Logo

Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Celebrates 5th Birthday at Busch Gardens Tampa

 

Busch Gardens Tampa invites guests to bring the kids and come celebrate the fifth birthday of Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Busch Gardens Tampa Sesame Street Safari of Fun Logo

Join Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street characters for a sidewalk parade while dancing along to a kid-friendly DJ. Guests can meet some of their favorite animal ambassadors, enjoy a cake cutting and have fun with other special surprises at this family-friendly party. Plus, Sesame Street Safari of Fun’s hit show A is for Africa, along with Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Me portrait studio appearances, will be scheduled throughout the day.

Busch Gardens Tampa Sesame Street Safari of Fun Logo

The festivities will take place Friday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area, which features kid-friendly rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures.

 Safari of Fun Tea Party - Show Busch Gardens Tampa Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Find more information at buschgardens.com. And be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Cheetahs

Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Cheetahs

Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Cheetahs

Cubs Receive Around-The-Clock Care By Park’s Animal Care Experts

 

Busch Gardens Tampa has welcomed two new adorable additions – three-month-old cheetah cubs. The Busch Gardens animal care team is providing 24-hour-care as the cubs continue to get stronger and explore their new home.

The cubs were born on Nov. 22, 2014 and weigh approximately 12 pounds. Their names, which were given by the Busch Gardens animal care team, are Tendai, meaning “thankful,” and Thabo, meaning “joy.”

httpv://youtu.be/7fuFXjv3MGE

Once the cubs are old enough, they will start their own coalition as part of Cheetah Run, the innovative cheetah habitat that opened alongsideBusch Gardens’ triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt, in 2011. Until then, guests can see the cubs at various times throughout the day in the Edge of Africa area of the park, or by taking an Animal Care Center Behind The Scenes tour through Sunday, March 1.

Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Cheetahs  2

 

Cheetahs are included on both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of vulnerable species as well as on the US Endangered Species Act list of threatened species. Upon reaching maturity, the cubs may also become an important part of Busch Gardens’cheetah breeding program that will help boost the cheetah population.

Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Cheetahs

 

These births are part of Busch Gardens’ participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited facilities. Busch Gardens’ participation helps create genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations to guarantee the long-term future of these animals.

 Busch Gardens Tampa logo PhotoKey

Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™, one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a worldwide leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company cares for one of the largest animal collections in North America and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations.

 

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Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Gorilla

 Gorilla Birth Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Welcomes Baby Gorilla Enzi

Female is Second Since December, Bringing Gorilla Troop to Seven

 

Busch Gardens Tampa has welcomed another endangered western lowland gorilla. The female gorilla was born on Feb. 6 at 8:30 p.m. and is being cared for by 27-year-old mother Mary.

Gorilla Birth Busch Gardens Tampa

Guests will be able to see the baby gorilla on the Myombe Reserve habitat in the coming days, along with the rest of the gorilla troop.  Or, check out the Busch Gardens YouTube channel now for a first look!

“The first month will be the critical period as the mother, Mary, and the infant begin to integrate into the current gorilla troop, so the Busch Gardens animal care team will be monitoring their progress closely,” said Jeff Andrews, vice president of zoological operations for Busch Gardens.

Gorilla Birth Busch Gardens Tampa

This is Busch Gardens’ third successful gorilla birth. Bolingo, the suspected sire, was the park’s first gorilla birth in 2005. The mother, Mary, came to Busch Gardens in February 2010 from Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas with daughter Pele, who just gave birth this past December to baby Enzi.

 

 

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Chef Norman Van Aken Creating Culinary Adventures At Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and WIne Festival Logo Chef Norman Van Aken

CULINARY HEAVYWEIGHTS COOK UP EXCITEMENT AT INAUGURAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Award-Winning Chef Norman Van Aken Helps Create Culinary Adventures Busch Gardens

 

This spring, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is feeding guests’ appetites for adventure with wild flavors and concerts for every taste on Saturdays and Sundays from March 7 through April 26. In addition to Busch Gardens’ own Executive Chef Ron DeBonis, acclaimed Chef Norman Van Aken, founder of NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, has helped inspire these culinary masterpieces.

 

Chef Norman Van Aken

Chef Norman Van Aken Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine

Referred to as the “Father of New World Cuisine,” Chef Van Aken has several culinary awards, including a James Beard Award and was honored as one of the “Founders of the New America Cuisine” at Madrid Fusion. And this year Chef Van Aken will represent Florida at the USA Pavilion at EXPO Milano as part of the World’s Fair, titled “American Food 2.0, United to Feed the Planet.” 

He’s also the author of six cookbooks and was selected by The Tampa Bay Times as “one of the 25 people who mattered the most in Florida’s history.” Van Aken’s restaurant, NORMAN’S, was nominated as a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Restaurant in America,” and Chef Van Aken is the only Floridian inducted into the James Beard list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.”

 

Fans can find Chef Van Aken during the opening weekend of the Food & Wine Festival on March 7-8. In addition to making appearances throughout the Festival grounds, he will also do a book signing on Saturday, March 7. Be sure to check buschgardens.com for the latest information.

 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival Chef Norman Van Aken

Busch Gardens invites guests to unleash their inner foodie during the inaugural Food & Wine Festival with an exciting variety of sample-size tastings of delicious cuisine and spirits, tempting taste buds like never before. Plus, the Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, soft rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music during live concerts every event day on Gwazi Field.

The Festival is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival Logo

For more information, visit buschgardens.com. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, and join the conversation by using #CorksandCoasters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Food & Wine Festival Menu

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival Logo

Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Food & Wine Festival Menu

Inaugural Event Tempts Taste Buds with More

Than 50 Wines, 50 Craft Brews and Variety of Culinary Delights

 Guests can now explore the Busch Gardens® Food & Wine Festival menu online and prep their palettes for the inaugural spring event debuting on March 7. From comfort classics like bacon mac & cheese to decedent desserts like passion fruit flan, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival feeds guests’ appetite for adventure with wild flavors for every taste:

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

Gourmet Lodge:

Explore the exotic flavors of Gourmet Lodge, featuring duck confit, venison chili and other exciting dishes.

Savory Tavern:

Tempt taste buds with the rich flavors of Savory Tavern, including coconut shrimp cigars, braised lamb shank and passion fruit flan.

Chef’s Plantation:

Pan-seared salmon cakes, a griddled cheese cake sandwich and more await your palette at Chef’s Plantation.

Coast to Coast Cookery:

Flavors of the land and sea come together at Coast to Coast Cookery, featuring hangar steak, bacon-wrapped prawns and more.

Field House Eatery:

The Field House Eatery is the Festival’s biggest location, offering pan-seared scallops, roasted pork belly and mango éclairs right on Gwazi Field.

Southern Station:

Southern Station tantalizes taste buds with shrimp & grits, pan-fried cod and beef short rib.

Comfort Kitchen:

The Comfort Kitchen fuses classics like bacon mac & cheese with contemporary eats like habanero shrimp salad.

Light Fare Canteen:

Freshen up your palette at the Light Fare Canteen with scallop ceviche and an heirloom tomato & goat cheese salad.

Blazin’ Bistro:

Blazin’ Bistro breaks out the grill for fire-braised pork chops and jerk chicken sliders.

 Busch Gardens Tampa Food and WIne Festival Logo

The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival runs from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, March 7 through April 26. Plus, raise your glass to live concerts at 6 p.m. on Gwazi Field. The Festival is included with any pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverages are available for purchase at an additional fee.

For more event information, including detailed menus and a full list of wine, craft brews and cocktails, visit buschgardens.com. Stay connected and join the conversation by using #corksandcoasters on Busch Gardens’ Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

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