ZOOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION Dedicated to public education concerning animal and habitat preservation, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay incorporates a world-class zoo providing its more than 2,800 inhabitants representing nearly 320 species with lavish naturalistic environments. Within the 335-acre property, animals of every size and shape reside in meticulously maintained habitats as ambassadors of the park's numerous breeding and conservation objectives. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ranks among the premier zoos in North America, providing unparalleled interactive experiences between guests and majestic animals from around the globe.

ANIMAL SPECIES

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

An Animal Information Database developed by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, in conjunction with its sister Sea World parks in Orlando, San Diego, Cleveland and San Antonio, has entered the on-line world at web site address: http./www.bev.net/education/SeaWorld. Consisting of several hundred pages of educational information, the database includes fact sheets, teaching guides, and an expanding library of "animal bytes" which offer facts about various species. The database has been honored by several organizations including the American Zoological and Aquarium Association, which recognized the site with a significant achievement award for an animal information database.

SAFARI CLASSES

Educational excursions for all ages are conducted throughout the park as in-depth animal experiences at various times during the year.

A is for Animals introduces toddlers to the world of wildlife through activities including crafts and games, which help foster an understanding and compassion for all living creatures

Junior Zookeeper offers youngsters opportunities to perform daily tasks associated with caring for animals, placing an emphasis on the needs of pets within home environments.

Night Hike invites curious minds to travel through the Serengeti Plain after dusk observing nocturnal behaviors of various species as they adapt to the darkness of night.

Really Reptiles identifies the importance of these cold-blooded creatures and their often misunderstood roles in the natural environment in a hands-on class.

Custom Safari features a comprehensive and interactive education ofthe park's zoo animals, and the facilities necessary for their adequate maintenance.

Zoo Camp enters its 16th year as a summer program for students in kindergarten through high school yearning to understand how to unite with zoos like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to ensure the conservation of earth's habitats and the creatures residing within them. The program consists of week-long sessions throughout the summer months.

PARK PRESENTATIONS

Elephant Wash- Combining amusement with wildlife edification, this presentation involves the hosing down of Asian elephants, one of the world's largest land mammals. While engaged in a playful splashing exchange, conservation educators present a bounty of information concerning this endangered species.

Snakes and More- This tent outpost illustrates both live specimens and skeletons of several reptiles as conservation staff members provide little-known facts to passing guests.

Conservation Exchanges- Conservation specialists are stationed at points around the park including the Myombe Reserve: The Great Ape Domain and American alligator habitats, enhancing guests' observations of various animals with informative talks about their characteristics and behaviors

Rolling Carts- Circling the park are classrooms condensed into portable carts and highlighted by live and skeletal specimens. E~ibits including Rolling Reptiles and the Elephant's Trunk are conducted by conservation educators in the form of question and answer sessions.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Throughout the year, educators from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's conservation program take their messages on the road, transporting their knowledge to classrooms around the country both in person and via satellite.

The Nature Science Series provides an evolving curriculum to students in the Tampa Bay area and beyond through presentations by conservation educators of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Combining the resources of visual materials, live animals, and additional teaching tools for educators, the program cultivates attitudes and awareness of environmental conservation. The series becomes a portable classroom several times a year as park representatives visit cities across the eastern United States.

Shamu TV utilizes video segments broadcast via satellite to disseminate Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's commitment to conservation education in conjunction with Sea World parks around the country. By feeding its broadcast to classrooms throughout the United States, which potentially reaches 13 million students, the program provides an interactive medium for learning about marine and land species and their habitats.

Myombe Reserve: The Great Ape Domain is one of the most intricate park habitats, blending rugged terrain, rock formations, lush vegetation and waterfalls within a three acre site. Through a self-guided tour, guests observe behaviors of the reserve's chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas, and gain insight into their abilities, social structure and daily activities by reading periodic fact sheets spotted throughout the tour.

A walk-through Koala habitat in the Bird Gardens area illustrates the docile nature of these Australian natives along with several other species indigenous to the far-away continent.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Elephant habitat encompasses a 1.5-acre area designed to accommodate one of the world's largest land mammals, the Asian elephant. Highlighted by over-sized swimming holes and waterfalls, the habitat provides a scenic view and acts as a backdrop for the daily elephant wash educational presentation.

Claw Island, a lavish island habitat surrounded with flowing water generated by a waterfall, plays home to white and yellow Bengal tigers. From overhead observation bridges, guests have opportunities to witness feedings which often involve the tigers exhibiting their predisposition for swimming.

An Aldabra tortoise environment landscaped with mounds as round as its inhabitants becomes an educational stop several times daily as zoo educators share information about this slow but sure species. Indigenous to the Indian Ocean region, these massive reptiles are currently bred at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Stanleyville's Warthog site illustrates the physical and behavioral characteristics of this African species in a free-running enclosed area. Passing guests are invited to pause and examine the facial warts responsible for the animals' name and unique aesthetic qualities.

A feeling of twilight surrounds the Curiosity Caverns as creatures of the night including vampire bats, porcupines, water monitors and a variety of venomous snakes make their appearances in a habitat resembling undisturbed caves in the far reaches of civilization.

Nairobi's Animal Nursery offers a glance of the precious care given to each of the park's inhabitants while the Petting Zoo furnishes an opportunity to make direct contact with residents such as goats and llamas.

The Bird Gardens' Aviary and Flamingo Island habitats house flocks of brilliantly adorned birds of all sizes displaying their captivating colors and characteristics in an equally impressive foliage-encompassed atmosphere.

Busch Gardens Photo Albums