Busch Garden's Edge of Africa

Busch Garden's Tampa Edge of Africa
Opening on July 4, 1997 Busch Garden's Edge of Africa is a 15 acre area along the southwest corner of the Serengeti Plain, was carved out of the 75 acre Serengeti Plain. This habitat features a series of walkthrough exhibits and multiple views of the Serengeti Plain. These fence free exhibits showcase Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Spotted Hyenas, African Lions, African Crested Porcupines and Meerkats.
The normal starting point is a fishing village where we can catch glimpses of the hippos up close. The theming of Edge of Africa is that wild animals have taken over this village.
In 2011 the Cheetah Hunt opened, featuring a three launch system roller coaster as well as an animal exhibit that replaced the former Clydesdale Hamlet. This became known as Cheetah Run. Here running demonstrations and Keeper session are featured throughout the day.
Surrounding this area is Egypt. This area designed as if it's an Egyptian marketplace. Two roller Coasters are featured here the Cobra's Curse as well as Montu.
In 1965 the Serengeti Plain opened at Busch Gardens. This first of its kind experience to offer animals in free-roaming environment. The Serengeti Plain started as a 29 acre exhibit and has reached it's current size after the Edge of Africa expansion of 65 acres. This Serengeti Plain is home to Grant's & Grevy's Zebras, Reticulated Giraffes, Sable Antelope, Addax, White and Black Rhinos, Marabout storks as well as Elands, Impalas and Ostrich's.
The Award winning Serengeti Safari tour is a half hour trek on the back of a truck through the Serengeti Plain. Giving us a unique opportunity to hand-feed giraffes and observe many species of plains animals up close, including various Antelopes, Rhinos, Ostriches and Zebras. The Cost for this varies on different days but usually runs around $49.99 per person.
The Serengeti Overlook offers three different Food and Drink areas and a fantastic pan view of the Serengeti Plain from its outdoor patio.
Few Facts About The Animals:
Thomson Gazelle - These medium sized antelopes tend to live in herds that can reach as many as several hundred animals. However the open plains of the Savanna make them visible to predators, to help them survive Gazelles can reach speeds of 55 miles an hour allowing them to make quick escapes.
Lowland Nyala - 80% of the total population of these antelope live in the dense woodlands of national parks and sanctuaries throughout South Africa.
Spotted Hyena - These highly skilled predators are often though of as scavengers, but are actually aggressive hunters. Often hunting in groups to catch larger prey. One of the vocalizations these animals make sounds like laughter, this is not the same emotion as it is for us. For Hyenas, its often a sign of excitement or anxiety, often heard when the clan is having a hierarchy dispute or have successfully completed a hunt.
African Lion - These big cats can be found in social groups known as prides. Females of this species, often hunt in groups during the darkest and coolest hours of early morning. Although only one of four hunting events is successful, dominant males always eat first, females second and the cubs have to scramble for scraps and leftovers. The roars of an adult lion can be heard up to five miles away and warns off intruders or reunites scattered pride members.
African Crested Porcupine - This is the largest porcupine on earth, they can reach lengths of 29 inches long and weigh between 18-51 lbs. When threated or aggressive, these porcupine stamp their feet, growl and grunt. the quills on their tail are narrow and hollow and can range up to 20 inches in length.
Meerkats - live in a dominant alpha male and female group or community of 5 to 15 members with each have a designated role such as sentries or babysitters.
Ring-Tailed Lemurs - the most terrestrial of all lemurs, spending a great deal of time on the ground instead of the trees and females will carry her newborn in her mouth until the baby is able to cling to the fur on the mother's stomach or back
Hippopotamus - This animal can be extremely unpredictable, making it one of the most dangerous mammal's in Africa. Hippos will spend most of their days in the water or wallowing in mud, coming up on land to feed mostly at night. These giant animals are herbivores, having a diet of grasses and vegetation. Their lips are almost two feet wide making them efficient grazers.
Nile Crocodiles - Reach lengths of 20ft and can reach up to speeds of 22mph when swimming. These predators will hunt migrating fish by working together, they from a semi-circle across the rive and herd the fish, eating those that are closest to them.
Thanks for joining me on this trek through the Edge of Africa at Busch Gardens! -Brad
Here is another video to get you started on your Zoo Journey
Busch Gardens Animal Connection - • Animal Connection | Bu...

[@ZoosTravelers]

Thanks for joining me on this trek through Edge of Africa at Busch Gardens Tampa. Hope everyone one enjoys and if anyone has any other recommended exhibits to explore leave me a comment.
If you are new to the channel here's Busch Gardens Animal Connection - ua-cam.com/video/CTLyh2ITXRM/v-deo.html

[@adelebest3315]

The safari tour is well worth it!

[@ZoosTravelers]

Agreed! probably the best experience at Busch Gardens

[@ZoologyMike]

Love Edge of Africa!! It’s a great place to take photos of the animals, especially the lions and meerkats.

[@ZoosTravelers]

Agreed! It's a top runner for my favorite Africa exhibit.

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

Love the Busch Gardens Parks. This African exhibit is the best. You got some great shots; especially those closeups of the giraffes eating and the hippo swimming. The hyenas we’re having a blast playing chase and wrestling in the water. Lots of favs in this one. Be safe, Bill and DeAnna

[@ZoosTravelers]

Feeding the giraffes is always a favorite! I think that might have been the most active hyenas I've ever seen. I'll go back and do a video when busch gardens has their craft beer festival here in a month that's an event I highly recommend.
Safe travels! -Brad

[@wolf_of_maned]

HYENAS LETS GOOOOOOOO

[@ZoosTravelers]

They have a very nice habitat for them here!

[@wolf_of_maned]

@@ZoosTravelers yup

[@ZoosTravelers]

This might be my favorite africa section at a zoological park

[@wolf_of_maned]

@@ZoosTravelers ever seen the one at Omaha?

[@ZoosTravelers]

Yes I have and it's an excellent habitat

[@seanzhou6688]

Do