Welcome AZA Conference Guests to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Get ready for an unforgettable Zoo Day filled with animals, adventures, and incredible memories! Our Task Force Zoological team has curated suggested paths to help you make the most of your visit. Look for AZA signage at Nairobi Gate, Animal Care Center, Pantopia Theater, Stanleyville, and Gwazi Event Pavilion for refreshments and event information.

Map of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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Carnivore & Training Track

Hi! My name is Brandon and as a cheetah specialist at Busch Gardens this track is a great way to see all the carnivores while witnessing the training that we do here at the park.

10:00 Cheetah Session
10:30 Lion Training Session
11:00 Cheetah Run Presentation
Ride Cheetah Hunt
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:00 Elephant Medical Procedure Demonstration
2:00 Tiger Open House
2:45 Tiger Pool Session
Ride the intense Iron Gwazi on the way back to the bus

Primate & More

Hi! My name is Gillian, I’m on our Myombe team working with our chimpanzees and gorillas. This track shows love to our primate family!

10:30 Chimp Training Session
11:00 Gorilla Training Session
11:30 Orangutan Session
12:00 Orangutan Open House
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:00 Gorilla Open House
1:30 Lemur Session & Keeper Talk
2:00 Chimp Training Session
2:30 Cheetah Run Presentation

Animal Health Behind-The-Scenes

Hi! My name is Megan—I am the pathology technician at Busch Gardens. This track will show you all the amazing ways we keep our animals healthy!

10:15 Preventive Medical Procedure at Animal Care Center
11:00 Animal Care Center Open House
11:45 Nutrition Center Tour
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:00 Elephant Medical Procedure Demonstration
2:00 Necropsy Tour

Family Friendly Track

Hi, my name is Heather! While I love my professional title of Registrar, my favorite and most important title will always be Mom. Today, I’m sharing a few things I’d enjoy doing with my little ones.

10:00 Haunted House Lights on Tour
Ride Montu & Cobras Curse
Walk through Edge of Africa and ride the Train
11:30 Mzinga Lodge Tour
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Explore Painted Camel Gift Shop for souvenirs
1:30 Pantopia Animal Presentation
Younger kids explore Wild Oasis. Older kids visit Tiger or Orangutan Open House
2:45 Tiger Pool Session
Ride the Skyride back to the front OR head to Sesame Safari of Fun for small children
3:30 Hippo Feed & Keeper Talk

All Things Behavior Track

Hi, my name is Gracie, and I am one of the animal care specialists for the Animal Presentation in Pantopia and our brand-new area of the park – Wild Oasis! I love learning and talking about all things behavior so here is my suggested track!

10:00 Cheetah Session
10:30 Chimp or Lion Training Session
11:00 Gorilla Training Session
11:30 Elephant Barn Open House
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:30 Pantopia Animal Presentation
2:00 - 2:40 Tiger & Orangutan Open House
2:45 Tiger Pool Session
3:30 Hippo Feed & Keeper Talk

Predators, Prey, and the Wild in Between

Hello! My name is Alaura, and I am one of the Zoological Specialists in the Nutrition Center. This track offers the opportunity to see a diverse range of animals, training sessions, and behind-the-scenes areas here at Busch Gardens!

10:00 Cheetah Session
10:30 Lion Training Session
11:00 Crocodile Training Session
11:15 - 12:10 Hippo Barn, Animal Connections and Reptile/Amphibian Open House
12:15 Nutrition Center Tour
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:30 Elephant Barn Open House
2:15 - 2:45 Tiger & Orangutan Open House
3:00 Alligator Feeding Session

Wild Wonder Track

Hello, my name is Becca and I'm a senior zoological specialist on Birds West! If you're indecisive like me BUT want to see as many animals as possible — this track may be for you!

10:00 Cheetah Session
10:30 Lorikeet Feeding
11:00 Kangaroo Feeding
12:15 Animal Connections Keeper Talk
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:00 Elephant Medical Procedure Demonstration
1:30 Lemur Session & Keeper Talk
2:00 Chimp Training Session
2:45 Tiger Pool Session

Reptiles Track

Suggested by Megan Davidson and Anije Matthew from the Edge of Africa team. We’d like to showcase some of our underrated scaly friends!

10:30 Reptile & Amphibian Open House
11:00 Crocodile Training Session
11:30 Animal Connections Open House
12:15 Reptile & Amphibian Feeding
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
2:00 Keeper Talk at Animal Connections
2:30 Crocodile Feed and Keeper Talk
3:00 Alligator Feeding Session

Vet Medicine, Cats and Coasters!

Hi! My name is Devon and I'm a Senior Veterinary Technician at the Animal Care Center in Busch Gardens Tampa! If you have an interest in veterinary medicine, are an avid cat lover, and someone who has an affinity for thrills, below is my suggested track.

10:15 Preventive Medical Procedure at Animal Care Center
11:00 Cheetah Run Presentation
11:20 Ride Cheetah Hunt
11:45 Animal Care Center Open House
Lunch at Dragon Fire Grill 10:00AM - 3:00PM
1:00 Elephant Medical Procedure Presentation
2:00 Necropsy Tour
2:45 Tiger Open House
3:00 Ride Iron Gwazi on the way back to buses

Map of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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Plan your route, enjoy the refreshments, and make the most of your AZA Zoo Day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!