Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Animal Care Center

Learn About Our Animal Care Center & Observation Area

Observe animal care first-hand in this state-of-the-art facility.

Get a chance to closely observe and even take part in the animal care experience at the Animal Care Center. From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, you'll be able to watch animal care first-hand in this state-of-the-art facility.


The Animal Care Center is also home to the hit Emmy-nominated TV series, The Wildlife Docs®. The show takes viewers inside the work of zoological professionals, including Busch Gardens' own veterinarians and trainers.


Busch Gardens Tampa Bay cares for more than 12,000 animals representing more than 300 species! Their parent company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are world leaders in animal care, caring for one of the world's largest zoological collections of more than 60,000 animals in total. Each year, the animals at Busch Gardens eat about 1.4 million pounds of food, which works out to be 4,000 pounds daily. Our nutrition team modifies 60 percent of the animal diets every month to meet each animal's individual needs.

  • The Animal Care Center is Proudly Sponsored By:

    The Animal Care Center is proudly sponsored by Tampa General Hospital

  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Animal Care Center

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    Get the insider perspective of our state-of-the-art Animal Care Center.

    • bullet 45 minute walking tour
    • bullet Go behind-the-scenes at the Animal Care Center
    • bullet Must be ages 8 & up to participate
    This unique behind-the-scenes tour will show you what happens when expertise is combined with passion. You will get the opportunity to see what our veterinary and zoological staff does every day including lifesaving treatments, comprehensive medical exams and life-enriching programs. Through this tour, you will get a better understanding of what it takes to take care of the animals that call Busch Gardens home.

    Things to know before you go:
    • Content may not be suitable for some participants. Guests on tour may witness live medical procedures.
    • Children must be ages 8 and up to participate. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

    Pass Members save 10% on this experience. Please log in to see discounted pricing. 


    The Animal Care Center Tour is subject to availability. Limited quantities are available each day.

    Park admission is not included and is required. Prices listed are per person and do not include tax. Tours must be cancelled a minimum of 24 hours in advance or total payment is forfeited. Tours are non-refundable if guests miss their tour time. If you have any questions or need to adjust your reservation, call (813)884-4FUN(4386). All tours are subject to availability. Animal interactions and program components may vary. All tour components and pricing are subject to change.  
    Behind-the-scenes
    Guest (ages 8+) $29.00 /ea.
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The Wildlife Docs

As seen on ABC, The Wildlife Docs reveals the adventure, suspense and dynamic emotions that arise from caring for one of the world's largest and most varied animal collections.

Watch Now
The Wildlife Docs Television Series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Photos of Animal Care Center

Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Visit the Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

More Animal Experiences

Animal Connections at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Animal Connections

See animals up-close.

Kangaloom at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Animal Feeding Opportunities

Hand-feed some feathered & furry friends throughout the park.

See Giraffes up close with the opportunity to feed them

Serengeti Safari

Trek across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain on an open-air touring vehicle.