Busch Gardens has joined forces with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay with the “Busch Gardens Happy Tails” program to raise adoption awareness for homeless dogs and cats. Starting Feb. 27, Busch Gardens will provide two complimentary single-day admission tickets to pet lovers who adopt a new dog or cat from the Humane Society’s Tampa shelter.

Lots of images come to mind when one thinks of “animal training” … One might conjure a picture of a sea lion bouncing a ball on its nose, a Clydesdale in a television commercial shoot, or a service dog in a shopping mall. Animals work alongside us in many ways, helping and enriching our lives.

A large zebra on a surgical table is not your everyday sighting!

A few weeks ago, guests had the unique opportunity to watch through floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the Animal Care Center as Veterinarian Dr. Pete Black performed an endoscopic exam on a female Grevy’s zebra. -- AND we want to share a few photos from the exam with you!

Just minutes before taking the stage at Busch Gardens’ Bands, Brew & BBQ festival on Sunday, Feb. 19, former Poison frontman and reality TV star Bret Michaels met the most popular – and hairiest – of Busch Gardens’ Animal Ambassadors team, Harry the sloth.

Have you ever made lunch for a elephant?

Have you ever seen an ultrasound on a sloth? I hadn’t until I started working in and around Busch Gardens' newest attraction the Animal Care Center. Within this 16,000 sq ft facility you will be able to experience educational nutrition shows, learn about animal care and enjoy an interactive diagnostic activity.

The holidays are typically a time of giving and sharing, families gather and spend time together. For those of you who like to give back during the holidays, I want to share with you some unique things you can do to help endangered and threatened animals during this time of year.

Go Shopping Online!

Approaching its final weekend, you do not want to miss out on the zombie-infested, most horrifying Howl-O-Scream yet in “The Dark Side of the Gardens.” This year, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is overgrown with NEW haunted houses, thrilling live shows and the opportunity to experience Florida’s first triple launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt, in the dark.

For those who plan to attend HOS this weekend… beware, “Zombies Live Here” – the scare is everywhere you turn in “The Dark Side of the Gardens.”

Attempt to make it out of Death Row Vengeance alive, for the house is not only overrun with inmates on death row, but a zombie plague infests Grey Echo Penitentiary this year causing inmates and HOS-goers to “fear the dead.” Scott Swenson, HOS Creative Director, prescribes how to steer clear of contracting the deadly zombie virus.