Jungala; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Newest Attraction
April 20th, 2008
Tampa, FL - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has opened Jungala – its newest and most ambitious park enhancement project to date. Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction invites guests to discover exotic creatures, explore a colorful village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides and live entertainment.
With a nearly 50-year history of caring for animals and the environment, Busch Gardens has created the park’s newest adventure – an exotic jungle where discovery and exploration invite guests to connect with the world around them.
At Jungala’s center, a vibrant village comes alive with the sights and sounds of this jungle paradise. Towering trees, cascading waterfalls and elaborate stone structures shape the landscape, transporting guests to a mythical place where the inhabitants – both human and animal – live in complete harmony with nature.
From atop the tallest trees or beneath the jungle floor, guests are completely immersed in the animals’ world. Multi-tiered habitats allow visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered species – Bengal tigers and orangutans. View orangutans as they maneuver overhead on O-lines, or watch them rest in rope hammocks through glass platforms in a specially designed treehouse.
Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled plunge pool, while a pop-up dome brings guests face to face with these magnificent predators. Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and unusual gharials also make this exotic rainforest home.
Two signature rides add to the excitement of Jungala: Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers ages 6 to 13 that offers three different flight patterns above the tree tops. Wild Surge launches 14 passengers out of a mountain crater above a towering waterfall for a thrilling view of the village below. Tree Tops Trails is 3-story climbing area featuring nets, bridges and crawl tubes, allowing families to explore the different layers of jungle life.
In the village, larger-than-life stiltwalkers highlight the beauty and grace of the colorful jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing birds, frogs and even the trees themselves. Zoo Educators introduce guests to jungle creatures such as lemurs, coatimundi and toucans, and children are invited to participate in impromptu games and musical play throughout the day.
Jungala also offers two new dining options for Busch Gardens guests. The Bengal Bistro, a newly remodeled version of the popular Vivi Restaurant, and the all-new Orang Café offer seasonal entrées, salads and sandwiches, premium snacks and expanded childrens’ menus for hungry explorers of all ages.
For more information on Busch Gardens Africa, call 1-888-800-5447 or visit www.buschgardens.com.
