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Daily Bucket: Local Wildlife Carries On in Busch Gardens Tampa [1]
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Date: 2025-02-26
Tampa Bay, with a population of almost 3.5 million, is one of the most densely-populated tourist areas in the world. But even here in this sea of city and cement, Mother Nature adapts and “life” thrives.
The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or snakies in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like photos. :)
Busch Gardens Tampa began its life as an actual garden, located next to one of Annheuser-Busch’s beer breweries in Florida. After a while the company began offering tours, some rides were added, and the park became a tourist attraction, intended mostly to promote the company’s beer (“free samples!”). When Annheuser-Busch was purchased by the giant InBev company, all of the theme parks (Sea World and Busch Gardens) were sold off to become independent. Today Busch Gardens is a weird melding of “zoo” and “theme park”, and the emphasis has slowly shifted from “animals” to “thrill rides”. But attractions like the “African Plains” still remain (though it is currently closed for remodeling), and the local wildlife is still able to find a home on the park’s grounds.
I visited the park a little while ago to renew my annual pass. I also wanted to see if the Shoveler Ducks were still hanging around (they overwinter in one of the African ponds every year). Alas, though, I could not get into the African Plains so I could not see the Shovelers.
But there were still some local critters hanging out inside the park. Life finds a way, and adapts to whatever circumstances it can. So no matter where you are, even in the middle of a big city, Mother Nature will still be all around you, living wherever it can.
Some photos—most of these were taken just a short while ago, others are from previous visits since much of the park is currently closed off for remodeling.
The African Plains exhibit is huge, with wide open areas and several ponds. The local wildlife loves it.
Juvie White Ibis foraging in one of the ponds
Some local Wood Storks
There is always a mob of Ibis here begging from the tourists, who they view as just another steady food source
The Laughing Gulls also make a living by robbing the tourists
The ponds attract a lot of local Mallards
Mallards hanging out with some African pelicans
The Ruddy Ducks like to hang out in the “Australia” pond at the other end of the park
The Hippo pond is full of African Cichlids, which present an all-you-can-eat fish bar for the local birdies
Ibis, Cormorants, Anhingas and Egrets all hang out here
Great Egret
The trees around the Alligator pond are favored nesting sites every spring, especially for the Ibis
Some local Cooters in the Alligator pond
And a Red-Bellied Turtle
Shoveler Duck—not in Busch Gardens, but in Largo Nature Preserve not far away, where they also overwinter. So they are still here.
And now it’s your turn: what’s going on in your neck of the woods?
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