Busch Gardens Welcomes White Rhino Calf: Help Name Her
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has welcomed a new female southern white rhino calf to its herd. Weighing approximately 100 pounds, the calf was born to its mother, Kisiri. She will soon join the park’s diverse array of African wildlife, which includes zebras, ostriches, giraffes, and various species of antelope, all residing in the expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain.
To celebrate this addition, Busch Gardens invites rhino enthusiasts to participate in a limited-time online poll to choose her name. The options, inspired by the Swahili language, include Azizi, meaning “precious treasure”; Zahara, meaning “flower”; and Zina, translating to “secret” or “beautiful.” The poll is open now and will close on September 28, 2024. The winning name will be revealed on the park’s social media channels.
Visitors can look forward to seeing the calf in the coming days as she joins her mother and the rest of the herd on the Serengeti Plain. This is a unique opportunity for guests to watch her grow, as she is expected to gain about 100 pounds each month.
Busch Gardens shared the exciting news on Instagram, stating, “Here’s a new baby rhino on the Serengeti, and just in time for #WorldRhinoDay! [heart emoji] [rhino emoji] Stay tuned to our social media channels and website to learn more about our newest member on the Veldt, and don’t forget to book a Serengeti Safari for an opportunity to get a closer look!”
In addition, the park is preparing to launch its latest attraction, the Wild Oasis realm, in Spring 2025. This brand-new adventure zone, located in the park’s Jungala area, promises an interactive and thrilling experience for all ages. Wild Oasis will blend exciting rides, immersive environments, and close encounters with wildlife.
Visitors will be transported to a lush rainforest, where they can enjoy a revamped drop tower enhanced with advanced digital and sound effects. Families will also have the chance to cool off in a dynamic water-play area or explore a multi-level climbing canopy. Animal enthusiasts can look forward to a brand-new, multi-species habitat for up-close interactions with fascinating creatures from around the globe.
“It’s been five years since we last opened this part of the park, and we’re excited to breathe new life into it with Wild Oasis,” said Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “Whether you’re into high-flying thrills, water adventures, or learning about animals, Wild Oasis offers something for everyone.”
For those eager to be among the first to experience Wild Oasis, a 2025 Busch Gardens Annual Pass is now available. This pass provides exclusive early access to the new attraction, along with benefits such as free parking, guest tickets, monthly rewards, and in-park discounts. For a limited time, pass holders can also enjoy a free upgrade to the next tier level.
