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About Us - History
Species Research - Terrestrial:
African rhinos
Busch Gardens has supported World Wildlife Fund's work in South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe to conserve African rhino species. Projects include improving security and anti-poaching in Namibia's Etosha National Park and monitoring and managing black rhino populations in Kenya. As a result of this ongoing support, black rhino populations have since thrived under stronger protection. At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, nine rhinos have been born since the American Zoo and Aquarium Association launched its Species Survival Plan program, a collaborative effort among zoos to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Tigers
Busch Gardens has supported World Wildlife Fund's tiger conservation and research program, including combating tiger poaching and illegal trade, and training park rangers from Nepal to Russia in enforcement strategies.
Tropical birds and rainforests
Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove have supported Conservation International's work in Brazil's Cerrado and Pantanal regions - both under increasing threat from development and agricultural demands. Home to South America's most rare and endangered species, these regions are prime habitats for more than 800 species of birds. The Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks have also supported CI's tropical bird rehabilitation and release efforts in Brazil, with a special focus on at-risk bird species such as blue-fronted Amazon parrots and hyacinth macaws. These species have been severely depleted due to the pet trade. Research funded by the parks gathers data on whether the released parrots disperse and assimilate back into wild populations. It is hoped that the birds will eventually add to the gene pool by reproducing.
African forest elephants
By helping support field researchers and satellite telemetry efforts, Busch Gardens has worked with Conservation International to safeguard the future of African forest elephants in Ghana. Busch Gardens also supported the Dzanga Forest Elephant Study conducted in Dzanga-Sangha National Park, Bangui, Central African Republic, Africa. With support from Busch Gardens, this study focused on elephant behavior, social structure, population biology, habitat use and conservation in and around the Ndoki-Bai clearing.
Cheetahs
Busch Gardens supported a census study through the Cheetah Conservation Foundation (CCF). CCF conducts multi-site censuses of cheetahs in Namibia to determine population levels in relation to population management, hunting and export practices. As many as 1,000 cheetahs will be marked during the project to monitor distribution and movement patterns.
Gorillas
Busch Gardens contributed to a multi-partner, long-term study of gorilla biology at Mbeli Bai, Congo, West Africa. Researchers study gorilla behavior, population biology, habitat utilization and conservation biology.
Orangutans
Busch Gardens has worked with HUTAN in Malaysia to protect tracts of forest critical to wild orangutans. The park also has supported an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation center in Indonesia, operated by Orangutan Foundation International.
Lions and Hyenas
Busch Gardens supported the Laikipia Carnivore Conservation Research project conducted at Laikipia District, Kenya, Africa by Dr. Lawrence Frank, University of California at Berkeley. The project is a conservation biology study of lions and spotted hyenas involving capture and radio-collaring of both species to collect data to be used in formulating management plans to conserve carnivores in East Africa.
Hippopotamus
Busch Gardens provided funding to Dr. William Barklow, Framingham State College (Mass.) to assist with his studies of hippo ecology, including acoustics. Dr. Barklow also conducted a hippo hearing study at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
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