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.
“Our goal with the Happy Tails program is to encourage the adoption of these great animals that need a loving home. We are pleased to work with organizations like the Humane Society of Tampa Bay since they are so dedicated to the well-being of animals in the Bay area community,” said Busch Gardens’ curator Rob Yordi. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to adopters who help save these animals.”
Busch Gardens has long supported local animal shelters by providing homes, and a second chance at life, for abandoned and neglected animals. Considered by many to be “untrainable,” these adopted animals now steal the stage—and fans’ hearts –as stars in the park’s popular show “Critter Castaways.” These furry ambassadors bring smiles to thousands of guests every day while promoting the importance of shelter adoptions. Five of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks across the country now feature a rescued pet show that promotes supporting local shelters.
The park’s most famous adoptee, Mtani, a Labrador-retriever mix, joined the Busch Gardens family in 2011 to become life-long friends to Kasi the cheetah after the baby cheetah was orphaned. Since coming to the park, the cheetah and dog have lived together at Cheetah Run.
This is the fourth region to launch the Happy Tails program, started by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment®. The program has helped thousands of dogs and cats find loving homes in the communities and neighborhoods surrounding SeaWorld® Orlando, SeaWorld® San Antonio, SeaWorld® San Diego and Busch Gardens® Williamsburg.
The tickets are valid for a single-day admission to the theme park and are valid for one year from the pet adoption date. Tickets will be printed onsite at the participating shelter. Happy Tails details and participating shelter information can be found at
buschgardens.com/happytailstampa.