The Rhino Encounter allowed guests to get up close and in-depth with both white and black rhinos on the Serengeti Plain. The tour debuted in the summer of 2019 and did not return after the extended closure in 2020.
History
The Rhino Encounter tour was offered beginning in June 2019. The new encounter was introduced as a regular offering following two limited-time offerings of a similar Rhino Endangered Species Tour that also featured up-close experiences with a black rhino.
At its debut, the tour started at $59.99 per person, with pass member discounts available. Guests were required to be eight years old and a minimum of 54 inches tall to participate. The tour was not wheelchair accessible due to the walking required on unpaved surfaces and uneven terrain.
The 45-minute experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the care for the park’s white rhinos, and an up-close encounter with Jody, the park’s endangered black rhinoceros out on the Serengeti Plain.
Guests who embarked on the Rhino Encounter on September 21 and 22, 2019, received a special rhino thermography photo in celebration of World Rhino Day.
Rhino Encounter remained available in early 2020, with the pricing starting at $59.99 per person.
Following the extended park closure from March 16 through June 10, 2020, the Rhino Encounter did not return to the available tour offerings.
Sources:
Twitter – @BuschGardens | Jun 18 2019 – accessed 12/15/2019
Twitter – @BuschGardens | Sep 18 2019 – accessed 9/18/2019
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Rhino Encounter – accessed 9/18/2019
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Rhino Encounter – accessed 1/11/2020
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Park Tours – accessed 12/4/2020
Last update: October 9, 2020