May

Below are noteworthy events from Busch Gardens Tampa’s history that occurred in the month of May.

Specific Dates:

  • 1st – (2014) Pantopia officially “opens” to guests following its renovations and conversion from Timbuktu.
  • 2nd – 4th – (1980) Over 1200 Girl Scouts attend event at Dark Continent, Adventure Islands, and Busch Gardens Campground (Temple Terrace Beacon – May 22, 1980)
  • 2nd – (2014) Heavy rains cause flash flooding in and around Busch Gardens. The park first announced a delayed opening at 2 p.m. and later decided to remain closed entirely. Several attractions including Cheetah Hunt and Scorpion were affected. Most damage was cleaned up and repaired before opening the next day, although Scorpion and portions of parking lots C and D remained closed through the weekend. (Twitter 5/2/2014 1 & 2)
  • 4th – (2020) Park announces passes will be extended for at least as long as the park is closed and a complimentary tier upgrade will be given for all active annual pass members to last through the end of 2020. (Twitter 5/4/2020)
  • 5th – (2010) Partnering with Discover America, single day tickets offered for $39 online in a limited time sale. Tickets were valid through April 2011. (Twitter 5/5/2010)
  • 5th – (2016) Serpent’s Snacks in Egypt opens to guests for the first time.
  • 6th – 19th – (1985) Senior citizens age 55 or older receive discounted admission of $6.50 (regular price $14.50). Special group rates (15 or more) for scouts or those under 55 start at $7.25 per person (offer available through June 2). (Ledger 4/19/1985)
  • 6th – (2010) Two male gorillas on Myombe Reserve, father & son pair Koundu & Cenzoo, are transferred to Birmingham Zoo.
  • 9th – (2009) A male southern ground hornbill named Tufts is hatched.
  • 12th – (2017) Telemundo show Un Nuevo Dia broadcasts live from Gwazi Field at Busch Gardens Tampa. (Twitter 5/12/2017)
  • 12th – (2018) Power is knocked out park-wide just after opening, caused by a squirrel. The power was out for nearly four hours, coming back on just after 2 p.m. The park stayed open an hour later, closing at 10 p.m. (TCF 5/12/2018)
  • 14th  – (2002) A 21 year-old zookeeper loses her right arm below the elbow after having it torn off by 350 lb, 12 year-old lion while giving a behind the scenes tour of the lion sleeping quarters to her parents and boyfriend. (Los Angeles Times 5/14/2002)
  • 16th – (1977) Senior Citizen Days begin at the park with discounted admission for guests 55 and above though June 5. $5.75 at gate or $5.50 when purchased through Maas Brothers department stores (regular price $6.50). (Ledger 5/20/1977)
  • 16th – (1980) Scorpion opens.
  • 16th – (1996) Montu officially opens to guests.
  • 18th – 20th – (1984) Park celebrates its 25th anniversary with special events. On the 18th, a separately ticketed event takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight, with attractions open and country music star Gary Morris performing two 45 minute shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. in the Festhaus. Advance tickets available for $6.99 at Camelot Music stores, and $7.99 at the gate. Hours extended to 7 p.m. on May 19 & 20, with special buy one, get one free admission available with coupon from area newspapers to “Thank You, Tampa Bay.” On the 19th, special entertainment and activities scheduled to celebrate the anniversary. (Ledger 5/18/1984)
  • 18th – (2013) Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation officially opens to guests in Stanleyville Theater.
  • 18th – (2013) Lions Kembe, Shaba, & Shtuko arrive at the park from a private zoological facility in South Africa.
  • 18th – (2015) “Ride, Slide & Dine Ticket” is offered for $99 allowing guests two visits and two meals at Busch Gardens or Adventure Island. Deal offered through June 14, and tickets valid through October 11. (Press Release)
  • 20th – (2014) Tampa Bay CityPASS goes live, allowing guests one visit to Busch Gardens and several other area attractions during a 9 day period for a discounted price. (Busch Gardens 2/26/2014)
  • 21st – (2005) SheiKra officially opens to guests.
  • 23rd – (1991) Questor opens to guests.
  • 24th – 26th – (1975) The park celebrates Memorial Day Weekend with two daily concerts at Stanleyville Theater featuring The Southern Gentleman, Sonny James, and the Hee Haw Twins, the Hagers. (Ledger 5/23/1975)
  • 24th – (2018) Promotion released offering veterans and up to three guests free admission to one Busch Gardens or SeaWorld park through July 4, 2018. (Busch Gardens 5/24/2018)
  • 24th – (2019) Park launches a Memorial Day Flash Sale with discounts of up to 30% off Fun Cards and Annual Passes. Originally scheduled to end on June 2, it was extended through June 9. (Twitter 5/24/2019 & 6/3/2019)
  • 25th – (1962) The park announces a 3.5 to 4 million dollar expansion program, to include an authentic American Plains area located behind the brewery, an African Veldt section located east and north of the facility, a miniature train with a 2-mile route through the new areas, and additional parking facilities to handle the expected increase in crowds. (St. Petersburg Times & Tampa Tribune 5/26/1962)
  • 25th – (1962) It is reported that attendance for 1962 has reached 700,000. (Tampa Tribune 5/26/1962)
  • 25th – (2018) Salute to Summer flash sale released with single-day discount tickets valid through July 1, 2018, for $45, with a $10 add-on option for a day at Adventure Island. 2018 Fun Card available for $59. The sale ended June 3, 2018. (Busch Gardens 5/25/2018)
  • 26th – (1982) Congo River Rapids opens.
  • 26th – (2013) Athlete Alex Rodriguez visits the park with family. (Twitter 5/26/2013)
  • 27th – (1961) The park is showcased on WFLA’s television broadcast of Floridaland Gardens. Park Director Richard Naegeli and Manager of Public Activities Thomas J. Pinta took viewers on a tour of the Bird Gardens area showing off the huge variety of plants and animals. Park hours were reported as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Sundays and holidays. (Tampa Tribune 5/28/1961)
  • 27th – (2011) Cheetah Hunt officially opens to guests.
  • 27th – (2016) Serengeti Overlook Restaurant (formerly Crown Colony Restaurant) officially opens with daily service, following a soft open the previous day.
  • 29th – (2013) “3-Park Summer Sizzler” ticket offered for $99, allowing unlimited admission to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, & Aquatica (Orlando) on weekdays through Labor Day. (Press Release)
  • 29th – (2014) Grammy Award winning country music star Zac Brown visits the park with family. (Twitter 5/29/2014)
  • 29th – (2016) Busch Gardens Tampa launches an official account on Snapchat. (Twitter 5/29/2016)
  • 29th – (2019) Promotion begins allowing Busch Gardens Annual Pass Members to visit Adventure Island for free on one weekday through June 28. Those members with Adventure Island already on their pass could bring a friend for free one time instead. (Twitter 5/29/2019)
  • 30th – (2015) Country music star Rachele Lynae visits the park. (Twitter 5/30/2015)
  • 31st – (2011) Final day the Florida Resident Fun Card was on sale for 2011 season. (Twitter 5/31/2011)



During the Month:

  • 1962 – Anheuser-Busch purchases additional land north & east of the brewery and gardens. (Tampa Times 5/16/1962)
  • 1979 – Admission listed at $7.80, free for children under 3. Parking is $1. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Ledger 5/4/1979)
  • 1989 – Admission listed at $20.95 with children 2 and under admitted free. (Sun Sentinel 5/14/1989)
  • 2001 – Admission listed at $45.68 plus tax for adults; $36.74 plus tax for children 3-9 and free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $5 for cars, $4 for motorcycles and $6 for trucks and campers. (Orlando Sentinel 5/17/2001)
  • 2002 – Admission listed at $52.95 for adults, $43.40 for ages 3 to 9, under 3 free. Prices include tax. (Lakeland Ledger 5/10/2002)
  • 2004 – Admission listed at $53.95 for adults, $44.95 for children ages 3 to 9. (Orlando Sentinel 5/21/2004)