USF CU’s History You Can Bank On: The Unexpected Origins of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Our storytelling series History You Can Bank On, explores the rich stories behind the communities, businesses, and people we serve at USF Credit Union.   And today, we’re taking a closer look at a member favorite  - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

USF Credit Union Fletcher Branch team member and Busch Gardens enthusiast Desiree-  who has even done scare acting during Howl-O-Scream - shares a surprising piece of history: before it became a world-renowned theme park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay began as a hospitality center next to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Tampa.

In the 1960s, everything began to shift in a big way.

The property expanded into a Serengeti-inspired safari experience, introducing open habitats where guests could come face-to-face with giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife. At the time, it was one of the earliest immersive animal experiences of its kind in the country.

From there, the park never stopped evolving.

New coasters were added. Themed lands took shape. And over time, Busch Gardens became something entirely unique - a destination that blended high-energy thrills with meaningful wildlife conservation.

Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is recognized around the world for that rare combination. It’s a place where you can scream your way through a roller coaster one moment, then quietly watch giraffes roaming just steps away the next.

It’s not just a theme park. It’s a living evolution of entertainment, wildlife, and conservation coming together in one place.

And that’s History You Can Bank On!