60 years of thrills: These vintage photos of Busch Gardens Tampa show how far the park has come
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Busch Gardens Tampa, which is an incredible milestone for a park that started off as a brewery with a few birds. These historic photos from the Florida State Archives, date back to 1960 and give us a rare glimpse into what would eventually become a world-class theme park.
All photos via Florida Memory
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Seals at Busch Gardens. 1970.
Aerial view overlooking the Busch Gardens amusement park and the Anheuser-Busch, inc. brewery in Tampa, Florida. 1960.
Norma Lado feeds birds at Busch Gardens during the Tri-city Suncoast Fiesta. 1960.
Garden walk at Busch Gardens. 1959.
Entrance to Busch Gardens. 1979.
Tourists taking pictures at the entrance to Busch Gardens. 1976.
Children on an elephant ride at Busch Gardens. 1973.
People on an elephant ride at Busch Gardens. Date unknown.
Tigers at Busch Gardens. 1970.
Child hugging costumed character at Busch Gardens. 1975.
Tourists viewing aquarium at Busch Gardens. 1975.
Miniature railroad attraction at Busch Gardens. 1975.
Zebras with giraffe at Busch Gardens. 1970.
Zagora cafe at Busch Gardens. 1975.
View of Busch Gardens hospitality house. 1959.
View of flamingos at Busch Gardens. 1960.
Old Swiss style house at Busch Gardens. 1965.
Animals from Africa behind the old swiss style house at Busch Gardens. 1965.
Woman with parrots at Busch Gardens. 1965.
Parrot "kissing" Debbie Jefferson at Busch Gardens. Date unknown.
View of the monorail at Busch Gardens. 1967.