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You know I had no idea how quiet,serene, and beautiful some parts of this area of the park really are. One of the mask free relaxation zones are currently in Jack Hanna's Trail as well.

Yess! Although this might make more people realize how nice it is back there.

Back when my anxiety was really bad, I used to go back there and just sit and breathe if I was triggered. It was a great escape.
 
You know I had no idea how quiet,serene, and beautiful some parts of this area of the park really are. One of the mask free relaxation zones are currently in Jack Hanna's Trail as well.View attachment 20981

I love that little path, and the little toad pond alongside it. Looks like the bushes are way overgrown, but a lot like InvadR’s ride area, I almost like it better that way. It really makes it feel like a hidden little spot in the forest.
 
I wrote a long review of the Jack Hanna breakfast at BGW on this site years ago. What struck me most about that event was not the talk, the humor and the animals, all of which were wonderful. I was among the first group of people at the Festhaus having arrived very early. Jack Hanna was in the buffet serving area talking to the employees, joking with them, signing autographs and posing for pictures with them when I walked in.
 
I wrote a long review of the Jack Hanna breakfast at BGW on this site years ago. What struck me most about that event was not the talk, the humor and the animals, all of which were wonderful. I was among the first group of people at the Festhaus having arrived very early. Jack Hanna was in the buffet serving area talking to the employees, joking with them, signing autographs and posing for pictures with them when I walked in.
I remember after one of the shows he did in San Marco a few years ago he stood outside the theater after the end signing autographs and talking to anyone and everyone for about an hour till park employees and security asked him to stop because he was causing a traffic flow problem. That always impressed me.
 

Found this article today. I didn't realize Jack Hanna was in this bad of health. Hard to believe how his health has declined from Alzheimer's so fast. Seems like just yesterday he was coming to Busch Gardens a few times a year.

So sad.... 😢
 

Found this article today. I didn't realize Jack Hanna was in this bad of health. Hard to believe how his health has declined from Alzheimer's so fast. Seems like just yesterday he was coming to Busch Gardens a few times a year.

So sad.... 😢
Alzeimer's really is one of the most devastating things a family can experience my heart a prayers go out to the family. It's truly a blessing that they have chosen to share their story hopefully it will help society understand what these families go through and maybe one day it will help to find a cure for this horrible disease.
 
There are rumors circulating in other places that the old pet stage will see a rebirth in entertainment this summer. Based on multiple sources the venue is in bad shape and is nor usable without significant work. peaking from every available public space angle it doesn't appear that any work has been started. Without strong evidence of work I highly advise that people regard these rumors skeptically.
 
Just a little Wild Reserve (aka Jack Hanna Trail) appreciation post. Today was my first visit to BGW this season and I realized today just how much I’ve always loved this area.

In a world where quiet, understated spaces at theme parks are becoming increasingly rare (even Magic Kingdom is ripping theirs out for the Cars attraction), the Wild Reserve is such a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of a theme park. It’s its own, lovely little world. Sitting by the little pond by the area’s gazebo today, I realized that if I’d been teleported to that spot, I wouldn’t even have been able to tell you I was in a theme park (save for the drifting screams from rides in the distance). It’s so tranquil and charming.

The landscaping is lush. The peaceful music and sounds of rain and nature play quietly in the background. The lorikeets are chirping. The various little ponds are bubbling. The little winding trails behind the aviary invite you for a stroll among the woods. A wooden birdhouse makes the space feel lived-in and connected to nature. The little information signs and cutouts invite you appreciate the wildlife of the area. The overhead string lights evoke a feeling of warmth and beauty at night. The benches and Adirondack chairs let you sit back, slow down, and take in the nature around you.

I just love this area. I know it’s lost a lot of its animal attractions over the years, but just as a place, and the feeling it evokes, this area is as lovely as it’s ever been in its two-and-a-half decade existence. The Wild Reserve is a little slice of heaven in the park.

I know @Zachary mentioned in BGWFans’ rundown of potential expansion plots for the park, that the park may eventually turn their eye to the Wild Reserve for a future attraction. I really hope they don’t. I sincerely hope the park recognizes what a gem this space is for contributing to the unique vibe of BGW.

Wild Reserve for the win! Next time you visit BGW, make sure you take a minute to grab a drink (alcoholic or not), sit back, and soak in this wonderful space.

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That's by the old Monorail station, At one time there were cabanas there for rent. i know because my family rented one there for the day. I think they were only there for a season or 2, they didn't last long but it really is a great quiet place to sit in the park. I guess that's why the birds and the old pet stage were back there so the animals would not get spooked by all the noise.
 
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