Cheetah Hunt Opens at Busch Gardens

ST. LOUIS, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of entertainment and cultural destinations, is pleased to announce that its Cheetah Hunt project has opened as the newest mega-attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

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Florida's first triple-launch coaster, the Cheetah Hunt uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver three adrenaline-fueled surges of speed inspired by the world's fastest land animal. These surges propel riders up the iconic 102-foot Windcatcher Tower, down into four subterranean trenches, over Busch Gardens' historic Skyride, around a rocky canyon rushing with whitewater currents, and through a heartline roll inversion.

"PGAV is pleased to create this world-class family attraction in collaboration with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment," states Jim Moorkamp, Principal PGAV Destinations.

Cheetah Hunt's 4,429 feet of steel track holds the record as Busch Gardens' longest coaster, and its 13-acre footprint makes it the most expansive thrill-ride in the park's history. The iconic coaster offers amazing views to both watch it and ride it, as it joins the park's other legendary thrills provided by SheiKra and Montu.

Cheetah Run is home to 14 agile cats that inspired the project. This new habitat features more than 11,000 square feet of grassland, natural rock formations, shaded alcoves, a waterfall and a 220-foot path for the cheetahs to do what they do best – run. Glass-panel viewing windows allow guests to get closer than ever before to these highly endangered animals.

Video panels and interactive touch-screen stations educate visitors of the plight of cheetahs. Guests learn about Busch Gardens' partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund in South Africa. Busch Gardens is a long-time supporter of cheetah conservation and research through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run further cement Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's reputation as Florida's thrill-ride leader and one of North America's premier zoological institutions.

CheetahHunt.com

About PGAV Destinations

PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. The firm uniquely combines award-winning storytelling and creativity with business strategy to create some of the world's most important cultural, heritage, and natural destinations.  Now in its fifth decade, the firm has authored hundreds of highly successful projects in places such as SeaWorld, the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, The Gettysburg Battlefield, the Georgia Aquarium, Kennedy Space Center, and the Hoover Dam.  www.pgavdestinations.com

SOURCE PGAV Destinations