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As the United States and England soccer teams prepare to square off in South Africa for the World Cup on Saturday, the meerkats in Busch Gardens Tampa Edge of Africa habitat share their World Cup spirit in some "wild" ways.
The meerkat soccer match crosses center field with 3-on-1 break toward the tiny ball made of ground meat -- the pups' favorite treat -- rolled in flour and decorated with the traditional English St. George's Cross. Their turf was created with squares of sod; the lines marked with flour.
The names of the "players" are all real members of the English and American World Cup teams, changed slightly to represent an appropriate meerkat moniker. England's star player Wayne "Wazza" Rooney becomes Wayne "Fuzzy Wuzza" Rooney, and Jermaine DeFoe is now Jermain DeFur. On the American side, Jay DeMerit becomes Jay DeMeerkat, and let's not forget Herculez Gomez as Herculez GoMeerkat!
Activities like this serve as enrichment for Busch Gardens' animals. Animal enrichment can take many forms, including toys, food or objects to explore, and is usually something different, unusual and challenging that stimulates the animals' interest. Animal enrichment activities such as this are just one of the many ways the park's zoological team keeps the animals engaged and active.
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Busch Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Florida. With kid friendly attractions, roller coasters for thrill seekers, over 12,000 animals, live entertainment, and seasonal events, Busch Gardens is fun for all ages. The park is home to one of the largest zoos in North America. It is also Florida’s thrill ride leader with one of the best collections of roller coasters. Busch Garden's sister park, Adventure Island, is a seasonal waterpark with slides, waterfalls, a wave pool, rambling river, and other family attractions set in a laid back island atmosphere.
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