Busch Gardens Rolls Out Change Thanks To Wanna-Be Influencer
Well, we can’t say we’re not surprised. It’s been about a month since a wanna-be influencer hopped the fence to the alligator habitat at Busch Gardens. Now, the Tampa theme park has rolled out a change that is expected to stop any future incidents. This is why we can’t have nice things!
Previously, the exhibit fence was about waist-length high. You were able to get a good view of the 15-ft gators, now that’s changed. In addition to warning signs, Busch Gardens has installed a 10-foot tall influencer-proof fence to keep unwanted visitors out of exhibits. Unfortunately this change means it’s a little bit harder to see the gators and take quality photos.
The Steve Irwin wanna-be that ruined the fun for everyone is 20 year-old YouTube’r named Jacob Pursifull. We actually just found out from Creative Loafing that the alligator enclosure isn’t the only fence he jumped that day. Apparently he also jumped a fence to get into the park illegally. Thanks to his buddy who recorded the whole thing, it made it a little easier for Tampa PD to find and arrest them. He was charged with burglary, theft of services, and trespassing according to IONTB.
Busch Gardens was not messing around when they released their statement after the incident:
“We will not tolerate this blatant disregard of our safety rules and are working with law enforcement on this matter. The safety and well-being of our guests, ambassadors, and animals remains a top priority.”