Watch: Busch Gardens Animals Get In The Football Spirit

TAMPA, FL — As Alabama and Clemson fans descend on Tampa for the 2017 College Football National Championship, people aren’t the only ones excited about the big game. It seems more than a few four-legged critters at Busch Gardens recently went out of their way to show some spirit.

While the theme park won’t say whether its animals are Clemson Tigers or Crimson Tide fans, officials made it clear their critters enjoyed getting in on the act. So much so, the park couldn’t help by share some photos and videos of its creatures having a blast with football-themed enrichments.

After all, who could resist snapping a shot of cheetahs playing tug-of-war with a giant football or giraffes on a football field?

The park routinely gives its animals enrichments to encourage physical and mental activity while stimulating their senses and behaviors. The recent round of enrichments, however, was created especially to celebrate the impending game. Hippos were even able to get in on the act, noshing on their very own watermelon “footballs.”

While it’s unclear if the animals plan to watch Monday’s game, folks at the Tampa Sports Authority are expecting a people-packed Raymond James Stadium in time for the Jan. 9 kickoff at 8 p.m. Alabama is favored over Clemson by the people in Las Vegas in the rematch of last year’s National Championship Game. We’re guessing it’s a safe bet that Busch Gardens’ felines rooting for the underdog Tigers while its pachyderms are backing Big Al's Red Tide. We can't say for sure though since they're all being pretty tight-lipped on the topic.

If you’re a person planning to attend the college football championship, check out this related story for the things you need to know before you go: 2017 College Football National Championship: Kickoff Time, Parking, Tailgate, Security Info. To find out more about visiting Busch Gardens animals in person, visit the theme park's website.

To watch Busch Gardens animals in action, check out the video below:

Photos courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay