TAMPA, Fla. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay paid tribute to the health care professionals working the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

• Busch Gardens turned Iron Gwazi blue on Thursday
• The gesture was to honor health care workers on the front lines against COVID-19
• Other parks have also paid tribute in similar ways

The theme park turned its newest roller coaster Iron Gwazi blue Thursday night. Busch Gardens also illuminated the park’s front entrance sign in blue.

The gesture was part of the “Light it Blue” campaign that many other locations across the country have participated in as a way of saying "thank you" to those risking their own lives to help others.

Last week, Disney World turned its iconic Cinderella Castle blue as a special tribute to health care workers and first responders.

The theme parks have been closed since mid-March due to the pandemic.