New Baby Giraffe Welcomed At Six Flags Great Adventure Safari

JACKSON, NJ — Six Flags Great Adventure has welcomed a new face to its Wild Safari with the birth of a baby giraffe in June, the park announced.

The female giraffe named Mbi (pronounced em-bee) was born three weeks ago to mom Embu, park officials said Tuesday. She joins the more than 1,200 animals that are part of the park.

Mbi is expected to be out in the safari sometime in the coming weeks "as she grows and begins to explore her environment," the park said.

In addition to the birth of Mbi, the park has welcomed veterinarian Dr. Erica Jackson.

Jackson is a Toms River native who began working at the safari during summers in college, the park said. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts and her doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University and returned to the park full-time.

"I’ve loved animals since I was 3 and always dreamed of working here," Jackson said. "Now, I get to help care for some of the most incredible species alongside an amazing team."

Jackson has a special passion for working with elephants and credits mentors Dr. William Rives and Dr. Ken Keiffer, both tenured vets at Wild Safari, for guiding her career in exotic animal medicine. She also completed training at the San Diego Zoo and brings both experience and heart to her new role, the park said.