March 15, 2011
Six Flags Wild Safari Welcomes Two Newborn
European Brown Bear Cubs
Visitors can get a little wild inside the theme park with
the NEW Safari Discoveries
Six Flags Wild Safari, the largest drive-thru safari outside of Africa, introduces two rare European brown bear cubs. The IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, lists the overall brown bear species of least concern. However, the European subspecies no longer exists in the wild throughout England and Ireland; and though originally found in large populations throughout Britain, can only be found in small populations throughout parts of Northern Europe. The Six Flags Wild Safari staff is proud to welcome the threatened species of newborns to the park’s previous population of 26 European brown bears.
The cubs were born in the Bear Country of the safari and became separated from their mother due to winter weather conditions. The newborns, which are born blind and hairless, were quickly relocated to an indoor nursery where they could be cared for by the Wild Safari veterinary staff. The European brown bear cubs will remain in the care of our animal staff for approximately two years until the cubs can care for themselves and be mixed back into the Bear Country. Six Flags visitors can see the cubs playing in their water hole, wrestling and lounging around in the new Safari Discoveries interactive animal exhibit inside the theme park beginning this spring.
“These births are very significant for the Wild Safari and the endangered animal populations,” said Dr. William Rives, Director of the safari park and exotic animal expert of 19 years. “We are very excited to have these healthy newborns join our safari.”
The all-new Safari Discoveries will be located in The Golden Kingdom section of the theme park and will offer a glimpse into the world of exotic animals. Guests will get a little wild this season with up-close animal encounters including a California sea lion exhibit complete with an underwater viewing pool; a walk-thru aviary – Parakeet Paradise; the Wild Safari nursery featuring the newborn European brown bears; and our “Please Touch” ambassadors showcasing animals such as a spotted skunk, giant Flemish rabbit, hedgehogs, snakes and more.
Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind safari experience where guests can get up-close to rare and exotic animals from around the globe allowing them to understand the importance for humans and wildlife to have sustainable environmental interactions.
Park guests can see the newborn European brown bear additions, check out the all-new Safari Discoveries and visit more than 1,200 other Wild Safari residents beginning April 9. The Wild Safari is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. any theme park operating day except Fridays during Fright Fest. For more information on Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari guests can call 732/928-1821 or visit the web at sixflags.com.
