At Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari, guests expect to see incredible wildlife from around the world. What they may not expect is a heartwarming friendship between two animals that couldn't be more different.
At Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari, guests expect to see incredible wildlife from around the world. What they may not expect is a heartwarming friendship between two animals that couldn't be more different.
Meet Gertie, a two-month-old American bison calf, and Penny, a hand-raised kangaroo just over a year old.
While the pair come from opposite sides of the globe, they've become fast friends behind the scenes at the Wild Safari, where their unique bond has quickly become a favorite among the animal care team.
Spending time near the Wild Safari veterinary clinic, Gertie and Penny have developed a daily routine that has surprised even the experienced professionals who care for them.
Almost every day, Penny can be found carefully grooming her much larger companion, gently tending to Gertie as the two spend time together. Whether relaxing side-by-side or following one another around their area, the pair have become nearly inseparable.
"Animals have a way of surprising us, and the friendship between Penny and Gertie is certainly something special," said Dr. William Rives, Director of Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure. "It's unusual to see two very different species form this kind of connection, but they genuinely enjoy being together. Penny grooming Gertie has become an almost daily occurrence, and it's been wonderful for our team to watch that bond develop."
The friendship comes during an important stage in both animals' lives. Gertie continues to grow and thrive under the watchful care of the Wild Safari team. At just two months old, the curious bison calf is already showing plenty of personality while receiving the specialized care young animals need.
For Penny, another milestone is just around the corner. After being hand-raised by the animal care team, she is preparing to join the kangaroo population out on the Safari.
While that transition will mark the beginning of a new chapter, Penny and Gertie are making the most of their time together in the meantime.
Wild Safari is home to more than 1,200 animals representing species from around the world across a 350-acre wildlife preserve. Guests can experience close-up encounters with incredible animals aboard an off-road guided safari tour, where they may spot giraffes, rhinos, elephants, bison, kangaroos, and many more remarkable species.
While every visit offers the chance to create unforgettable memories, stories like Penny and Gertie's serve as a reminder that some of the most extraordinary moments happen behind the scenes.
From newborn animals taking their first steps to unexpected friendships forming between species, Wild Safari's dedicated animal care team works every day to provide individualized care and enrichment for the animals that call Great Adventure home.
And for now, that includes one unlikely duo whose friendship has captured the hearts of everyone around them.
Plan your Wild Safari adventure and discover the incredible animals, unforgettable encounters, and surprising stories waiting around every corner at Six Flags Great Adventure.
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