Six Flags Great Adventure unveiled its newest additions this week – a three-week-old baby giraffe who’s keen to join the herd, and a new veterinarian from Toms River who will be making sure the animals at the park are healthy and happy.
The park’s Wild Safari welcomed the three-week-old female giraffe, named Mbi (pronounced em-bee), born to mom Embu, who staff says is thriving behind the scenes. Guests can look forward to seeing the young calf on the safari in the coming weeks as she grows and begins to explore her environment, Six Flags said in its announcement.
The park’s giraffe population has been expanding lately. In December 2024, Coral – another female who can now be seen by visitors – was born to parents Conan (father) and Mariah (mother). They, too, are both resident giraffes at the park’s Wild Safari.
A new giraffe calf, ‘Mbi,’ is welcomed at the Wild Safari. (Photo: Six Flags Great Adventure)
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A new giraffe calf, ‘Mbi,’ is welcomed at the Wild Safari. (Photo: Six Flags Great Adventure)
Meanwhile, the park added an important human, too – a local woman who is living out her lifelong dream taking care of the Safari’s wide array of creatures.
Dr. Erica Jackson has joined the park’s team as its newest veterinarian. A Toms River native who began working at the safari during summers in college, Jackson earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After graduating, she returned to the park full-time.
“I’ve loved animals since I was three and always dreamed of working here,” said Jackson. “Now, I get to help care for some of the most incredible species alongside an amazing team.”
Dr. Erica Jackson. (Photo: Six Flags Great Adventure)
A new giraffe calf, ‘Mbi,’ is welcomed at the Wild Safari. (Photo: Six Flags Great Adventure)
Jackson said she 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. Guests may spot her throughout the safari, where she helps care for more than 1,200 animals.
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