JACKSON ─ Six Flags Great Adventure recently received a prestigious award for its animal education programs. The Zoological Association of America Education Award of Excellence honors Six Flag’s programs including Safari Off Road Education, Wild Encounters and Silver Safari.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award. As stewards of the environment, our goal is to help ensure the survival of these amazing species for generations to come, and our passion for education is inspiring children and adults alike to better care for the world around us,” said Dr. Bill Rives, director and chief veterinarian for Six Flags Great Adventure.
The Safari Off Road Education program transformed the 510-acre safari into an outdoor classroom that provides a unique and exclusive learning environment alongside 1,200 animals hailing from six different continents. The program’s three locations include the Safari Off Road Adventure, Seafari Stadium and Camp Aventura. Students learn about conservation, diet and natural environments for more than 70 species of animals, hand-feed giraffes, touch a variety of reptiles and snakes, and see exotic animals up close! This program corresponds with New Jersey Student Learning Standards for grades K through 8 and is offered on non-operating days in the spring for an optimal learning experience.
The Wild Encounters program is an animal outreach program brings the safari into classrooms, senior centers, scouting events and more. The program teaches about animals’ characteristics, habitats, history and diets while showcasing live, exotic animals and their expert caretakers: Fur, Feathers and Scales for grades K through 5; Behind the Biology for grades 6 through 8, and a customized program. Participants see the animals up-close and even touch them. In this program, you might see a two-toed sloth, Moluccan cockatoo, blue-tongued skink, a black and white tegu or a red-tailed boa constrictor. Lesson plans are developed by Six Flags’ state-certified teacher and correspond with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
The Silver Safari education program is for those 55 years and older who want to tour the world’s animals and gain a close-up encounter at their own pace. An open-air Safari truck with a tour guide takes participants on a special tour on days when the theme park is closed. Silver Safari Tours are available on non-operating days in the fall.
For more information on Six Flags’ education programs, contact the Six Flags Safari Programs team at 732-928-2000, ext. 2221 or email safariprograms@sixflags.com.
