Safari's Baby Bears, Antelopes, Tigers Revealed As Six Flags Great Adventure Season Begins

JACKSON, NJ — Baby animals, new events, park updates and did we say baby animals?

Six Flags Great Adventure is getting ready to launch its 2023 season, and park officials said there are a number of updates for the new year, which starts with the Safari opening on April 1.

“At Six Flags we’re laser-focused on improving the overall guest experience,” said Randy Wilke, interim park president. He said the company has made investments in the beautification of the park and has expanded the events schedule, which starts with the new Scream Break night event during Spring Break.

Park officials said the Safari has new additions in terms of baby animals born this year, including European brown bear cubs under specialized care, a rare newborn bongo calf and a sable antelope calf. More babies are on the way, park officials said, with giraffes and scimitars anticipated to give birth this year.

Georgia the Giraffe, who is a grandmother to many of the giraffes in the Six Flags safari, turns 31 this year, "likely one of the oldest giraffes under human care," park officials said.

In addition, the five Siberian tiger cubs born last year will turn 1 year old in May and will be introduced to an exhibit in a new area of the safari.

The safari will have its monthly overnight camping adventures in the park again this summer, and parkgoers can take part in the Save an Icon pin program, the proceeds of which benefit the Wildlife Conservation Network.

Park officials said there are a number of events scheduled as well, including the new Blues, Brews, & BBQ, an afternoon of live music from some of the best blues and jazz musicians in the area, refreshing craft beers and mouth-watering barbecue.

In addition there will be Scream Break, with evening entertainment during the Spring Break week of April 5-16.

Returning are:

Pride Night in June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a thrilling day of rides, fun music, special events and activities followed by an evening of dancing and entertainment;

July 4th Fireworks presented by Coca-Cola;

Viva la Fiesta, which will "heat up the park with a bigger, better party than ever before. Enjoy limited-time Latin tastes, big band sounds and a colorful atmosphere.

Oktoberfest, with German-inspired cuisine and treats, fall-themed décor, musical entertainment and beer;

Boo Fest, a Halloween season celebration for the younger kids, with costume contests and trick-or-treating;

Fright Fest during fall weekends, with haunted houses, scare zones, spooky entertainment and more;

Veterans Weekend, celebrating their service to our country with special discounts for veterans and their families and exclusive activities;

And Holiday in the Park, with millions of glittering lights, holiday entertainment, seasonal treats and a holiday fireworks show over the lake.

The park also is adding a Boardwalk Bar, selling beer, wine, rum and frozen daiquiris; a market offering grab-and-go Coca-Cola beverages, tasty snacks and souvenirs, and two new family restrooms located near family areas.

The main park opens weekends starting Saturday, and full-time beginning May 25. Hurricane Harbor opens May 20.

Six Flags is hiring, park officials said, with most jobs paying $15 to $20 per hour. Applicants must be at least 14 years old. Interested applicants can text FUN to 732-307-6688, log on to www.sixflagsjobs.com or visit the Employment Center daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Six Flags Great Adventure Employment Center: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson. Next to 607 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, about a half-mile west of the main park entrance.