Six Flags Wild Safari Is Forced to Close Baboon Exhibit

April 2003

PETA received a complaint from a former employee of Six Flags, the second-largest amusement park operator in the world. The whistleblower described horrific conditions at its Wild Safari facility in New Jersey, including an incident in which a baboon had been hit by a vehicle in the drive-through safari and dragged approximately 150 feet. The baboon’s arm was reportedly almost severed, and one side of her face was destroyed–she had to be euthanized. We were also told that the baboons had been obtaining dangerous items like car antennas from the passing vehicles.

We filed complaints with both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. After several months of followups and correspondence, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife inspected the facility and agreed that the exhibit is much too dangerous for the baboons. The exhibit has been closed until modifications, which must be approved by the agency, are made to prevent any potential public contact with the baboons.