Unlikely Friendship Between Zebra and Giraffe at Wild Adventures Captures Attention

VALDOSTA, Ga. — As Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga. marks its 30th anniversary season, a quiet story inside one of the park’s most popular animal habitats is drawing attention well beyond South Georgia.

Kurtsie, a zebra born in December 2023, and Bakari, a giraffe born in 2018, have formed an unlikely bond inside the Giraffe Overlook. The park’s zebra herd was incorporated into the giraffe habitat shortly before Kurtsie was born, creating a shared environment where species can interact more naturally.

From the start, Bakari showed a strong curiosity toward the zebras. Animal care specialists say that when Kurtsie was born, that curiosity quickly turned into something more focused, with Bakari often staying close whenever she entered the giraffe yard.

As Kurtsie grew, the dynamic shifted. In the wild, young zebras begin to separate from their herd around two years old. Caretakers observed that during this stage, Kurtsie increasingly gravitated toward Bakari.

Today, the two are rarely far apart. Guests can often see them grooming one another, resting side by side in the field, or sharing hay in the giraffe barn. Kurtsie frequently joins Bakari during giraffe feedings and encounters. She will often weave around his legs or nudge him for attention, and she sometimes naps next to him as he interacts with caretakers and guests.

Sarah Plain, an animal care specialist and Bakari’s lead caretaker, says the relationship has had a meaningful impact on both animals. Kurtsie has grown more relaxed and confident, often taking cues from Bakari’s calm behavior. Bakari, who is naturally social, has become increasingly engaged and protective with Kurtsie nearby. The two are often seen lying together in the field, a behavior that signals a high level of comfort, as giraffes typically only rest on the ground when they feel safe.

The mixed-species habitat is designed to reflect how animals may interact in shared environments in the wild, creating opportunities for natural behaviors and social bonds to form over time.

“This is the kind of interaction we hope to see in a space like this,” said Plain. “It shows how aware and responsive these animals are to each other. What you’re seeing between them is a real bond, and it speaks to the level of connection they’re capable of.”

The Giraffe Overlook reflects the park’s approach to animal care, giving guests the chance to observe and learn about animals from all over the world.

“For us, it’s about creating experiences families carry with them,” said Donald Spiller, general manager of Wild Adventures. “When guests see something like this up close, it stays with them. It’s simple, but it’s meaningful, and it’s part of what makes a visit to Wild Adventures special.”

Guests visiting the Giraffe Overlook can watch Kurtsie and Bakari interact throughout their visit at the Giraffe Overlook or on a ride on the park’s Safari Train.

About Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.

About Herschend
Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.