Kurtsie and Bakari went viral after Asher Raymond '25 pitched the Wild Adventures news story to media outlets. (supplied photo: Wild Adventures Theme Park)
Asher Raymond '25 credits the Resort and Attraction Management program's real-world co-ops and industry networking for his rapid success
Fresh off graduating from BGSU and the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program, Asher Raymond ’25 landed a full-time public relations role at Wild Adventures amusement park in Georgia and immediately made national headlines by pitching a heartwarming, viral story about an unlikely bond between a giraffe and a zebra.
Key Highlights
Alumnus: Asher Raymond '25
Degree: Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM)
Career success: Public relations specialist, Wild Adventures (Valdosta, Georgia)
Career readiness built into the RAAM degree
In partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, RAAM provides students with two paid co-ops, ensuring they graduate with relevant professional experience, strong theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge of the resort and attraction management industry.
From graduation to a full-time role in the resort and attraction industry
Wild Adventures offered Asher Raymond a full-time position the day before he graduated, allowing him to seamlessly transition from student to industry professional.
Earning national media coverage early in his career
During his first summer on the job, Raymond pitched the story of an 8-year-old giraffe named Bakari becoming best friends with a 2-year-old zebra named Kurtsie, which drew interest from Good Morning America, USA Today, US Weekly and Fox and Friends.
“RAAM creates incredible opportunities for students to network with industry professionals through partnerships, internships and classroom visits. I would never have had these opportunities without BGSU and the RAAM program. I am so thankful for the program, faculty and University as a whole for setting me up for success.”
ASHER RAYMOND '25
BGSU ALUMNUS, RESORT AND ATTRACTION MANAGEMENT
Career preparedness
100%
RAAM graduates report having post-graduation plans*
In partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the program provides two paid co-ops, ensuring students graduate with relevant professional experience and strong theoretical and practical knowledge.
*Alumni survey data
Bowling Green State University alumnus Asher Raymond ‘25 is on the ride of his life.
After building a strong career foundation through the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program, Raymond landed a full-time role as the public relations specialist for Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia.
Soon after, his work made national headlines when an 8-year-old giraffe named Bakari became best friends with a 2-year-old zebra named Kurtsie.
“I pitched the story to our local news stations in Georgia, and the next thing I know, I’m receiving an email from Good Morning America,” Raymond said. “Since then, the story has gone viral and has been covered by USA Today, US Weekly, Fox and Friends and more.”
When the zebras and giraffes were integrated into a shared habitat, the unique pair became inseparable – spending their days side by side, sharing meals, grooming each other and resting together. As the park’s PR specialist, Raymond pitched the story to national outlets and coordinated media visits while continuing to promote the park’s 35 rides, water park and 400-plus animals.
“The experience has been a whirlwind of excitement, but I was prepared every step of the way thanks to the one-of-a-kind RAAM program at BGSU,” Raymond said.
Raymond, a Buffalo, New York native, always wanted a career in the amusement industry, but initially assumed he would have to major in business and hope for a theme park internship. That all changed when he discovered BGSU offers the nation’s first bachelor’s degree dedicated to resort and attraction management. Bowling Green became his top choice and was the only school he applied to.
Offered in person, fully online or in a hybrid format, the RAAM program allows traditional students and working professionals to earn their degree on a flexible schedule. In partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the program provides two paid co-ops, ensuring students graduate with relevant professional experience and strong theoretical and practical knowledge.
Within the program, students develop crucial leadership skills and a broad range of industry knowledge, preparing them for careers across the industry in operations, management, retail, marketing, communications, finance and more.
“RAAM creates incredible opportunities for students to network with industry professionals through partnerships, internships and classroom visits,” Raymond said. “The program even hosts its own career fair, bringing in theme parks and industry professionals directly to the students.”
It was at that very career fair where Raymond connected with representatives from Herschend, the parent company of dozens of theme parks and resorts, including Dollywood, Newport Aquarium, and Wild Adventures Theme Park and Safari Campground.
“After connecting at the fair, I followed up with the general manager and scheduled two rounds of interviews. The last interview was scheduled for the day before graduation,” Raymond said. “He offered me the job on the spot. I remember walking into commencement the next day knowing that I already had a career lined up and that BGSU had set me up for it. I just didn’t realize how quickly things would take off.”
Following a summer filled with national media attention, Raymond said he is already preparing for the upcoming season and looking forward to talking with industry leaders at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo.
“As a BGSU student, I was provided with membership to IAAPA, giving me access to the annual expo, free webinars and key networking opportunities,” Raymond said. “Now, just one year into my career, I have been invited back as a guest speaker to share my experience with attendees, which will likely include BGSU RAAM students.
“I would never have had these opportunities without BGSU and the RAAM program. I am so thankful for the program, faculty and University as a whole for setting me up for success.”
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Updated: 09/01/2026 01:11PM