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Cape May County,
New Jersey
Cape May County Park and
Zoo
Just a few years ago, the Cape May County
Park and Zoo was often referred to as “the
best-kept secret in Cape May County.” That
phrase is no longer true as the county’s zoo has
steadily gained popularity and the distinction
as one of the area’s top attractions.
Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 12 on
Route 9 one mile north of Cape May Court House,
the Cape May County Park and Zoo has more than
200 species of animals – and about 550 animals!
- on 200 wooded acres.
It’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon
or even an entire day. There are miles of shaded
walkways that wind around this free, public zoo
and hundreds of exotic and interesting creatures
to marvel at and learn about.
The zoo itself is surrounded by acres of park
land with biking and hiking trails, athletic
fields, fishing ponds, playground areas and
covered pavilions with barbecue grills. A
family, group or couple can easily spread out a
blanket, open a picnic basket and spend the day
noshing, playing Frisbee or catch, and enjoying
the great outdoors.
For those who are able to book a pavilion,
it’s a great spot for a family reunion, birthday
party or neighborhood get-together and barbecue.
Admission is free but there is a fee to reserve
a picnic shelter.
At the heart of the property, however, is the
zoo, a fascinating place for a leisurely stroll
surrounded by interesting residents of the zoo.
Children can feed the goats, pigs and llamas
in the barnyard area, then wander over to the
duck ponds to watch several species of
waterfowl.
Cougars, bison, camels, cheetahs, bears,
snowy owls and tamarins are just some of the
delightful animals who live in the zoo. Feeding
times are especially active -- a great time to
visit the lions is when they awake from their
slumber to feast. The zoo provides information
about each species of animal – such as lions
sleep away most of their time – and there are
placards that provide facts about the indigenous
flora that surround the zoo.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo has an
African Savanna that covers 57 acres at the end
of a boardwalk through a forest of native
vegetation. The Savanna, home to zebras,
giraffes and ostriches, distinguishes the zoo as
one of the most unique on the East Coast. An
aviary, “The World of Birds,” is home to over 20
different species, lush vegetation and a
cascading waterfall. The birds mingle with each
other, often perched in the tree tops – an
enclosed area, of course! It’s a great place to
test your bird watching and identifying acumen.
A reptile house has exhibits of exotic
reptiles and amphibians from the far reaches of
the world. Snakes – including anacondas and
pythons – are a favorite of the younger set,
along with the many lizards, fish, arachnids and
Asian turtles. Everyone marvels at the zoo’s
alligators, which can usually be found just
outside the reptile house during the warmer
times of the year.
Wallabies, otters, prairie dogs, tigers and
bears are part of the Cape May County Park Zoo
experience as are lemurs, monkeys, bears, elk
and sheep. Guinea hens and peacocks often mingle
with visitors as they traverse the winding paths
throughout the zoo.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo opens at 10
a.m. and closes at 4:45 during the summer and
3:45 p.m. other times of the year. The zoo is
closed on Christmas Day. For more information
about the Cape May County Park Zoo call (609)
465-5271.
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