SJ Attractions: Cape May Co. Park Zoo

One of the many beautiful places to visit down the shore is the Cape May County Zoo. If you’ve never been there, you’re in for a treat! If you have been there in the past, you’re sure to enjoy some of the recent changes. You can visit the Zoo and Park and spend a day or a few enjoying the animals and beautiful scenery.

“By visiting the animals and exhibits in our zoo, you join millions of others who for many years have enjoyed this oasis of wildlife so near the ocean. If you haven't been to the zoo for a while, we're happy to note some of the positive changes here - both for the animals and for visitors,” says William Sturm, Jr., Director of Parks.

The Park:
There are approximately 180 different species of animals at the Cape May County Park Zoo. The total number of animals is approximately 550.

The Reptile House
Kids love the creepy, crawly creatures in the Reptile House, completely rebuilt in 1999. It's a chance for them to learn about the reptiles, amphibians and arachnids that have lived virtually unchanged on our planet for millions of years.

The African Savanna
Built in 1994, the "walking safari" puts you in the heart of the savanna. The raised boardwalk lets you see the animals in a natural setting. You may find yourself at eye-level with a giraffe! You can go at your own pace and marvel at the zebra, ostrich and all the animals of the African Savanna.

The Aviary
One of the Park’s newest exhibits, the Aviary is an exciting wonderland of birds, from the unusual and exotic to those who have always called Cape May County home.

The Other Animals
As you wander through the zoo, you'll also see monkeys, tigers, bobcats, leopards, ocelots, black bear, red fox, otters, black buck, white tail deer, bison, elk, emu, oryx, capybara, lions and cougars in our up-to-date impeccably kept facilities.

Nature & Bike Trails
Trails include both paved for bicycles and unpaved for hiking. All are marked with proper tree type designations.

Fishing Ponds
The park contains three ponds, which have a variety of fresh water fish. These ponds are also stocked by the State of New Jersey. License not required for children under twelve.

The Ark in the Park
The souvenir and gift shop is full of educational and fun items. You can also rent a stroller here.

The Safari Café
Located just outside the zoo, it's the perfect place for your hungry horde.

Picnic Facilities
The Park has more than 10 shelters, many with cooking facilities and electricity for your family pleasure. For reservation information, click here.

Playground
The Park has safe playground equipment, swings, gym sets, and Frisbee golf available.

Park History:
The Cape May County Park was established in 1963. To its small beginnings, the Avalon Fishing Pier was added in 1973, the Zoo began in 1977, the county Park South in 1984, and the County Park North in 1991. In 1986, a zoo renaissance began. A Bengal tiger exhibit; a reptile building; bobcat, cougar and bird exhibits; and a special "shore bird" exhibit were added.

In 1993, a 57-acre tract of land was added, tripling the size of the zoo. This land was developed as an African Savanna simulation. The zoo relocated many of the larger African species to this area and vacated lands within the existing zoo allowing for better pedestrian traffic flow and larger exhibits within the original twenty acres. This project was completed in 1994 increasing the present zoo to eighty acres. In May of 1998 the zoo opened the new World of Birds Exhibit. In January of 1999 the county awarded contracts for the reconstruction of the reptile building that was destroyed by fire. This new facility was opened in October of 1999.

Additional Information:
There is no admission fee for the Park. The Park depends on your donations and generosity.

The Zoo is open from 10am to 4:45pm during daylight savings time; 10am to 3:45pm the rest of the year. The Park is open from 9am to dusk. The Park is open every day except Christmas.

The main Cape May County Park is located approximately two miles north of Cape May Court House on State Highway U.S. 9. Most of the land is high and flat with many species of forest trees and a variety of wildlife. Three ponds are populated with domestic and migratory waterfowl, several varieties of fish, flowing through the northeast corner. The main park consists of three tracts totaling 184 acres, including underdeveloped areas, which are preserved in a natural state and areas for passive and active recreation.

The County of Cape May, through its park department operates two other parks, The County Park North (Cameron Sanctuary) in Palermo and The County Park South in Del Haven. The County Park North contains 27 acres, three ponds and is operated with no hunting, fishing or vehicular traffic allowed. The County Park South is also known as The Fishing Creek Conservation Area and consists of 1500+ acres, and serves as a major water recharge area for the central part of the county.

For more information, or to make reservations, call (609) 465-5271 or visit their website at www.capemaycountyzoo.com.

For an extensive list of South Jersey Attractions, with links to websites and other information, check out our Attractions page.

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Author: C. Cohen