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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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