safari cafe cape may zoo

Cape May County Zoo’s New Safari Cafe and We Tour The ZOO!

Posted on Published: August 3, 2022

Cape May County Zoo recently opened their new Safari Cafe area featuring a climate controlled food court like restaurant and dining area. I also walked the amazing zoo, and checked out Tree-To-Tree Zipline adventure park!

When was the last time you visited the Cape May County Zoo? It really is an amazing asset for the county and all of South Jersey…. and amazingly it’s FREE! Well they do ask for donations and when you see the facilities and animals you’ll happily contribute your fair share.

The park and zoo are only one hour from the Seven Star Diner and minutes away from the South Jersey beach towns.

Today the Zoo is home to African Lions, Bison, Giraffe, Black Bears, Bald Eagle, a variety of Monkeys, Leapords. Camels, Zebras, Otters, Red Pandas and more!

Check out the video of Kangaroo Jenga further down in the post! When I visited last week it was the first day of an expanded guest viewing area and Jenga just didnt know what to do about it!!

There are also two indoor exhibit areas; World of Birds and Reptile Amphibian House (The indoor bird building is temporarily closed to protect the birds from bird flu. NJ.com )

And they have really cool elevated walkway sections in the zoo. For example when you are looking at the Giraffes in their large habitat you are about 8 feet off the ground… so everyone has a great view of them!

I’m not gonna lie… the Zoo was large enough that I got twisted around inside and had to look at the map to see where I was at and what direction the exit was!

The extended park is also home to a variety of fun activities for everyone in the family including a disc golf course, fitness trails, playground equipment, pavilion rentals and more!

The Cape May County park area itself traces back to 1942 when the 40 acres were donated to the county. The local 4-H group was interested in having events there, and more activities were added.

In 1978 the Zoo was established with an African lion, spider monkeys and a few barn animals. In 1986 a “zoo renaissance” began with donations being solicited, and larger exhibits being added.

From those humble beginnings the zoo has grown to really be a really world-class amazing zoo!

Honestly I was always an adventurous Dad taking the kids to every cool new thing I could find, but this past week was literally the first time I visited the Zoo. And I was blown away!

Keep scrolling because I am covering the new Safari Cafe, an overview of the Zoo and park areas, as well as the Tree-To-Tree Zipline adventure park!

If you visit (and you SHOULD!) keep in mind that at certain times an animal may decide to relax indoors, or an exhibit may be closed for refurbishing. All the more reason to visit again and again!

Safari Cafe at Cape May County Zoo

Let’s get things rolling here in a traditional 42Freeway style… the new Safari Cafe opened early summer, and is an awesome guest comfort area to pick up a delicious lunch, refreshing drink, and a relaxing table in air-conditioning… or heat!

I didn’t mention this but the Cape May County Zoo is open all year long. And while they’ve had food options in the park, the new Safari Cafe adds a climate controlled experience.

There is indoor seating, but right outside is an extensive picnic area with numerous tables setup.

The restaurant area is setup like a small food court, and offers burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, pizza, soft serve ice cream, Icees and tasty beverages.

You pick what you want from the food court stands and then head to the cash-registers to pay.

Immediately past the cash-registers is the indoor dining area, and as mentioned… plenty of seating outside.

I visited this past Monday and it was a hot day… while I didn’t grab anything to eat, being able to grab a large soda and relax in the air conditioning offered a welcomed break!

Cape May County Park and Zoo Experience!

As I mentioned, this was my first visit to the Cape May County Zoo!

If you haven’t been there… pack up the kids and take a ride down. Or add it on to your vacation visits to the South Jersey beaches,

The Zoo is 13 mins to Stone Harbor and only a few more minutes to the Wildwood sign at the beach.

Honestly it wasn’t in my plans to stop in recently. I was coming back from Wildwood Crest on a Monday morning and just following Waze GPS app it took my right past the zoo. With some extra time on my hands I decided to pull in and check it out.

I literally had no clue of what to expect.

There are a variety of parking lots for the park and zoo, and I was fortunate enough to grab a spot right at a small lake with a center gazebo. As the water turned into a stream there was a small bridge which lead to a private pavilion in the woods.

Very cool sites to see and I really wouldn’t have known about this aspect had I not randomly gotten the parking spot I did.

From my parking spot it was a little bit of a walk to the zoo entrance, which was perfectly fine to me.

So you have to remember the zoo is just a portion of the larger County park. So during this walk I got to see the picnic pavilions and playground equipment. I imagine many local familes visit the park just to play on the extensive playground equipment.

While there is a defined entrance to the zoo, it starts to transition into the zoo outside the gate as they have a carousel and gift shops on the way to the zoo.

The one larger gift shop is also indoors and the air conditioning was almost as amazing as the products!

The Tree-To-Tree Zipline experience is also in this area, to the right of the Zoo entrance. More on that in a minute.

While there is a defined entrance area to the zoo, as mentioned it is completely FREE!

There were two people at the entrance collecting donations, which is entirely up to you. I noticed in areas around the zoo they also had donation bins.

Cape May County Zoo

My intro commentary covered a lot of the actual zoo highlights… but I always have more to say!

The CMC Zoo really does offer a full zoo experience with a variety of outdoor exhibits, indoor buildings, and the really cool elevated platform areas.

If it seems I am overly calling out that it’s a full zoo experience, well I think that because it is free many who haven’t visited the zoo would assume it’s has to be much less than what it really is!

The zoo has several themed/grouped areas, but geographically there are two distinct large sections; the main zoo and the more spread out African Savanna area.

The beginning portion of the zoo is very balanced with features and exhibits you would expect from any top zoo.

But they start off in a more simpler way featuring barn animals such as pigs, cows and goats. They can be fed via farm feed that is dispensed from an old-school coin operated candy machine. The animals here are used to humans and it quickly becomes a fun and up-close experience.

De Brazza’s Monkeys are also in the opening area!

Immediately after that is the World of Bird building (temporarily closed)

Surrounding that building are several outdoor displays of the American Bald Eagle, Pink Flamingos, Parrots, Fox and the Peacocks which roam freely!

By the way, at the entrance you have a decision to make. Like many Zoos or Amusement Park you have multiple paths to take… typically clockwise or counter-clockwise. I chose to stay to the right and loop around the zoo counter-clockwise.

Which then brought me to the first elevated boardwalk areas.

Here they have Camels, Alpacas and Llamas, Bison, and as you start to leave that stretch of boardwalk… Lions and Leapords!

I saw a beautiful lion perched perfectly on a large rock just feet from the protective fencing… like she knew she was posing for photos.

Working around my loop I was now at the back of the Zoo.

So there is a smaller Savana Gardens cafe in this area for grab-n-go food items and beverages.

African Savanna

Now this is very important… something you don’t want to miss!

Alongside of the Savana Gardens Cafe is the entrance to the African Savanna.

This portion of the zoo is entirely on an elevated boardwalk, and meanders through dense woods before opening up to showcase very open animal areas.

Along the way while still in the woods you’ll pass the Andean Condor, Spotted Leopard, and more.

This area is also a loop (coming back to the same Savanna entrance) so I stuck with my plan of “staying right”

At the far end of the boardwalk was a clearing and the first to be seen here were Giraffes and Ostriches! The ostriches hung out further in the back but a Giraffe was hanging around somewhat close!

In the distance are Oryx and Watusi.

As I followed the loop around it brought me to the large Zebra area. Unfortunately for me, in this visit the Zebra were hanging out inside. A reason to come back again!

And right out of Lion King, the next area was the Ring-Tailed Lemurs!

Then the African Savanna loop brought me back into the woods where a variety of Owls were showcased.

This loop then connected with the entrance boardwalk and I headed back out to the Gardens cafe area.

Following my “stay-right” plan, up next was the Capybara area and yes there was one just hanging out in the shade.

Capybara’s have become very popular and they are one of the animals featured in up-close animal experiences (additional fees).

In this extended area don’t miss the center walking path that features a variety of animals including Marmoset Monkeys, Wallabies, Alligators, and Giant Tortoises.

Reptile & Amphibian House – Safari Cafe Area

As we start getting closer to the new Safari Cafe and the exit… I approached the Reptile and Amphibian House.

This indoor building offers a variety of snakes, turtles, and reptiles!

I was able to get some really awesome photos in this area, despite being indoors and a lighted a little darker.

Immediately after the Reptile House is the new Safari Cafe and large outdoor dining area.

A new smaller gift shop is also in this area.

While you are enjoying your lunch or refreshing beverage, you’ll find yourself hanging out in this area a bit as there are really fun animals to see.

During my visit the black bears where out, and since it was a warm day one of the bears found a cool spot next to one of the water sprinklers.

And the Kangaroo area was very lively. I just happened to be there the first day the Zoo opened up a guest area alongside of the Kangaroo pen. One of the Kangaroos, Jenga… well he just didn’t know what to make of this change of scenery and he was a bit amped up bouncing around the pen in high-speed circles!

As I headed back out towards the entrance (after checking my map!) I passed the Snow Leopards, Bobcats, Porcupines and Fox!

Tree-To-Tree Adventure Park

Tree-To-Tree Adventure Park is a really cool course for guests to get up into the trees and move through a series of challenges… ziplines, nets, Tarzan swings, wall climbing, rope walks and more!

While it is adjacent to the Zoo it operates as a separate attraction and the Tree-To-Tree experience does cost money to participate. They offer a variety of options and it seems it’s best to book online first .

I see options for Kids, Zipline only, and Adventure Course with Zipline. They suggest up to 2 hours to complete the experiences!

So while I did not actually participate in the Tree adventures, I was able to walk around a big portion of the adventure area and take some photos.

When I first arrived there one of the employees was giving an instructional class to that morning’s guest on how to properly and safely navigate the challenges in the trees.

While I am not an expert on these types of activities I was impressed by both the size of the area, the number of activity stations they had, and the creativeness that went into each segment.

The Adventure Course and Zipline runs are not just one thing repeated over and over. I saw tightropes, and walking plank bridges, log bridges and tubes! All suspended 10 feet in the air!

It looks challenging and fun, and I have to believe being up in the air amps up the excitement 10-fold!

Cape May County Park and Zoo: A Fun Way To Spend a Day or More

If not clear I really was happily surprised by the Zoo, Park and Tree-to-Tree Adventure!

It really is an awesome set-up they have at the Cape May County Park, and while I am not an expert of New Jersey County Parks I have to believe there aren’t any that come close to this experience!

Keep in mind the Zoo is open year-round and makes for a fun trip on it’s own, or a quick and easy drive from your Jersey Shore beach vacation!

I recommend “liking” the Zoo Facebook page as they regular post about the animals and activities at the Zoo.

Links and Locations

Cape May County Park & Zoo 707 North Route 9 Cape May Court House New Jersey, 08210

Tree To Tree Adventure Park Cape May

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Safari Café Grand Opening at Cape May Zoo

Visitors to the Cape May County Park & Zoo are going to have enhanced dining options at the new Safari Café.

The Grand Opening Celebration of the new Safari Café is Friday at 11 a.m.

The Cape May County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to the ceremony that will include a ribbon cutting, music, face painter, and special guests.

Visitors are welcome to tour the new building and sample the new menu.

“We are so excited to have the community come out to see the new Safari Café during a day that will be fun for the whole family,” said Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Zoo.

She continued, “We continue to work on bringing new additions to the Zoo, which is one of the reasons the Cape May County Zoo continues to be ranked as one of the best in the country. Our entire Zoo team does a terrific job, and I am proud to work with them on projects like this one.”

There have been a number of new additions since last summer, including:

• Female red-necked Wallaby born Nov. 1
• 2 female Capybara pups born Feb. 3
• Male ring-tailed Lemur infant born March 13
• 2 cotton-topped Tamarin infants born March 31
• Female Grant’s Zebra foal born April 16
• Female Grant’s Zebra foal born May 7

Click the link to view the Zoo map.

https://seaislenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/ZOO-Map-1.pdf 

The improved Safari Café will include an inside sit-down facility, which will be air conditioned for the summer and provide a heated space on colder days.

The Café will feature 50 seats indoor and 250 seats outdoor. The menu will include plenty of healthy options, more ice cream novelties, and high-quality sandwiches. Proceeds from the Safari Café benefit the Zoo.

The site of the existing Café will now be called the Safari Express and remain a takeout window with lots of options outside the Zoo in the courtyard. The new restaurant will then take the name of Safari Café and visitors will need to enter the Zoo in order to enjoy the refreshments there.

The Cape May County Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for 364 days a year. It is located at 707 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House. Find out more about the Zoo at cmczoo.com.

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New Café to Open at Zoo

May 23, 2022

The Cape May County Park & Zoo are opening a new Safari Café.

The improved Safari Café will include an inside sit-down facility will include an air-conditioned and heated 50-seat indoor space. There will be an additional 250 seats outside.

The menu will include plenty of healthy options, more ice cream novelties, and high-quality sandwiches. Proceeds from the Safari Café benefit the Zoo.

The Zoo is hosting a grand opening to the public June 10 at 11 a.m. The festivities will include ribbon cutting, music, a face painter and special guests.

“We are so excited to have the community come out to see the new Safari Café during a day that will be fun for the whole family,” stated Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Zoo.

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It’s hard to keep track, but it seems like the Cape May County Zoo has been welcoming a lot of newcomers lately. There are the new baby zebras , there were the capybaras , the common marmoset , the ring-tailed lemur  — oh, and don’t forget last December’s addition: the red panda .

Now they’re ready to unveil their newest addition: the Safari Café .

The new eatery will have its grand opening on June 10. The grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting, face painting, music and special guests, officials said; it will begin at 11 a.m.

The new Safari Café replaces the old Safari Café, which will now be re-branded Safari Express, a takeout window in the courtyard outside the zoo.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, the new restaurant will be an enclosed, climate-controlled venue with indoor seating for 50 and outdoor seating for 250. Customers will have to enter the zoo to dine at the new café.

According to a statement,

“We continue to work on bringing new additions to the zoo, which is one of the reasons the Cape May County Zoo continues to be ranked as one of the best in the country,” said county Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the zoo.

The menu will include plenty of healthy options, more ice cream novelties, and high-quality sandwiches. Proceeds from the Safari Café benefit the Zoo.

The zoo is part of Cape May County Park on Rte. 9 North in Cape May Courthouse.

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Safari Café Grand Opening at Cape May Zoo

Visitors to the Cape May County Park & Zoo are going to have enhanced dining options at the new Safari Café.The Grand Opening Celebration of the new Safari Café is Friday at 11 a.m.The Cape May County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to the ceremony that will include a ribbon cutting, music, face painter, and special guests.Visitors are welcome to tour the new building and sample the new menu.“We are so excited to have the commun…

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Admission to the park & zoo is free, but we recommend a donation at the entrance gate. Summer Zoo Hours 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Early March - October) Winter Zoo Hours 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (November - early March) Park Hours 7:00 a.m. to dusk year-round Parking is free for cars.

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The Cape May County Park and Zoo is free and open every day of the year except for Christmas (weather permitting). They’re located just a few miles up the Garden State Parkway at exit 11.

The zoo features over 550 critters representing more than 250 different species. In May 2010, the birth of two Snow Leopard cubs put the zoo on the map. In April 2012, the zoo saw its third consecutive year of Snow Leopard births.

How to get there: Off Rte. 9 in Cape May Court House. Take Exit 11 off the Parkway. Go through the traffic light into the zoo entrance. Parking is free.

Snow Leopards at the Cape May Zoo

The Cape May Zoo is the proud home to a breeding pair of Snow Leopards, who have welcomed seven cubs in four years.

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It’s a Zoo Out There

Our fun and fascinating cape may county menagerie.

Photographs by MICHELLE GIORLA

If you grew up in Cape May County, you almost certainly have a story about a class field trip to the Cape May County Zoo. My own involves my mother, as room mother of my kindergarten class, deftly leading a small group of six-year-olds through a nature trail until a classmate walked headfirst into a tree. This writer is, without a doubt, not alone. In fact, a visit to the Cape May County Zoo was, and continues to be, par for the course for many area school districts.

“We don’t have exact numbers since schools can come for free whenever they want, but we have schools that visit us from all over the state,” says Dr. Alexander Ernst, veterinarian at the CMC Zoo. “Conservatively, we have hundreds of school groups that visit us annually.”

However, the zoo isn’t just for children, and while it’s fun, it’s also kind of fascinating and fairly unbelievable. Because while it has a lot to offer—and we’ll get to that—one of the most shocking facts about the Cape May County Zoo is that, situated smack in the middle of a resort area complete with sky-rocketing prices, admission to the zoo remains the same as it was when it opened in 1978: Absolutely free.

For the record, Cape May County Zoo isn’t the only free zoo in the country. Others include Salisbury Zoo in Maryland, Smithsonian’s National Zoo in D.C., and the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, among a few others. But there aren’t many. In fact, when thinking about the adult admission price of other noteworthy zoos—$24 per person at The Philadelphia Zoo, $24.95 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and a whopping $67 per person at the San Diego Zoo—it remains all the more stunning that our beloved and almost legendary institution, is free.

“We’re free and we’ve been free since our inception,” says Ernst. “We’re run by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners. The zoo, in its history, has had tremendous support from the county, which has always invested in us. It enhances tourism here in the county.”

While it helps the county, it also helps your wallet.

“At the end of the day, if you come to Cape May County during your vacation, you might get sick of the beach, and nowadays, taking a family to the boardwalk costs an arm and a leg,” says Ernst. “The Zoo gives guests an opportunity to burn a day or more without spending their college savings on a vacation.”

While the zoo is happy to accept donations, the bottom line is that you can spend a day—or a week—at the Cape May County Zoo without breaking the bank. And for those of you wondering, how good could it possibly be if it’s free? The answer is an unequivocal “very good.”

It’s not some tiny petting zoo—though it has a petting zoo, complete with the beloved and famous Holstein Cow ‘Jilly’ who has her own fan base. Nor is it a spectacle-grabbing operation a la Joe Exotic, with questionable practices and an even more questionable owner. And though it started with just “an African lion, primates (spider monkeys), various barnyard animals and New Jersey wildlife animals,” according to the zoo website, it’s hardly a rinky-dink operation today.

In fact, the Cape May County Zoo is now home to more than 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres of exhibits, with creatures from every continent except Antarctica. On top of that, it was designated 5th best zoo in the country in Trip Advisor’s 2015 Top 5 Travelers’ Choice Zoo. Not too shabby.

How do animals get to the Cape May County Zoo?

“There might be misconceptions about where the animals are coming from. Zoos are no longer out there netting zebras or lions and bringing them into a zoo. Most of our animals here at the zoo have all been born here or at other zoos,” says Ernst.

However, of the 250 species represented at the Cape May County Zoo, a number have a history that includes ownership gone awry. Sure, there are the Chilean Flamingos, acquired in 2007, which were previously residents of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. But there are other animals, with less famous previous owners, who have also found their way to the Cape May County Zoo.

“Our bobcat was a confiscation that someone had as a pet years ago. Same thing with one of our ringtail lemurs,” says Ernst. “Some of these animals are legal to have as pets in other states. The ring-tailed lemur was acquired in Florida. And there, that’s legal. But then in New Jersey, it’s illegal. So that particular animal was confiscated by the state and sent to live its life here under our care.”

It’s a common theme at the zoo. Animals, whether due to accident, injury, or illegal ownership, often end up living out their remaining days at the zoo. And while Ernst occasionally hears guests lamenting that certain animals or birds should be freed to live in the wild, that’s not always possible.

“I try to explain to people that our birds of prey are rehabilitated animals that were never able to be rehabilitated enough to be released into the wild. So, they are called non-releasable animals,” says Ernst. “They aren’t healthy enough or recovered enough from whatever their injuries were, or they are too young to go back to the wild.”

While the zoo is happy to accept donations, the bottom line is that you can spend a day—or a week—at the Cape May County Zoo without breaking the bank.

Rather than facing euthanization, when there’s room, someplace like the zoo takes them in, making their care and well-being a top priority. “Most of our animals are extraordinarily spoiled,” says Ernst. “They have the best care possible and constant attention from our keepers and veterinarians. Everybody is very, very spoiled.”

This very special treatment has resulted in some particularly long-living animals. In fact, the country’s oldest red panda is a resident of Cape May County Zoo, where she’s been living since 2011. The longevity of the animals is a testament to the tremendous care they receive in Cape May County.

“Luna is going to be 21 years old in June. That is extraordinary for a red panda. But she didn’t get that old by chance,” says Ernst. “She was almost 11 when she got here, already a little bit aged, and she has been cared for and coddled while here in Cape May. Just like a geriatric person, she has a lot of needs that must be met every day. She’s high maintenance. She can be finicky about her food, and she’s on lots of medication. We spend a lot of time with her, making sure her golden years are spent as happily as possible.”

There are other animals that have been at the zoo for a long time. The Aldabra tortoises, which arrived in 1991, are well over 30 years old. With a lifespan of over a hundred years in captivity, Ernst says that they’ll be there after his career is over.

Part of that care includes food, and lots of it. In fact, there is a person at the zoo whose sole job is dedicated to the commissary. “Food acquisition is extraordinarily complex. We have frogs the size of your thumb and over 2000-pound giraffes and everything in between. We are feeding, quite literally, the world’s animals,” says Ernst.

It should come as no surprise that there’s an equally large assortment of food, and food requirements. The zoo orders from numerous vendors dealing with highly specialized provisions from around the country, from raw meats in Colorado to produce from Tony’s Produce in the Villas.

“We’re not using leftover scraps. We’re getting produce from Tony’s and it’s the same stuff that’s going to restaurants. Our animals are eating the highest quality food,” says Ernst.

As for how much food is consumed per year, that’s a tough question. “It’s almost impossible to figure out the poundage. For instance, lions are carnivores. They get a raw meat diet that’s balanced and fortified. A male lion might get ten pounds of that a day, same as a female. Cheetahs might be three or four pounds per day. The leopards might get the same. So just in a meat diet alone, we might be going through 40 or 50 pounds a day. And that’s just meat. Then you’ve got the hoof stock animals eating hay. And grain diets. It’s an incredibly complex undertaking to make sure we’re stocked.” The aviary alone is more complex than any human household.

“I would say that here at the zoo, as a group, the birds—the World of Birds Aviary—are probably the most demanding. There are dozens of different species, all of which eat different types of food, and they all live collectively in that area,” says Ernst. “The aviary staffing is constantly putting out quite literally dozens of different types of food for all the different birds in there…and birds can be quite picky. So, there’s fresh fruits and fresh produce and feed and commercial diet and nuts.”

In addition to providing animals with shelter, care and healthy diets, the zoo works with animals on a formal training program to help care for them better.

“One of the most common things we do is try to train our animals to help us do common and noninvasive vet procedures on them,” says Ernst. “It can be nearly impossible to do physical exams or listen to a heartbeat with a stethoscope or take blood on some of these animals. As things have evolved, most of our animals that are interested in doing so are being trained, with the end goal being that whatever behavior we are training them to do will help us care for them in some way.”

Whereas in the past, it was very common to dart an animal with anesthesia to provide vet procedures, at the zoo, there are animals who have been trained to come up close to have a physical examination done. Even more astonishing, some have been trained to take injections, something human parents often can’t manage with their own offspring. But don’t feel bad…not all the animals are trained.

“Animals are individuals just like human beings, and even individuals of the same species can be very different. Some animals are very eager and excited to do the training,” says Ernst. “There are others that don’t care. Being trained to take the injections is very positively reinforced. It’s a really cool aspect.”

Though the training program has resulted in less need for anesthetics, there are times when it’s necessary. “If I wanted to get x-rays on the lion, the lion would have to be anesthetized,” says Ernst. “We want to make sure when we do big procedures on animals, we’re not doing it flippantly. We’re very particular and deliberate in how we practice medicine here that we don’t put them under any undue stress.”

A long, quality life is a high priority for the animals of Cape May County Zoo, but it’s not the only goal of the zoo—conservation is also of utmost importance.

The Cape May County Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Program, whose mission is to “manage an ex-situ (off-site) species population with the interest and cooperation of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums,” according to its website.

Not only does an AZA accreditation mean that a zoo meets a particularly high standard of animal care and welfare, but for the Cape May County Zoo, it also means being part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. According to CMC Zoo literature, the SSP “began in 1981 by the AZA as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species and zoos and aquariums. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population.”

So, when there’s an animal that’s being threatened in the wild, participating zoos can work together, using a database, to help prevent extinction.

“We know where most of the animals come from. They can be matched up genetically and assigned to breeding pairs. So, the breeding we do here, we’re not just breeding to get people to see baby animals,” says Ernst. “It’s deliberate. It’s designed to keep a genetically strong population of animals in captivity, almost like an insurance policy against extinction. For example, snow leopards are endangered. If they get close enough to extinction, due to the efforts of SSP, there is a genetically diverse enough population in zoos to start a repatriation program.”

There are plenty of animals at the Cape May County Zoo that are part of the AZA Program, including, but not limited to, Cotton-Top Tamarins, American bison, and antelope.

“It’s very rewarding,” says Ernst, who has been part of sending and receiving animals to and from other AZA zoos as part of the program. “While our animals can never return to the wild, their genetics might. They might be part of a small but critical contribution.”

One of the fun things about the AZA program, as far as zoo visitors are concerned, is seeing the babies. Because let’s face it, there is nothing cuter than a baby, regardless of species. And there have been plenty of babies born at the Cape May County Zoo. From ring-tailed lemurs and cotton-topped tamarins, to zebras, snow leopards, giraffes, bison, and capybaras, animals of all sorts have been bred right at the zoo. In addition to visiting them, guests are often invited to help name the newborns. “We often have naming contests so the public can be involved,” says Ernst.

The public can be involved in other ways as well, including the zoo’s animal encounters, where, for a fee, guests can take part in an approximately 20-minute visit with a particular animal. Animals currently booking encounters are the capybara family, giraffes, camels, and winter reptiles. Encounters are private, and are led by zoo educators, and most come with the opportunity to feed the animals.

There are enough animals to see at the Cape May County Zoo to keep you busy all day, but really, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The Zoo is situated inside Cape May County Park Central, which includes picnic areas, walking parks, multiple playgrounds, fitness course, fishing ponds, picnic pavilions, and disc golf course. Additionally, the park has installed a wildlife themed carousel, new rock-climbing wall, a small train, and Tree to Tree, an aerial obstacle course. And though there are fees for these features, they certainly add to the thrills to be found at the park. It’s no surprise that the zoo is often packed full of families, couples, grandparents, and children, all on adventures, all exploring everything the park and zoo have to offer.

“Our attendance is very high. The benefit is that people see the zoo, they learn something, then they drop in a donation. Not only do we get more attendance because of the zoo being free, but we’re able to reach people that we may not have otherwise reached with our messaging,” says Ernst. “One of the biggest benefits of going to the zoo is to educate yourself about these animals, to connect, and to understand that saving and conserving them is important.” ■

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Cape May County Zoo Is One Of Our Favorite Things To Do In New Jersey And Here’s Why

There are plenty of zoos in New Jersey, but the Cape May County Park and Zoo is one that should be on your bucket list—oh, and did we mention admission is free ? That’s just one of the reasons to visit as well as touring the lush landscapes, seeing over 250 different animal species ,  and getting in on their conservation efforts. And with activities like a private tour, the Cape May Zoo is a must-do. Read on to find out what you need to know before you visit the zoo.

Featured Image Photo Credit: @ jerseycollective

Psst! We love seeing your social-distancing New Jersey adventures. Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM  and  @njmom  for a chance to be featured in our round-up next week.

Here are 5 things to know before visiting the Cape May Park and Zoo in NJ

The cape may zoo animals are from all over the world.

Admire the majestic cheetah in person via @ revcapeljr

Whether your child loves unique birds, like the black swan, or dangerous carnivores, like the African bison, there is something for everyone at the Cape May County Zoo . You can spot animals from North America, South America, Australia, and Africa, as well as exhibits featuring endangered species like the Panamanian Golden Frog. As part of their conservation efforts, the Cape May Zoo partners with other zoos around the world, and highlights how climate change and deforestation can affect species in interactive experiences throughout the zoo.

You won’t believe your eyes when you see these larger-than-life creatures via @ capemaycountyzoo

The Cape May County Zoo private tour is a must do

Get up close and personal with exotic animals via @ vesper889

Want to avoid the crowds or celebrate a special occasion, like your kid’s birthday? Get exclusive access before the zoo opens with a private-guided zoo tour (weather permitting, of course). The 80-minute tour requires at least 8 people and is $50 a person ( minimum charge of $200).  During the one-of-a-kind tour, an experienced Zoo Educator will guide you through the exhibits and introduce you to all the various species that call the Cape May County Zoo home.

Grab a bite and stop by the gift shop

The smiles are never-ending at the Cape May County Zoo via @ toodrippyzai

Make a snack stop at the Safari Cafe , with a variety of healthy food like fresh fruit, sandwiches, and salads. You can also find kiosks selling their famous Animal Sipper Cups with lemonade, ice cream, and more. Want to take home a zoo souvenir? The gift shop has treasures from the shop before you leave—all proceeds benefit the zoo and its animals.

Donations are always appreciated at Cape May Zoo

Don’t forget to snap a pic in front of this famous sign as you enter the Cape May County Zoo via @ magical_calman_triplets

One of the best things about the Cape May County Park and Zoo is its mission to educate families about animals and other forms of wildlife. That means offering free admission and providing lots of information about their conservation efforts. Since it’s a nonprofit organization, donating to the Cape May County Zoological Society will ensure the zoo provides an amazing experience for everyone. These funds go towards developing new exhibits, improving facilities, and making acquisitions to the animal collection, along with conservation that keeps families coming back generation after generation.

Adopt one of the Cape May Zoo animals

For more information about the Cape May County Zoo , visit their website , call (609) 465-5271, or follow along on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

Cape May Zoo Hours

Open every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM 707 US 9 Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

About Author

Athena is a former nursery school teacher turned marketing wizard at NJMOM, who lives for fashion and globetrotting. As an aunt to 9 little humans, she loves finding cool new activities to do together that will keep everyone smiling. On any given weekend day, you can find Athena eating all the Greek food at her fave local NJ restaurant, Local Greek, in Princeton. Which, not so ironically, is owned by her big fat Greek family.

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Cape May County Park & Zoo

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ It's a very kid-friendly environment and the entrance is free of charge (although they ask you for a donation at the gate). ” in 75 reviews

“ Been to Cape May Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo in the last couple of weeks and Cape May beats Philly hands down. ” in 24 reviews

“ I sometimes see geese in with the deer and camelids, sometimes with the ostriches, giraffes , or zebras. ” in 48 reviews

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707 Rt US 9 N

Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Upcoming Special Hours

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Cape May County Zoo is a major attraction known for it's wildlife and endangered species. Over 550 animals, representing rare and endangered species can be found at the zoo. The Cape May County Zoo Society, a 501(c)3 NJ non-profit corporation, is the official Support Organization of the Cape May County Park & Zoo. …

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How much is admission?

It's free! They accept donations but it's not required.

Is there a petting zoo? I'm taking my 2.5 yr old niece and 12 yr old cousin?

Hello Bree C. Yes we have a farm animal area. Our goats and cow, Jilly love the attention! Check out more on our facebook page @capemaycountyparkzoo or website www.cmczoo.com

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327 reviews

This zoo is beautiful and you can see that the zookeepers and all staff clearly go above and beyond for their animals. Well done CMC Park & Zoo!

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a free (you read that right, free) park that accepts donations. Parking here is free and they are open daily (except on Christmas) from 10:00- 4:30 PM daily for the zoo. The zoo has the typical layout that you'd expect with a gift shop, benches and some snack options. You're not allowed to bring outside food or pets, and is smoke-free environment. The zoo itself is well-laid out and spacious with plenty of animals and placards to read all about their natural habitats. This zoo is really special and offers plenty of open spaces to enjoy the creatures and why they are there. It's a really lovely way to spend a morning especially when it's a bit colder and the animals are active. A must-do when in the Cape May area.

Visiting the Cape May County Zoo in New Jersey, USA, turned out to be an exceptional experience, blessed with perfect weather that was sunny and breezy. Despite a sizable crowd, the ample parking and spacious layout of the zoo made it a comfortable and enjoyable outing for everyone. This zoo showcases a wide variety of animals from all over the globe, set in well-maintained habitats that simulate their natural environments beautifully. During our visit, we marveled at several mammals; the African Lions were a majestic sight, lazily sunbathing. Nearby, a cheetah paced gracefully in its enclosure while a group of giraffes stood tall and cool under a straw umbrella. The zebras appeared content in their pen, and even the red panda, who looked a touch bored, was an adorable sight. The presence of the black bear, alpacas, majestic bison, and a two-humped camel rounded out a diverse and fascinating mammalian exhibit. The bird section was equally impressive with its variety. A fierce emu moved about its space, peacocks displayed their spectacular feathers, and various species of owls added a mystical touch to the atmosphere, reminiscent of the song "Who Are You" by The Who. One minor disappointment was the closure of the Reptile & Amphibian House on the day of our visit, which unfortunately meant missing out on some interesting species. Additionally, the sight of a somewhat melancholic brown bear, seemingly longing for honey, tugged at our heartstrings. Nevertheless, the visit was delightful. The Cape May County Zoo is an excellent destination for animal lovers, families, or anyone looking to spend a day in the embrace of nature and wildlife. The care for the animals and the quality of the facilities are evident, making it a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists alike. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this wonderful zoo. This version of the review presents the zoo experience in a narrative, paragraph style that flows smoothly while detailing the highlights and minor setbacks of the visit.

See all photos from Mike S. for Cape May County Park & Zoo

A day out in Cape May means some fun times with the family at the zoo! Embarassed to say, I haven't taken my kids out to the zoo (museums or aquariums, too) in many, many years. As the kids grew older, they began to have different interests in things to do. I am so very glad we stopped by where we were able to remember all the fun times we used to enjoy at zoos when they were little. Lots of animals and attractions. Areas are clean and well maintained.

See all photos from Amy N. for Cape May County Park & Zoo

Cape May Zoo is one of the best zoos around! It has a small zoo feel with so much to do! It's 100% free although they accept donations. There are interactive parts of the zoo for all ages and so many animals to see. There are several primates, zebras, giraffe, buffalos, reptiles and so much more. All of the cages and enclosures are so well kept and clean. They were even celebrating the cows 10th birthday. There are a few places to sit down and snack and the safari cafe to grab a bite. There are bathrooms in the middle of the zoo and 2 sections with Porter potties. Aside from the zoo there are 2 massive playgrounds for all ages to play.

See all photos from Lilly B. for Cape May County Park & Zoo

What can you expect from a free zoo? I was blown away. The place is beautiful. There is a huge playground before you enter. Plenty of parking and easy to get to Tons of animals in this huge zoo Clean and friendly staff They do have donations buckets I'll be back

I always have an amazing time at this zoo! It's always clean, and there exists a wide variety of animals and habitats. I enjoy feeding the goats and cows.

One of the best zoos in NJ, and it's free! There are donation bins throughout the zoo, but it is not a requirement. It is beautifully kept, very clean, and the staff is always so friendly. There are little snack shacks with basic foods (uncrustables, chips, juice, ice cream, popcorn, etc), but you can also pack your own. Clean restrooms available inside and outside of the zoo with various extra activities for kids - playground, seasonal activities, gem mining, carousel. Will always return here!

See all photos from Allie I. for Cape May County Park & Zoo

Cape May County Zoo was a favorite h growing up and ow I am fortunate enough to bring my own children to this wonderful zoo. Admission is free** or donation based. The zoo is an oasis in the trees and offers a wide variety of animals to view. Each exhibit is thoughtfully planned. Extra experiences and feedings can be prebooked. We always enjoy busting and then playing at the park right outside the entrance. Wonderful way to get your wiggles out before the trip home.

What a beautiful, fun zoo! No admission, just donations encouraged! Perfect size for families with younger children. Plenty of animals to see, and a beautiful playground at the entrance that children can enjoy before entering or while exiting! Cafe for food and drinks available on the premises! The staff inside the cafe were awesome! Check them out!

See all photos from Theresa M. for Cape May County Park & Zoo

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CBS Philadelphia

Bear captured in Hatboro, Montgomery County, Cape May County Zoo welcomes new zebra foal

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

A bear spotted around Hatboro and Upper Moreland Township neighborhoods was captured and will be relocated to a more rural area, the Cape May County Zoo will hold a naming contest for their new zebra foal, and Thursday will be hot and sunny before a major weekend cool down. These stories and more in your Digital Brief for Thursday, May 2.

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