By Gia Gallone
This year, the Cape May County Park & Zoo celebrates 40 years of bringing adventure and excitement to both residents and visitors of Cape May County.
On May 6, 1978, the Cape May County Zoo opened on one acre within the Cape May County Park featuring about 70 animals. Today, 40 years later, the Cape May County Zoo consists of 52 acres boasting 550 animals representing 250 species of exotic and native animals. Since the zoo’s beginning, thousands of visitors have been impressed – and often surprised – to see such an extensive collection of animals within such a beautifully maintained park.
To this day, the zoo continues to expand and redevelop existing areas to improve both the visitors’ and animals’ experiences. The most recent addition came in November 2017, combining two primate habitats into one modernized larger one. Primate Point is an 8,000-square-foot building with five rooms housing families of Black Howler and DeBrazza monkeys. The brand new habitat gives the primates access to three different exterior habitats and five separate interior dens.
Other exhibits and attractions that make our zoo one of the best are the World of Birds Aviary, the Reptile & Amphibian House, the African Savanna, the Big Cat Exhibit, New Jersey animals, the Walter Trettin Memorial Snow Leopard Habitat and the Tree to Tree Adventure Park. In addition, the Cape May County Park & Zoo offers winding trails for hikers, bikers, joggers and wildlife watchers, multiple picnic areas, a huge playground and more.
The perfect alternative to a day at the beach, the zoo offers fun for every member of your family! The fun is always free at the zoo, but donations are appreciated.
707 Rt. 9 N., Cape May Court House
(609) 465-5271, www.cmczoo.com