Here are 10 Reasons to Visit the Cape May Zoo
The Cape May Zoo recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, and there’s a reason why it’s one of the top tourism destinations in the state. The zoo is also voted as one of Trip Advisor’s 25 best zoos in the world.
I’m a BIG fan of the Cape May Zoo (707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House) and I am so glad I got a chance to visit them recently. Since I’m such a fan, I wanted to share my Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Cape May Zoo (although there’s plenty of reasons) to inspire you to make a trip there ASAP.
10 Reasons to Visit the Cape May Zoo:
1. It’s Free! Yes, the Cape May Zoo is free to visit! A full zoo that’s open to the public that’s free is rare, and lucky for New Jerseyans we have access to one. Of course, I highly recommend making a donation to the zoo when you’re there, since that is how they remain free!
2. It’s Open Year Round (Except for Christmas Day) You can visit any time during the year to see the animals!
3. They’re apart of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, so they have a very knowledgeable staff. Founded in 1967, The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. is a U.S. 501c non-profit volunteer association which provides resources to animal care workers, whether they be volunteers or professionals, for training, professional development, and conservation.
The zoo participates in a number of its species survival programs. In particular, a Mountain Bongo Antelope from the zoo’s collection was sent to the Mt. Kenya World Heritage Site in 2004 to join a captive breeding population intended to reestablish a wild population in future generations.
4. The Animals! Of course seeing the animals is a highlight of the zoo, and the Cape May Zoo has plenty! Lions, leopards, lemurs…there’s plenty of animals to see throughout the zoo.
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. One of the newest additions, a male baby giraffe, was born on December 20th, 2017. He is the third giraffe calf his mother Joanie the giraffe has had since she came to the zoo in 2011.
Bonus: For $20 per person you can go on a 90-minute guided tour throughout the Zoo. During the tour you will get the opportunity to learn about the animals, their habitats, conservation efforts and ask as many questions as you want! I was lucky enough to take a tour with Park Director Ed Runyon.
5. For an additional fee you can go on the Animal Encounter Tour. During the Animal Encounter Tour you will have the opportunity to get up and close with the zoo’s animals like their primates, camels, reptiles, otters, and GIRAFFES. To say that I enjoyed my interaction with a giraffe is an understatement. It is hands down one of the 10 ten experiences I’ve had in New Jersey.
6. The zoo also has a whole Birds exhibit featuring parrots and other tropical birds. You will also see plenty of peacocks roaming the premises of the park as well. Fun Fact: In 2007, the zoo received 13 Chilean flamingos from the Neverland Ranch. As in Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
7. The perfect way to donate to the zoo is by “adopting” an animal. When you adopt an animal, you get a photo of them, a fact sheet, and an official adoption certificate. You can sponsor a zebra, otter, red panda, a snow leopard, lion, or giraffe. It also makes a great gift option! Because it’s a donation to the zoo it’s also tax deductible. Win Win.
8. The Cape May Zoo has a unique experience called the Tree to Tree Adventure Park. For $30+ you can zipline or enjoy an 3 different adventure courses with monkey bars, tarzan swings, nets, climbing walls and more. Spend up to three hours of sheer excitement trekking from tree to tree on any of the course options. (Ages 7 and older only)
9. The Cape May Zoo is not only educational, but it’s a lot of fun to visit. The people there have a great sense of humor as evidenced by this fun “Twitter” sign.
10. It’s in Cape May! One of my favorite places to visit year round is Cape May. After spending a few hours at the zoo, you can explore the rest of the town from its restaurants, shopping, and of course…the beach!
For additional information on the Cape May Zoo visit their Website, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.
