Cape May County Park & Zoo

707 U.S. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA

Address:	707 U.S. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA
Phone:	+1 609-465-5271
Site:	cmczoo.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	10AM–4:30PM 10AM–4:30PM 10AM–4:30PM 10AM–4:30PM 10AM–3:30PM 10AM–4:30PM 10AM–4:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Ryan Fisk

Sure, we might be spoiled here by the Bronx Zoo, but considering the Cape May Zoo is completely free, this has to be one of the best Ive ever been to, perhaps even rivaling some other paid ones. Upon entering, there are a handful of small pathways and animal cages, giving you the impression that the entire zoo is small, however, once you venture to the back areas, youre treated to an "aerial walk where youre actually peering down into the various animal habitats, and almost walking alongside (and above) some of the giraffes and zebras. The aerial walk consists of a meandering boardwalk built 8-12 feet above the habitats, accessible by two ramps at either end. In addition to the elevated pathways, theres a reptile house loaded with species, and a small aviary. The rest of the zoo is connected via concrete sidewalk/pathways and there are plenty of other exhibits to see. Perhaps it was our early arrival time, but it was nice to see that a lot of the animals were very active - newly born cubs playing with one another, monkeys swinging on vines, and even a snake shedding its skin! Add to that that some of the man-made habitats were small-ish in size, and everyone could get a good view. Throughout the zoo, the animal plaques were clear and consistent from one area to the next, providing just the right amount of information for curious guests (like myself!) The park map is accurate and detailed, however, youll notice that if you want to see everything, youll have to venture down a lot of side paths, often retracing your steps several times. There are two sets of restrooms - one near the front, and the other outside of the main zoo gates. Ice cream snacks and soft drinks can be purchased inside the park, but if youre looking for sandwiches, salads, pizza, or similar, youll again have to venture outside of the main zoo gates. All in all, Id definitely recommend a visit to the zoo if youre in the Cape May area and have 1-2 hours of free time. Youll be glad you did!

laughing Hawk

Im glad I came across this place. Its a lovely little zoo and great for animal and nature lovers. There are zip line courses and a small train for kids to ride, along with a carousel. The animals look well taken care of so that was a plus. They are by donation only so please be sure to leave one because it really is worth it to care for those creatures and maintain everything there. You donate whatever you wish. My only gripes with the place are the bathrooms, which really do need improvement and more toilets due to the amount of children that are taken there (my other gripe) because the lines are insane. My other gripe is not the zoos fault at all, but families who let their children run amok as if they were at home. Someone threw a water bottle into the turtles pond with a freakin recycle bin a few feet away! The poor turtles swarmed around it trying to bite it. I felt so bad. Another kid was throwing the corn for the birds and ducks at the tamarins and the parents just laughing like IT WAS OK! They need some people to patrol and keep an eye on these things so the animals dont get sick or injured. I had no idea where you would even report something like that. There are signs stating not to feed or mess with certain animals and warnings they bite. End note: Wonderful for nature and animals lovers, not for people who cant stand kids and crowds. Wonderful job by the staff caring for the animals!! Very clean.

Tom K

Im absolutely blown away by the fact that there is no admission to this zoo. Its incredible! I was expecting a lot less from a free zoo, but they had quite a diverse number of animals to see and things that kept the kids interested. The food on site was expensive, like it is at every other zoo that Ive been to, but knowing that what I paid for lunch helps to keep this awesome zoo open made it well worth it! Its not as big as other zoos, but the grounds are beautiful, clean and well maintained and the fact that the zoo is part of a larger county park, with a big, beautiful playground right outside the entrance, helped keep the kids entertained just as well, if not better than, other zoos. I highly recommend this place if you come to visit south Jersey or if youre within driving distance. Its well worth it!

Michael N

Cape May Zoo is a fantastic hidden gem in South Jersey. This is a great option to visit with the kids if you need a break from the beach during the summer (most of the park is heavily shaded, so that helps with the heat. Free parking. Free admission (although I suggest you give a nice donation as you can imagine the cost in maintaining a place like this.) The animals were pretty active and it seemed like there was plenty of space for them to run around. The one bathroom in the entire park was a bit weird and crowded as you can imagine but not the worst Ive ever seen. Overall its a great option and a lot more relaxed than the Philly zoo.

Helen Wagener Wagener

It was Friday and the people were arriving for Labor Day. The zoo is really fabulous they do not charge admission but have concessions all around and restrooms. Every age was represented. It was a fun time for us just my grown daughter and myself a memory created. The people were pleasant and the grounds were clean no littering that I could see. The animals were sweet and fun. Perfect weather 74 and overcast.Rocky the tiger of 18 years had passed away the day before but after several operations he is happier now Im sure. The leopard Cubs were great. Thanks Cape May Zoo. We gave a donation of 20.00 for the two of us and it was worth it!

Ashley Hutchinson

This is my absolute favorite zoo. Went there yesterday for the first time in years, and its even better than I remembered. Extremely clean, well-shaded, and staff were very informative and friendly. Animal habitats appeared spacious and clean, and we were able to watch one of the keepers interact with a bird and he was so soothing and gentle with it. Paths are wide, well-maintained, and mainly flat, making this zoo very accessible for people of different mobility levels. Plenty of benches as well. Best part is its donation only admission, which allows all to access this gem of a zoo regardless of income.

lindsay jenkins

Cape May County Zoo is my all time favorite. There are no entry fees; it is just strictly donation based but that is not why I love it here. Each time I plan a trip here the grounds have changed for the better: whether its a new path, an elaborate bamboo fence for the lion enclosure or a cool hut to get snacks and take a break. The zoo keeps getting better! The animals are well cared for, with large areas to roam, and the zoo keepers are passionate and knowledgeable about the animals. I cant wait to visit again! Thanks for donating and supporting such a unique zoo. You will love it too.

A Private User

We are out-of-state visitors that have been to many animal parks in many places and honestly loved this one the best. The other reviews are right on the mark. We were so surprised that there is no cost to enter and how wonderfully done the enclosures are. We gave a nice donation on the way out and we are writing a yearly check to encourage the facility to continue the wonderful work that they are doing. If you can afford it, buy the food and souvenirs to support the zoo and keep it free for the education and enjoyment of those who may not be able to afford most forms of entertainment.