CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — For Kendra Verity, her favorite part of being manager of the Cape May County Zoo is seeing the connection that people make with wildlife.
“Whether it’s a child seeing a giraffe for the first time, a family learning about conservation or a visitor discovering a new appreciation for a species they knew little about, those moments are incredibly meaningful to me,” Verity said.
She was appointed to her current position this past June, but has been working at the Cape May County Zoo since 2015, when she was tasked with leading its Education Department.
“During that time, I worked alongside an exceptional team of dedicated educators — our passionate Wildlife Warriors — whose creativity, commitment and enthusiasm helped expand our educational programming and inspire countless visitors to connect with wildlife and conservation,” Verity said.
In May 2024, Verity and her team celebrated the opening of the Dr. Alex Ernst Memorial Education Center at Atlantic Cape Community College, which, she said, created “new opportunities to engage learners of all ages.”
“I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and grateful for the lasting impact they continue to make throughout our community,” she said.
Verity said that the Cape May County Zoo’s giraffe exhibit continues to be one of the most popular destinations for guests, “especially with the opportunity to observe the incredible animals up close in such a natural and peaceful setting.”
“Our capybaras, red pandas and African savanna consistently draw crowds throughout the summer,” she added.
Verity noted that attendance at the zoo remained strong again this summer compared to years past, with steady visitation from both locals and vacationers alike.
Verity added how the zoo was able to accommodate more visitors with the addition of its new parking lot.
As summer winds down, Verity said that the fall and winter are wonderful times to visit.
“Visitors can enjoy smaller crowds, beautiful seasonal scenery and cooler temperatures, which often means that the animals are more active,” she said.
The zoo has some special events planned in the coming months, including “Boo at the Zoo,” “Princess & Pirate Day” and “Conservation Day.”
“Boo at the Zoo” is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at the adjacent Cape May County Park. The event, which is sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, is free and open to the public and will provide activities for children, a craft station, games, candy, entertainment, an inflatable obstacle course and a pirate ship.
Visitors can wear costumes and participate in a costume contest that will start at 11 a.m. Guests can register for the costume contest starting at 10 a.m.
“Princess & Pirate Day at the Zoo” is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at the park. The annual free event is also sponsored by the Board of Commissioners. Visitors are invited to dress like princesses or pirates at the event, which will offer activities for children, a craft station, games, entertainment and an inflatable pirate ship. In addition, Coronation ceremonies and Disney trivia will be hosted by princesses and pirates.
Verity pointed out that the “Cape May County Zoo is one of a select number of zoological institutions in North America to hold accreditation from both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).”
“These accreditations reflect our commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, education and guest experience. We are also active participants in numerous AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are cooperative conservation programs that help maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species and support wildlife conservation efforts around the world,” she said.
Verity said that she is “extremely proud to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who care deeply about animal welfare, conservation and education.”
Cape May County Zoo is free and open year round from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
– STORY by JENNIFER HAN/For the Sentinel
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
