Menagerie provides up-close encounters in a beautiful setting
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — One of the coolest boardwalks in Cape May County isn’t by the ocean, but goes through the woods.
And when visitors emerge from the other side, they’re treated to the sights of giraffes and zebras and other savannah creatures.
The boardwalk is a pathway at the Cape May County Zoo, located off Exit 11 of the Garden State Parkway in Cape May Court House, a short ride from anywhere in the county.
Visitors who haven’t been to the zoo before are surprised when they arrive and see how extensive it is in size and because of its large collection of animals that includes lions and leopards and bears, monkeys, pandas and kangaroos, a bald eagle, owls and capybaras, bison and camels, just to name a few. And a reptile house to boot.
And it’s free.
There is no admission charge for the Cape May County Zoo, open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but donations are accepted.
The surrounding park of more than 200 acres is open 7 a.m. to dusk with walking and bike paths, picnic tables and pavilions that can be rented (with reservations) for family outings or events such as birthday parties.
The zoo’s Education Department offers various programs to “inspire every growing mind to conserve the world’s rich biological diversity and ensure lasting prosperity for future generations.” There are private guided tours and animal encounters as well. (Call the Education Department at (609) 465-6832 or email education@cmczoo.com.)
There are special events. Among them are Art Against Extinction on Aug. 17; Yoga in the Zoo on Aug. 23 and Sept. 6; Unity in the Community on Aug. 25; Star Wars Day on Sept. 13, Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 25, Pirate and Princess Day on Nov. 8 and Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration on Nov. 29. Visitors can find a selection of foods at the Safari Car and Gift Shop and go to The Lion’s Den gift shop where kids can go home with a cute souvenir from their visit.
For the more adventurous souls, there is the Tree to Tree Cape May Adventure Park just outside the zoo entrance. There are three adventure courses and a zipline course for participants who meet the age and reach requirements for navigating the courses through the trees.
Remember to leave time for these adventures; the three courses can take two to two and a half hours. For the five ziplines, expect one to one and a half hours to do them twice. For tickets, go to treetotreecapemay.com/tickets. (Cost is $60 with an optional $5 upgrade for a fourth and final course. For the zipline only, cost is $45.)
Parking is free and the county added a large new lot that is a quick walk through the woods to the zoo. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are. Strollers, wagons and motorized wheelchairs are available to rent, but visitors are welcome to bring their own.
No outside food is allowed in the zoo — there is an exception for baby food and bottles — but visitors can bring in non-alcoholic drinks. The zoo is smoke- and tobacco-free. Vaping is not allowed.
The address is 707 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House.
More details are on the website at capemaycountynj.gov/1679/park-zoo.
– STORY and PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
