- Attraction: Cape May County Park & Zoo
- Location: 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://www.capemaycountynj.gov/1008/Park-Zoo
A world-ranked zoo charging absolutely nothing for admission sounds too good to be true.
But the Cape May County Park & Zoo delivers exactly that—a world-class animal experience that won’t cost you a dime.
Since opening in 1978 with just 70 animals, this AZA-accredited facility has grown into a sprawling 85-acre wonder housing over 550 animals from 250 different species. TripAdvisor has recognized it as the 13th best zoo in the world and 5th best in the United States, outranking facilities in London, Beijing, and Moscow.
Free parking, year-round access (closed only on Christmas), and a location within the broader 220-acre Cape May County Park make this an unbeatable destination.
You’ll walk through immersive habitats ranging from the expansive 57-acre African Savanna to a free-flight aviary and climate-controlled reptile house—all without reaching for your wallet.
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Keep Exploring →Star Animals & Must-See Exhibits
Snow Leopards: The zoo earned international fame when snow leopard cubs Sabu and Kaba were born in 2010, part of an important Species Survival Plan.
You’ll find these magnificent endangered cats in the Walter Trettin Memorial Snow Leopard Habitat, completed in 2016 with nearly invisible steel mesh that lets you get whisker-close views.
These striking white-furred beauties with their black markings are incredibly rare in the wild, with fewer than 7,000 remaining worldwide.
African Savanna: Walking the elevated boardwalk through this massive 57-acre habitat feels like stepping into the Serengeti. Giraffes tower alongside zebras, ostriches, oryx, watusi, and bongo antelopes.
The raised walkways put you about eight feet off the ground, giving everyone perfect eye-level views of the giraffes. You can watch zebras in their renovated enclosures and spot the animals roaming freely across vast open spaces.
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Discover MoreBig Cats Galore: Beyond snow leopards, you’ll encounter African lions, cheetahs, Bengal tiger brothers, African leopard sisters (including one rare melanistic black leopard), clouded leopards, and bobcats.
The big cat collection here rivals much larger urban zoos, with spacious enclosures that allow close observation while keeping both animals and visitors safe.
Red Pandas & Ring-Tailed Lemurs: These fan favorites never disappoint. Red pandas clamber over climbing frames with adorable agility, while ring-tailed lemurs lounge in their exhibit like royalty. Both species are consistently mentioned as visitor highlights, especially for families with children.
World of Birds Aviary: This free-flight aviary lets you walk among dozens of exotic bird species living collectively. Expect vibrant scarlet ibis, American and Chilean flamingos, cattle egrets, ruddy turnstones, and superb starlings.
The macaws especially love interacting with visitors, often responding when you talk to them. You’ll also encounter peacocks roaming freely throughout the zoo grounds.
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Keep Exploring →Reptile & Amphibian House: This climate-controlled indoor building provides relief on hot days while showcasing snakes, turtles, giant tortoises, tropical frogs, and alligators. The lighting creates perfect photo opportunities despite the indoor setting.
Farm Animal Area: Start your visit by feeding goats and cows with pellet dispensers. These friendly barnyard residents are enthusiastic eaters who’ll do everything possible to get your treats. Kids absolutely love this hands-on interaction, and there are pedal-operated washing stations nearby for cleanup.
Kangaroos & Wallabies: Watch kangaroos hop around their enclosure or wallabies relaxing in the shade. These Australian natives consistently surprise visitors who don’t expect to see them at a New Jersey zoo.
Primates & More: The collection includes cotton-top tamarins, golden lion tamarins, marmosets, black howler monkeys, and various other primate species.
You’ll also find American bison, black bears that love sitting by sprinklers on hot days, otters, alpacas, camels, elk, and capybaras—which have become incredibly popular with visitors.
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Discover MoreLayout & Navigation
Easy Single-Loop Design: The zoo follows a straightforward one-way path that ensures you won’t miss any exhibits. You can comfortably walk through everything in about an hour if you’re moving at a steady pace, or easily spend three to four hours taking your time and really observing the animals.
Elevated Boardwalks: The raised wooden walkways winding through the wooded sections provide unique perspectives and make you feel closer to the animals. These boardwalks are particularly stunning in the African Savanna area, where you’re lifted above ground level for unobstructed views.
Well-Maintained Grounds: The zoo takes pride in its cleanliness and landscaping. Pathways are paved and well-kept, making navigation easy for strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized scooters (all available for rent). Blooming flowers line the walkways, and the natural wooded setting provides plenty of shade.
Spacious Enclosures: Unlike cramped urban zoos, the animals here enjoy large, thoughtfully designed habitats that mimic their natural environments. This means healthier, more active animals and better viewing opportunities for you.
Atmosphere & Setting
Forest Walkway Vibes: The zoo blends seamlessly into the natural Cape May County Park landscape. You’ll walk through shaded wooded areas that create a peaceful, almost wilderness-like atmosphere. This isn’t a concrete jungle—it’s a genuine nature experience.
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Keep Exploring →Free-Roaming Peacocks: These beautiful birds strut freely throughout the entrance area, greeting visitors with their distinctive calls. They maintain their distance from people, so young children shouldn’t worry about unwanted encounters.
Non-Commercial Feel: With just one gift shop and one food court, the zoo keeps its focus squarely on the animals rather than merchandise. This absence of excessive commercialism feels refreshing and allows the natural surroundings to shine.
Weather Considerations: Being mostly outdoors means you’re at the mercy of the elements. The open sun along many paths can be intense during summer months.
The shaded wooded sections provide relief, but you’ll want sunscreen and bug repellent handy. The location’s natural setting does mean mosquitoes can be present during warmer months.
Dining & Extras
Safari Cafe: This main food venue offers burgers, chicken fingers, sandwiches, pizza, and various other options. You’ll also find sweet treats like ice cream and brownies. It operates seasonally and provides a full meal when you need it.
Savanna Garden Kiosk: This smaller grab-and-go spot sells beverages and ice cream—perfect for a quick refreshment without committing to a full meal.
Picnic Policy: Outside food isn’t allowed inside the zoo itself, but you can absolutely bring a picnic to enjoy in the park areas surrounding the zoo entrance. Multiple picnic tables and 14 pavilions (available for rent) make this easy.
Animal Carousel: This delightful carousel features zoo animals instead of traditional horses. Kids love riding gorillas, elephants, and other creatures. It operates weekends in spring and fall (weather permitting) and daily during summer. Purchase tickets at the gift shop.
Penny Machines: Create keepsake souvenirs by pressing pennies with your favorite animal designs. Two machines are located outside the Reptile House and at the zoo exit.
Photo Opportunities: Pose behind animal cutouts (the kangaroo setup works great for adult-child photos), or visit the photo booth at the exit. During summer, face painting and caricature portraits are available in the courtyard.
Practical Considerations
Admission & Donations: Entrance is genuinely free, with no hidden fees or mandatory charges. The zoo operates on donations from satisfied visitors, and you’ll see collection boxes at the entrance.
Most people happily contribute after experiencing the quality of this facility—even small donations help maintain the animals and exhibits.
Incredible Value: Getting this caliber of zoo experience at zero cost is remarkable. Many visitors note it compares favorably to major paid zoos like the Philadelphia Zoo, making the free admission almost unbelievable.
Timing Your Visit: Arrive right when the zoo opens (10:00 AM) for the calmest, most spacious experience. By mid-morning, crowds build significantly, and parking becomes challenging. Summer weekends and rainy beach days bring especially heavy traffic.
Parking Situation: Free parking is available in several small lots, but they fill quickly. During peak times, you might be directed to park on grassy overflow areas. Allow extra time for parking and the short walk to the entrance.
Best Seasons: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and manageable crowds. Summer brings extended hours (open until 4:30 PM) but also intense sun and larger crowds. Winter hours are shorter (until 3:30 PM) but you’ll practically have the place to yourself.
Family-Friendly Design: This zoo excels with young children. The manageable size prevents exhaustion, animal encounters are engaging without being overwhelming, and the playground outside the entrance provides a perfect energy outlet before or after your visit.
Accessibility: Paved paths throughout make wheelchair and stroller navigation straightforward. Designated parking areas and rental equipment ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
Additional Park Amenities: The broader Cape May County Park offers nature trails, fishing ponds, playgrounds, disc golf, and extensive picnic facilities. You can easily make a full day combining zoo exploration with other park activities.
Tree to Tree Adventure Park: This separate aerial rope course and zipline park operates adjacent to the zoo (additional fees apply). It offers obstacle courses for ages 7 and up, with experiences taking about two hours.
Conservation Mission: The zoo participates in multiple Species Survival Plans through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, including programs for snow leopards, cotton-top tamarins, American bison, and mountain bongo antelopes. Your visit supports genuine conservation efforts.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
📍 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
