Popcorn Park Zoo Offers
Safe Refuge to Special Animals
Spring is just around the corner and it sure feels like it today as it’s nice and sunny and 60 degrees outside! A day at the zoo sounds fantastic to me right about now, but I have zero desire to drive into the city. Luckily for us, we have some fabulous zoos in New Jersey and they are super affordable to boot! One awesome New Jersey zoo is the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township. This family-friendly zoo has been in operation since 1977 and, in my opinion, is one of the best day trips in Ocean County NJ.
The Popcorn Park Zoo is home to over 300 animals. Operated by the American Humane Association, this beautiful zoo in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens has a very special mission – to provide a home to native, exotic, and domestic animals who come to the zoo sick, abandoned, abused, injured, or are rescued from situations in which they were illegally owned or being otherwise exploited. These are animals that would not be able to survive in their natural habitats that are now able to live out a happy life in spacious exhibits as they are well cared for by the zoo staff.
You’ll find a marvelous variety of animals at the Popcorn Park Zoo including an African lioness, tigers, mountain lions, a camel, rheas. emus, binturongs, muntjacs, many kinds of monkeys, and more. This special New Jersey zoo is also home to all kinds of rescued native animals such as white-tailed deer, a bobcat, and American black bears. In addition to wild and exotic species, visitors will be delighted to visit with friendly farm animals such as horses, steer. sheep, pigs and goats who are often looking for a special treat from zoo visitors (you can purchase popcorn and peanuts when you enter the zoo). You’ll also find a variety of reptiles and tortoises in their own special house. as well as numerous species of birds such as geese and peacocks that have made their home at the zoo.
The zoo features a picnic area and cold drinks, ice cream, peanuts, and popcorn are available for purchase.
The Popcorn Park Zoo is located at 1 Humane Way (off of Lacey Road, 6.7 miles from Exit 74 off the Garden State Parkway) in Forked River NJ. Admission is $5 for visitors ages 12 and up, $4 for senior citizens and children ages 3-11, and free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. The zoo is adjacent to the Forked River American Humane Society Animal Shelter so if you’re looking for a furry friend to welcome into your home, be sure to pop in and say hello to some of the adorable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that are waiting for a fur-ever home!
Do you know of other great zoos in New Jersey that should be featured on Things To Do In New Jersey? Contact us!
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