Cape May County Park & Zoo is one of the most remarkable free attractions in the United States — a fully accredited, AZA-member zoo with 550+ animals representing 250+ species, spread across 85 acres of thoughtfully designed habitats in Cape May Court House, just 30 minutes south of Atlantic City. It has been ranked the #5 best-reviewed zoo in the US and #13 in the world by TripAdvisor — ahead of zoos in London, Beijing, and Moscow — and admission is completely free.
The crown jewel is the 57-acre African Savanna, where giraffes, zebras, bison, ostriches, and antelopes roam in one of the most expansive savanna habitats outside of Africa on the East Coast. Beyond the savanna, the zoo features a walk-through free-flight aviary, a reptile house, a big cat complex with snow leopards, Bengal tigers, and African leopards, a primate area, and a diverse collection of animals from six continents. Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds.
For World Cup visitors, Cape May County Zoo is one of the highest-value day trips in this entire guide. A family of four from overseas can spend 3–4 hours at a world-class zoological facility, walk in and out of exhibits that rival what they’d pay $100+ to see in any major city, and pay nothing. Combine it with the adjacent park’s playground, picnic areas, disc golf, rock climbing wall, and train ride for a full, completely free family day out.
🏆 Context that matters: The Cape May County Zoo is ranked #5 in the US and #13 in the world. For comparison, the San Diego Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoo are routinely in those same global rankings — and those charge $30–$65 per adult. Cape May County Zoo charges nothing. The AZA accreditation means the zoo meets the same rigorous animal welfare and conservation standards as the nation’s top facilities.
Major Exhibit Areas
🌍African Savanna — 57 Acres
🦒 Reticulated Giraffes
🦓 Zebras
🦬 Bison
🐦 Ostriches
🦌 Antelopes
🐃 African Buffalo
Elevated boardwalks give eye-level viewing of giraffes. One of the largest savanna habitats on the East Coast. Kifeda the giraffe was born here Nov. 11, 2017.
🐆 Snow Leopards
🐯 Bengal Tigers
🦁 African Lions
🐆 African Leopards
⚫ Black Leopard (melanistic)
The Walter Trettin Snow Leopard Habitat (2016) houses one of the most celebrated collections in the region. Bengal tigers Mahesha and Rishi were born here. The melanistic (black) African leopard Shuri is one of the zoo’s most striking residents.
🦜World of Birds — Walk-Through Aviary
🦅 Free-Flight Birds
🦚 Peacocks (roam freely)
🦜 Tropical Species
🦆 Waterfowl
🦉 Raptors
Walk-through free-flight aviary built in the late 1990s. Peacocks roam freely throughout the zoo grounds — a charming signature of the Cape May experience.
🐢 Galapagos Tortoises
🐍 Snakes
🦎 Lizards
🐊 Crocodilians
🐢 Various Turtles
Fred the Galápagos tortoise weighs 500+ lbs and is one of the zoo’s most beloved residents. Galápagos tortoises can live over 100 years in the wild and 177 in captivity.
🐒 Monkeys
🐒 Golden Lion Tamarins
🦧 Lemurs
🐾 Various Species
Primate exhibit houses multiple species including lemurs and tamarins. The zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Programs for endangered primates.
✨Rare & Signature Animals
🦦 Red Panda
🐀 Capybaras
🦁 Lions
🦅 Bald Eagle
🦌 Mountain Bongo Antelope
🦦 Otters
Capybaras Budette, Marigold, Buttercup, Capychino & Goomba are on daily exhibit. The zoo sent a mountain bongo antelope to Kenya in 2004 as part of a wild reintroduction program.
Beyond the Zoo — The Full Park Experience
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Giant PlaygroundsTwo large playgrounds adjacent to the zoo — great for kids before or after animal viewing. Open earlier than the zoo.
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Trackless Train RideThe Hummingbird Express takes visitors all around the zoo on a trackless train. A fun way to see the full layout.
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Animal CarouselZoo-themed carousel with animal seats instead of horses. Open weekends + daily from around June 19 through Labor Day.
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35-Foot Rock Climbing WallFull climbing wall in the park — free to use, open during park hours.
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Disc Golf CourseFree 2-mile disc golf course through the wooded park grounds — a unique and popular addition for older kids and adults.
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Outdoor Fitness Center12-station outdoor fitness area with chin-up bars, push-up/sit-up platforms, and balance beams.
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Picnic Areas & PavilionsNumerous picnic areas throughout the park. Pavilions available to rent in advance for groups. Outside food permitted in the park (not inside the zoo).
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Safari CafeSeasonal on-site cafe with burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and snacks. Savanna Garden kiosk for beverages and ice cream.
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ZOOvenirs Gift ShopFull gift shop with stuffed animals, toys, jewelry, and clothing. ATM on-site. Stroller/wheelchair rentals available here.
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Nature TrailsWinding wooded hiking and biking trails maintained in their natural state — popular with joggers and wildlife watchers beyond the zoo.
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Sports FacilitiesTennis, basketball courts, baseball and softball fields across Route 9 from the zoo.
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Animal Adoption ProgramAdopt a zebra, lion, red panda, otter, or snow leopard. Receive a photo, fact sheet, certificate, and plush toy. Helps fund animal care.
💡 Visitor Tips: Arrive at opening (10am) — parking is free but fills fast on summer weekends. Animals are most active in the morning cool. Bring water bottles (non-alcoholic beverages allowed inside the zoo — no food). Sunscreen and comfortable shoes are essential for the exposed paths. The elevated boardwalks near the giraffe and bison exhibits offer some of the best animal viewing in the region. Plan 3–4 hours minimum for the full experience.
📍 World Cup Travel Note: Cape May County Zoo is 30 minutes from Atlantic City via the Garden State Parkway South (Exit 11) — one of the closest major attractions in this guide. At zero cost, it’s the single highest-value day trip available to World Cup visitors. Pair it with a stop in Cape May town (15 minutes further south) for a perfect full day: morning at the zoo, afternoon at Cape May’s Victorian streets and beach.
💚 Completely Free
🦒 African Savanna — 57 Acres
🐆 Snow Leopards
🐯 Bengal Tigers
🐀 Capybaras
🦦 Red Panda
🦜 Walk-Through Aviary
🏆 #5 Zoo in USA
🌍 #13 in the World
📅 Open 364 Days
♿ Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals
📍 Cape May Court House
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