What's New At the Zoo?
Zoo in Now Open 2021
Hours of Operation
The zoo is now open every day 9am until 5pm. However, it’s best to visit between 10am and 4pm for your best views of the animals. The following Covid-19 Safety Guidelines are still in effect:
- Masks are REQUIRED for ages 2 and up. Please do your part to protect our small staff and our animals (our primates and cats are especially vulnerable to the virus). Wear your mask during your entire visit. If you feel out of breath or overheated, kindly walk out to the parking lot for a break.
- Restrooms will not be open at this time.
- Please keep a social distance of at least 6 feet from other guests.
- Some high traffic areas may be CLOSED. Please respect the barriers.
Thank you for doing your part! We look forward to seeing you at the zoo!
We are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Occasionally, we may close during inclement weather. Please check our Facebook page for weather closures.
Outdoor Family Fun
Are you looking for some outdoor family fun this spring and summer? In addition to our cute little zoo, you can check out all the attractions close by! Visit explorecumberlandnj.com and visitnj.org/regions/southern-shore for all your family fun needs!
Our Wish List
ZOO PARTIES
Considerations Early in the Reopening of Facilities in the USA
A joint ZAHP Fusion Center and American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) document
As the nation begins to awaken from weeks of quarantine, a list of considerations and trends in new procedures has been collected for your viewing pleasure. This represents information gathered from news articles, various list serves and, in some cases, detailed opening plans that are very institutionally specific. These are not to be considered ‘best practices’ as what is appropriate for one facility may not be at all a best practice for another. The considerations that were cited most frequently are noted in red. AAZV and the ZAHP Fusion Center are aware of a study that will include zoo and aquariums in a more scientific review at a later date.
Several common themes emerged during the review of these materials:
- Phase design- many facilities have stated that they are following the guidelines with the re-opening Phases that have been developed state-by-state, and have tailored their protocols accordingly. Some states classify facilities as ‘entertainment’ while other states classify facilities as ‘parks’ and there appears to be differences in how this classification relates to re-opening.
- Cleaning and Disinfection-there is a heavy emphasis on citing changes in cleaning and disinfection protocols. It was cited several times that staff is being brought back for this specific purpose, and new protocols have been added to keep work areas and public contact areas as clean as possible.
- Masks– Masks, and requirements for them varies tremendously. Some examples are cited below.
- Signage– There will be a heavy emphasis on signage to direct traffic flow, hygiene principles, or other new protocols to protect the public.
- Social Distancing– is heavily relied upon for staff and visitors.