New Jerseys Not So Bad: Bergen County Zoo

As part of my grand plan to convince the world (and myself) that living in New Jersey isn’t so bad, I am exploring restaurants, coffee shops, and other places that make the Garden State great. 

Situated in the land of malls (Paramus, New Jersey), the Bergen County Zoo is a fun activity that makes New Jersey not so bad. 

There are over 30 animals listed on the zoo’s guest map. Some of the animals are as follows: American bison, American elk, prairie dog, red wolf, scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, pig, cow, horse, donkey, iguana, porcupine, mountain lion, capybara, spider monkey, sloth, and snowy owl.

Although I went on a chilly day, I was able to see enough animals to forget I was still in New Jersey. Among many others, I saw a horse, a cow, a donkey, a porcupine, monkeys, prairie dogs, mountain lions, and a greater rhea (I thought this was an ostrich). 

Not everyone likes to support zoos or aquariums; however, I hope it’s comforting to know that the Bergen County Zoo strives to save and sustain wildlife by caring for endangered and threatened species. The zoo conducts breeding programs and public education and provides research assistance and funding to conservation projects. 

The zoo is open year-round, with free admission in the winter. Admission resumes April 1 at the following rates: Adult tickets are $6.00 in county and $10.00 out of county; child tickets (3-14) are $4.00 and $7.00, in and out of county, respectively; and tickets for children under 3 and active military personnel are free. Senior tickets and tickets for those with disabilities are $2.00 for county residents and $4.00 for out-of-county residents. 

Admission tickets can be purchased at the zoo or online. Frequent patrons can purchase membership passes for unlimited free admission for a full year. You may want to consider the membership pass since the zoo has plenty of animals to see. 

If you’re interested in helping the animals, you can consider sponsoring an animal. The sponsorship will help cover the cost of exhibit improvements, enrichment supplies, and food. There are three levels to the sponsorship package. 

The endorser package costs $30.00 and includes a personalized sponsorship certificate, a photo card, and a bookmark. The supporter package costs $50.00 and includes a small plush toy in addition to the same items in the endorser package. For $100.00, sponsors can purchase the enthusiast package and receive a personalized sponsorship certificate, a photo card, a bookmark, a magnet, a large plush, and a tote bag. 

In addition to animals, visitors can enjoy the carousel and the train, which rides around the entire zoo. Tickets are $3.00 per person, per ride. Visitors can also purchase stuffed animals, fun toys, and Bergen County Zoo merchandise at the General Store Gift Shop. 

The zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from April through November. The zoo closes at 3:30 p.m. from November through March. Visit the Bergen County Zoo website for more information. 

The Bergen County Zoo is part of Van Saun County Park, which is one of Bergen County’s most utilized parks. Those who are not interested in the zoo may visit the park to enjoy the over three miles of biking or walking paths, tennis courts, picnic areas, playground, and splash pad.