Popcorn Park Zoo

      Tuesday, January 3, 2023: Because the weather in January was mild in New Jersey, I decided to look at animals in Ocean County at the Popcorn Park Zoo, Humane Way at Lacy Road, Forked River (609-693-1900). (The “Popcorn” in the name refers to the popcorn that some of the animals receive as a treat.) When I arrived, the first thing I noticed were several peacocks and peahens, both the colorful breed and the white breed, and they had the run of this place. Different humane societies operate this zoo, and there has also been an animal adoption center here as well. Unlike other zoos, Popcorn Park Zoo only took in rescue animals. The exotic and wild animals could not survive by themselves in the wilderness, and some of these animals had been abandoned or abused by their former owners. On seven acres in the NJ Pinelands, this zoo included three kinds of animals: exotic animal species that originated from other parts of the world, wild animals native to this area, and farm animals. In a setting of mostly double chain-link fences, I found it interesting to think that those fences were the only barrier between me and many of those animals! First I entered the reptile house where I saw a boa constrictor, two alligators, and an iguana. A nearby aviary displayed some cockatoos and parrots, and the rest of the exotic animals consisted of monkeys, baboons, and lions, as well as tigers, llamas, tortoises, etc. Much of the indigenous wildlife on exhibit included turtles, hawks, owls, bears, bobcats, cougars, deer, squirrels, and others wild species. This zoo also presented the following farm animals: pigs, horses, donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigeons, and so on. All in all, I spent a few hours here learning about the history of some of these animals who are currently being taken care of in this pineland setting. I definitely recommend a visit to this zoo.