My family and I went during the summer of 2012 - taking into account the hurricane damage, the place still looked run down and neglected. Like nobody cared anymore. Saying that it is has gone through a 'period of decline, and now improving' really hides the fact that much more improvement is needed, in my opinion. I do not expect everything to be brand new, and I even find older surroundings to be charming, but there is a difference between old/kept up, and old/run down. If you live more than a half hour away, you may not find this worth your while.
Stopped in to check on the zoo today and I'm happy to report that things are looking up. The paths are clear and the pens look great.. And it's winter! Lots of large animals were out and enjoying the sunshine. Saw the black bear, puma, and white tiger. Tons of different birds and ducks walking freely in the zoo. The waterways are still dry but the funds are in and the dam will open soon. Still a great place to spend a couple hours. Highly recommended!
Can't beat this free little zoo. Their exhibits are limited, but it is being updated regularly. We love to stop by for a quick stroll through the zoo as a little family fun on a budget. Though probably not worth the drive if you live far.
It is winter so it is not the most photogenic season for any zoo but objectively this zoo is in need of some repair, upgrades and better maintenance. The fact that formerly lively canal is dry now does not help either. Hopefully it is still a temporary situation and the hurricane Sandy's damage will eventually be gone. The zoo is always free and donations are up to the visitors. Peacocks and ducks stroll all over the place. You can see a variety of species including a tiger, some small monkeys, owls and emus. Overall it is an OK place to walk with family. The zoo is located in the Bridgeton Park.
The zoo is still recovering from a flood so some of the exhibits are closed while renovations are underway including some landscaping.
Been coming here since a child. Bringing grand kids now. Small, quaint with varied selection of your typical zoo animals. Nice outing for a morning or afternoon.
Zoo is in Rough shape ...... In need of some tlc . Zoo is clean but lacks eye appeal . there is a need to repair the lake and stream run in the zoo which was damaged by a storm two years ago. The water fowl have no place go with a dry stream bed full of weeds. In stead of fixing this problem they built a water park in the parking area for children. They can spend hundred of thousands of dollars on this but can't take care of the animals. SHAME ON YOU!
This zoo has been here my entire life. It's had its ups and downs but it's still there. I have a multitude of great memories here. Eating Big Johns pizza with my brothers and sister on the raceway. Having long talks with the parrots. Watching the lion swimming after the ducks. It's at a low right now thanks to Sandy, but it will be back.
Wish the City of Bridgeton could find a way to bring this Zoo back to it's glory days. Very few animals, pathways broken, exhibits empty. So loved taking my daughter there when she was young.
This is a free zoo and relies on donations, which are not forthcoming, except for a few regular and wealthy benefactors. It is spacious, and the animals well tended, but a lot of animals are alone that should not be because they can't afford to keep them, and there is not a lot of variety. They've recently been doing a lot of work, and it seems to be trying to return to its former glory..... Still makes for a nice afternoon stroller or somewhere to take the kids.....