Two New Exhibits Are Part of Exciting Plans For Cape May Zoo

The Cape May Zoo has big plans to add two new exhibits of animals and possibly redesign the entrance to the zoo as the first steps in an extensive 10-year master plan.

The zoo plans to add Humboldt penguins and Chilean flamingos habitats in the vacant space that formerly held the World of Birds aviary building.

According to Phillyvoice, a fundraising effort is now underway for the project, which is estimated to cost at least $4 million.

Cape May Zoo Announces Plans to Add Penguins & Flamingos

Cape May Zoo Director Edward Runyon told Phillyvoice.com that the zoo wants to reintroduce flamingos, which were once a popular attraction when they were part of the zoo's World of Birds aviary building, which was closed and demolished last year.

Chilean flamingos have long bodies — stretching up to 57 inches — and pale pink plumage.

In the wild, they rely on "increasingly fragile wetland ecosystems," according to the Zoological Society.

National Geographic.com says Humboldt penguins are native to the shores of Peru and Chile.

Named for a chilly water current that flows through their coastal range, these birds are excellent swimmers. Their torpedo-shaped bodies can shoot through the water at speeds of 30 miles an hour.

Runyon said he hopes their shared background will be reflected in the designs of their separate habitats, according to the zoo's website.

Humboldt Penguins, native to South America, are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing, while Chilean Flamingos rely on increasingly fragile wetland ecosystems. This habitat will serve as a vital educational tool, helping visitors understand the challenges these species face and the importance of global conservation efforts.

The Cape May Zoo's donation page says the new habitats will have space for 20 penguins and 30 flamingos.

"The idea that we gave to the architects was to design the penguin and flamingo exhibits to mimic their natural environments, but at the same time, make it possibly look like they're connected, because they are from the same area," Runyon told Phillyvoice.com.

A Large Cost To Add New Habitats

The new penguin and flamingo habitats will come with a big price tag.

The penguin area would cost about $3 million and the flamingo habitat would total about $1 million. The habitats' viewing glass alone runs about $10,000 per square foot, Runyon said.

Runyon said Cape May Zoo is hoping the "dated" entrance to the zoo can be remodeled or moved to somewhere more accessible to the parking lots. He said he hopes the new bird exhibits will be the centerpiece to welcome guests.

"The penguins might be the highlight of the first thing you see (when entering the zoo)," Runyon said.

Cape May Zoo Is a Local Treasure

Officials hope to begin construction by early 2026. Since the zoo gets most of its nearly 700,000 visitors in the summer, the plan is to do most construction work in the off-season.

The Cape May Zoo is home to a collection of more than 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres of exhibits.

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is free and open every day of the year except for Christmas.

Cape May Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House got a spotlight of free national attention in 2024 by finishing as the third-best free attraction in America in USA Today's 2024 10Best Readers' Choice voting.