Earth Day Packs ’Em into Park, Zoo For Eco-Learning

COURT HOUSE – The annual Cape May County Earth Day Fair was held at Cape May County Park and Zoo April 18; it was more than just a fun day learning about the animals.
Each year, the Board of Chosen Freeholders does some serious planning that results in a long list of eco-friendly events for people of all ages to remember and celebrate environmentally sustainable and sound practices.
Mother Nature was on her best springtime behavior, decked out with exuberant blossoms and flowers of all colors and varieties and perfect weather to accessorize.
The day started with a literal bang as the signal for hundreds of runners kicked off the 5K Earth Day Race and One-Mile Fun Run throughout the park. Certificates were awarded for the top three finishers in each age group in both male and female divisions and the first 150 registered runners received free T-shirts. Proceeds of registrations fees from the runners went to benefit the Cape May County Park and Zoo Trust Fund.
Earth Day at the zoo has been held for more than 20 years and represents more than a fun day seeing old friends like the giraffes, bears or peacocks. Throughout the day, live music, children’s story time with readers from the county library system, an inflatable obstacle course and slide, an interactive drum circle, hands-on educational exhibits, an environmental magic show, food and crafts were all on the agenda for a very full day of excitement and education.
The activities for children were especially designed to make the day particularly memorable for them, including the canned donations all were encouraged to bring to stock up local food banks and the race entry fees runners paid that will go directly for zoo support.
Sarah Carr, zoo educator, held Spaulding for anyone brave enough to approach although not to touch. “Spaulding is a ball python, they’re called that because these snakes can roll into a ball when threatened and roll away to escape,” said Carr.
“We strive to make our annual Earth Day as enjoyable as possible while sharing environmental protection tips and ideas with the people who come,” explained Jean Whelan, assistant zoo director. “Last year was cold and drizzly and we still attracted over 2,000 people, this year with the spectacular weather we expect even more, and we hope to spread the word about all the great environmentally safe, friendly and ‘green’ products are available through our sponsors and exhibitors,” she continued.
Judging by the throngs at the exhibit area, streaming into the zoo and the very full parking lot, Whelan’s expectations of a great turnout probably will turn out to be quite accurate.
A big draw for Earth Day is the opportunity to also visit the award-winning zoo. “We augment the great maintenance and operational support the county provides the zoo,” said Hannah MacQueen, operations manager for the Cape May County Zoological Society, the official support organization of the zoo.
“We are a not-for-profit 501c3 organization; we do a lot of fund raising for special campaigns that help the zoo advance the well-being of the animals that would not be possible without our activities,” continued MacQueen. “Most of the exhibits are over 35 years old, and were made of concrete that easily erodes with the constant cleaning by zookeepers. So we’re always doing a lot of upgrading. For example, we are well on our way to complete improvements for our Big Cat exhibits, those are the tigers, cheetahs, lions and leopards including a new snow leopard habitat. We are selling ‘Big Cat Walk’ pavers to help us finish the project, which should open the end of this June.
“The stainless steel and concrete that provide shelter for the big animals is expensive as is the decoration and viewing areas. The next major project the society will undertake is a new primate house that will also cost $600,000 and funding has already been earmarked to complete this project. We also help assist saving endangered species such as the tiger salamander which used to be found in all of the state, but not only exists in Cape May County and we and the zoo have been instrumental in re-introducing it through release into the vernal ponds which abound in our area,” said MacQueen.
As for the Earth Day exhibitors the society strives to use as many local businesses as possible to keep the funds it generates in the area. The capital campaigns are vital to keeping the zoo not only no-fee, totally free entry but also at the top of the list of the best zoos of its size in the entire country.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.