ZooNew Jersey, US

Popcorn Park Zoo

Popcorn Park Zoo is a heartwarming animal sanctuary in New Jersey, offering a unique chance to connect with rescued creatures.

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About

Popcorn Park Zoo is a heartwarming animal sanctuary in New Jersey, offering a unique chance to connect with rescued creatures. This distinctive 7-acre non-profit animal refuge, nestled in Forked River, New Jersey, is dedicated to providing a safe and permanent home for animals that have been abandoned, injured, ill, abused, elderly, or exploited. Visitors embark on a walkable, family-friendly journey where they can learn the compelling stories of over 200 residents, from majestic big cats to playful primates and gentle farm animals. Unlike traditional zoos, Popcorn Park operates primarily as a sanctuary focused on rehabilitation and lifelong care, rather than breeding. Guests can encounter a diverse array of animals, including powerful Bengal and Siberian tigers, regal African lions, agile cougars, and fascinating American black bears, all living in spacious compounds. Beyond the exotic, the park also houses numerous species of monkeys, wallabies, llamas, and native wildlife like white-tailed deer, alongside various farm animals such as horses, goats, and pigs, each with a unique rescue tale. Recent arrivals like Sammy the African Serval and Clifford the Big Red Tegu further showcase the sanctuary's ongoing commitment to animal welfare. The visitor experience is both educational and deeply moving, highlighting the importance of compassion and the impact of human kindness on animal lives. Guests often praise the intimate atmosphere, which allows for closer observation and appreciation of the animals and their individual personalities. While feeding animals popcorn was a past tradition, this practice has been suspended due to the animals' specialized dietary needs, ensuring their continued health and well-being. A visit here is more than just seeing animals; it's an opportunity to support a vital mission and witness firsthand the profound difference a second chance can make. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

Popcorn Park Zoo was established in 1977, born from a singular act of compassion. Its origins trace back to the rescue of an injured raccoon, named Rigby, who had been caught in a leg-hold trap. Due to his severe injuries, Rigby could not be released back into the wild and found a permanent home with the Associated Humane Societies. This initial rescue laid the groundwork for what would become a comprehensive animal refuge. Over the years, Popcorn Park expanded its mission, becoming a haven for thousands of domestic and exotic animals, wildlife, and birds that suffered from abandonment, cruelty, illness, or injury. The facility has grown into a small, 7-acre sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe environment and lifelong care for animals in desperate circumstances.

What to do here

Enjoy observing the animals and reading their individual rescue stories, which are often displayed. The park offers an opportunity to connect with animals who have found a second chance at life. While animal feeding by visitors has been suspended for health reasons, you can purchase cold drinks, ice cream, popcorn, and peanuts. There is also a picnic area available under the pines.

Seasonal info

The park's paths are gravel and dirt, so they might be muddy after rain or snow. During warmer months, it's advisable to wear hats and sunscreen as much of the park lacks shade.

Accessibility

Popcorn Park is wheelchair accessible, but its sandy and gravel terrain can be challenging for standard wheelchairs. To assist visitors, beach terrain wheelchairs are available upon request. Handicapped parking is also available.

Don't miss

Impressive big cat enclosures featuring Bengal and Siberian tigers, and African lions

Diverse primate section, home to various monkeys

American black bears

Rescued farm animals, including horses, goats, and pigs like Hershey

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Tiger

African Lion

Cougar

Black Bear

Pig

White Tailed Deer

Emu

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear appropriate footwear

The park features gravel and dirt paths, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after rain when paths can be muddy.

Pack sun protection

With limited shaded areas, bringing sunscreen and hats is advisable, particularly during sunny or warm weather.

Check hours and alerts

Always confirm the current operating hours and check for any special alerts or closures on their official website before your visit, especially following adverse weather conditions.

Consider packing lunch

While snacks and cold drinks are available for purchase, outside food is generally not allowed within the park. You can bring your own lunch to enjoy at the picnic area under the pines or in your car.

Inquire about accessibility

If you require mobility assistance, ask about their beach terrain wheelchairs, which are available to help navigate the sandy paths.

Plan for an hour or two

The park's compact size makes it manageable for a shorter visit, allowing you to comfortably see all the animals without feeling rushed.

Frequently asked questions

: No, visitors are generally no longer permitted to feed the animals at Popcorn Park Zoo due to their specialized dietary needs and health concerns. While the practice of feeding popcorn to animals was a past tradition and the source of the park's name, it has been suspended to ensure the well-being of the residents.
: Popcorn Park Zoo is home to a diverse array of over 200 rescued animals, including big cats like Bengal and Siberian tigers, African lions, and cougars. You can also see American black bears, various species of monkeys (including baboons and macaques), wallabies, llamas, and native wildlife such as white-tailed deer. The sanctuary also provides a home for numerous farm animals like horses, goats, pigs, and even has a reptile house with residents like the Red Tegu.
: Popcorn Park Zoo stands out as it functions primarily as an animal sanctuary and refuge, rather than a traditional zoo. Its core mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a permanent, loving home for animals that have been abandoned, abused, injured, ill, or exploited and cannot be released back into the wild. The focus is on animal welfare and telling the individual stories of survival and resilience of each resident, rather than on breeding programs or conservation of wild populations.