ZooNew Jersey, US

Space Farms Zoo and Museum

Space Farms Zoo and Museum offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and historical exploration.

About

Space Farms Zoo and Museum offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and historical exploration. This family-owned destination, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Sussex County, New Jersey, invites visitors to discover over 500 animals and immerse themselves in American history. It's a place where majestic big cats roam, playful primates entertain, and native North American wildlife thrives alongside exotic species. Beyond the animal exhibits, a series of museum buildings showcase a vast and eclectic collection of Americana, including antique vehicles, historical artifacts, and one of the largest private antique firearm collections in the United States. Visitors can look forward to an intimate and engaging experience, with opportunities to see animals up close and even feed some of the friendlier residents like deer, goats, and sheep. The zoo features impressive animal residents such as African lions, Bengal tigers, and various bear species, including the renowned Kodiak bears. A highlight for many is the Snake Den, offering educational talks that bring visitors closer to the world of reptiles. The sprawling grounds also include picnic areas, a playground for younger visitors, and an on-site restaurant, making it a perfect spot for a full day of family fun. The museum portion of Space Farms provides a fascinating journey through time, housed in ten renovated barns. Here, you can explore everything from antique cars and horse-drawn carriages to early American tools, antique dolls, and significant Native American artifacts. The diverse collections reflect the Space family's passion for preserving both wildlife and history, offering a multi-faceted educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

Space Farms originated in 1927 when Ralph and Elizabeth Space purchased a quarter-acre property in Beemerville, New Jersey. What began as a modest general store and repair shop soon evolved into New Jersey's largest combined zoo and museum. Ralph Space, initially employed to trap predatory animals, started keeping some of the wild creatures he caught after his children pleaded with him not to sell them for fur. This growing collection of wildlife became the impromptu beginnings of the zoo. During the Great Depression, local farmers, unable to pay for supplies and repairs, would exchange family heirlooms with the Space family. These items, displayed in the general store, laid the foundation for the extensive museum collection, which today spans across multiple buildings and includes everything from antique vehicles to Native American artifacts. The Space family, now in its fourth generation, continues to operate the zoo and museum, maintaining its unique blend of wildlife conservation and historical preservation.

What to do here

Stroll through the zoo to observe diverse animals up close, attend animal feeding sessions, experience a snake lecture, explore the numerous historical exhibits, enjoy a picnic in designated areas, or let children play on the playground.

Seasonal info

Space Farms Zoo and Museum is typically open from April 15th to October 31st, generally closing during the winter months. In the fall, visitors might hear elk bugling. Special events like "Boo at the Zoo" occur seasonally.

Accessibility

Space Farms is handicap accessible, with paths that are paved or gravel, suitable for wheelchairs.

Don't miss

Zoo Animals

Home to over 500 animals, including African lions, Bengal tigers, Kodiak and Grizzly bears, South American jaguars, black leopards, ring-tailed lemurs, kangaroos, and native North American wildlife.

Interactive Animal Feeding

Opportunities to hand-feed deer, goats, sheep, and other farm animals.

Snake Den

An exciting exhibit offering educational lectures.

Museum Buildings

Ten themed barns displaying antique cars, motorcycles, farm equipment, tools, dolls, and significant Native American artifacts. Don't miss the second largest privately owned antique firearms collection in the U.S..

Wildlife you might spot

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

African Lion

Leopard

Elk

Fallow Deer

Sheep

Duck

Ant

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

Bring your camera

With numerous animals and unique museum exhibits, there are countless photo opportunities.

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the 100-acre complex, which features both paved and gravel paths.

Plan for a full day

To truly experience both the zoo and the extensive museum collections, allow ample time for your visit.

Consider packing a picnic

Space Farms offers picnic areas, and while they have an on-site pizza restaurant, bringing your own food is a great option.

Check the website for events

Special animal encounters, seasonal events, and lecture schedules might enhance your visit.

Leave pets at home

Pets are generally not allowed inside the zoo; however, you can inquire about pet-friendly parking in the shade and fresh water at the admissions desk.

Frequently asked questions

: Space Farms Zoo and Museum is home to over 500 animals representing more than 100 different species. Visitors can see a wide array of creatures, including large predators like African lions, Bengal tigers, South American jaguars, black leopards, and various bears (Kodiak, Grizzly, black). The zoo also features playful ring-tailed lemurs, kangaroos, a white elk herd, deer, and common farm animals like goats, sheep, free-roaming chickens, ducks, and geese. There's also a popular Snake Den exhibit.
: The Space Farms Museum, housed in ten renovated barns, offers a vast collection of American historical artifacts. Visitors can explore antique vehicles including cars, motorcycles, horse-drawn carriages, and sleighs. Other collections include antique farm equipment and tools, over 300 antique dolls, an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, and one of the largest privately owned collections of antique firearms in the United States.
: Yes, Space Farms Zoo is handicap accessible. The zoo is situated on rolling hills, and its paths are a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, making it navigable for wheelchairs and strollers.