In New Jersey, Cape May County plans to be the latest zoo to add an aerial adventure course and zip line. But Indiana Jones wannabes will have to hold back their enthusiasm as like other states, New Jersey does not allow amusements such as zip lines to cross over open animal exhibits.
Nevertheless, Mike Laffey, director of county operations, says the new zip line could be built adjacent to exhibits to give an eagle’s perspective of its lions, tigers, and bears.
Similar attractions have recently been added to Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo, also in New Jersey, and to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Entrance to Cape May Zoo.
The county plans to lease space to a vendor who will operate the park and assume the insurance liability. The fee-based course is expected to generate revenue to help the taxpayer-funded zoo become more financially self-sufficient.
Nearly a half-million people visit the admission-free zoo every year and expanded concessions generated $80,000 in additional revenue. The county is currently accepting proposals on the project.
