Cohanzick Zoo Remains Free Family Hub, Festival of Lights Draws Holiday Crowds

Cohanzick Zoo, located at 45 Mayor Aitken Drive in Bridgeton City Park, is once again serving as a neighborhood gathering place this winter with its seasonal programming and daily operations. Admission to the small county area zoo is free, though voluntary donations to the Cohanzick Zoological Society help fund routine veterinary care, specialty feed, and enclosure improvements that keep animals healthy and exhibits safe. Typical winter hours run roughly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and spring and summer hours extend later for families who use the adjacent splash park and picnic facilities.

The zoo sits beside a 7,500 square foot splash park and a cluster of recreation areas that make the park complex an all day destination for local families. Seasonal events such as the December Festival of Lights, October Boo at the Zoo, and spring KidsFest provide spikes in visitation that benefit local retailers and bring school groups to educational programs. The combination of free admission and low cost amenities reduces barriers to entry for low income households and supports year round community use of public space.

Operationally the zoo depends on the Cohanzick Zoological Society for fundraising and program support. Those donations pay for specialty feed and veterinary interventions that are often more expensive than routine park maintenance. The funding model matters for county officials because reliance on voluntary giving can create gaps in predictable maintenance and capital planning. Shifts in donation patterns or volunteer availability could require more sustained municipal or county budgetary support to ensure animal care and facility upkeep.

For Cumberland County residents the zoo remains an accessible local asset that contributes to quality of life and seasonal tourism. Policy choices facing local leaders include whether to formalize recurring funding streams, expand partnerships with schools and community groups, and increase volunteer recruitment to stabilize operations. For practical information residents can contact the zoo at 856-453-1658 or visit the Cohanzick Zoological Society page at explorecumberlandnj.com/interests/cumberland-adventures/cohanzick-park-zoo/ for hours and event details.