Popcorn Park Animal Refuge: Your Guide to Visiting This Unique New Jersey Sanctuary
If you’re searching for a heartwarming and educational experience in New Jersey, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is the perfect destination. Located in the scenic Pine Barrens of Ocean County, this 7-acre sanctuary is home to over 200 rescued animals, ranging from exotic wildlife to farm animals. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
A Sanctuary for Rescued Animals
Popcorn Park was established in 1977 and has since become a haven for animals that have faced unfortunate circumstances. Many of these residents were victims of abuse, abandonment, injury, or exploitation, each with a unique story about how they came to live at the refuge. Whether it’s a Bengal tiger, a blind kangaroo, or a capybara, the sanctuary ensures all its animals receive spacious accommodations and lifetime care.
What sets Popcorn Park apart is its dedication to educating visitors. Each animal has a detailed story, offering a glimpse into their lives before arriving at the sanctuary. This educational aspect not only informs but also inspires visitors to understand the importance of animal welfare.
Exploring the Refuge: What to Expect
When you arrive, you’ll find that the grounds are unpaved and composed of sandy soil, contributing to its natural, rustic atmosphere. While traditional wheelchairs may not fare well on the terrain, Popcorn Park offers beach wheelchairs to ensure accessibility for all visitors. The diverse mix of animals, including big cats, monkeys, bears, and farm animals, makes exploring the sanctuary a truly memorable experience.
You can comfortably spend 1-2 hours wandering the refuge, enjoying the opportunity to meet the animals and learn about their stories. The experience is both entertaining and educational, making it an ideal outing for families, animal lovers, and those looking for a meaningful way to spend some time outdoors.
Admission, Hours, and Amenities
Popcorn Park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission ending at 4:15 p.m. On holidays, hours are shorter, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s a breakdown of the admission fees:
Adults: $10 (tax included)
Seniors (62+): $5
Children (3 to 11): $5 (children under 3 are free)
Free with a Wildlife Club or Zoological Society membership card
Military members: Free admission
The admission fees directly support the care of the animals, making your visit not only enjoyable but also beneficial to the sanctuary’s residents.
Popcorn Park has a picnic area, and visitors can purchase cold drinks and ice cream. However, bringing outside food into the park is not allowed. Due to the animals' specialized diets, feeding them is prohibited to ensure their health and safety.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Additional Information
Accessibility: The sandy terrain can be challenging for standard wheelchairs and strollers, but beach terrain wheelchairs are available upon request.
Pet Policy: For safety reasons, pets are not allowed in the refuge.
Group Reservations: If you’re planning a group trip, check the refuge's website for information on group reservations and tours.
Visit Duration: Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the sanctuary and getting to know the animals.
Why You Should Visit Popcorn Park Animal Refuge
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is more than just a place to see exotic and farm animals; it’s a sanctuary built on compassion and education. Every visit helps support the ongoing care of its rescued residents, giving you the chance to make a positive impact while learning about the imp
ortance of animal welfare.
So, if you’re in New Jersey and looking for a unique experience that combines education, compassion, and a bit of adventure, plan a trip to Popcorn Park. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the animals and the dedicated team working to ensure their well-being.
For more information about Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, visit their official website
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