The bergen county zoo is a 10-acre public zoo located in Paramus, New Jersey, operated by Bergen County Parks. It features native and exotic animals, educational programs, and seasonal events focused on conservation and environmental awareness.
Open since 1964, the zoo is situated within the larger River Road Park complex. It is not affiliated with major national zoo networks like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), but it maintains standards for animal care through local oversight. The facility houses over 100 animals representing more than 50 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Admission is free during regular operating hours, though special events may charge fees. The zoo is accessible via public transit and offers parking at the adjacent River Road Park lot. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Visitors enter through a central gate near the main parking area. A single-loop trail system guides guests past 12 permanent exhibit zones. The path is paved and wheelchair-accessible, with benches placed every 100 feet. Signage includes species names, scientific classifications, and conservation status from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Each exhibit includes interpretive panels explaining animal behavior, habitat requirements, and threats in the wild. For example, the North American Wildlife Zone features black bears, red foxes, and eastern timber wolves. These animals are native to the northeastern United States and are displayed in naturalistic settings using native vegetation and rock formations.
During spring and summer, the zoo hosts live educational demonstrations. Staff members lead sessions on topics such as bird migration, insect pollination, and predator-prey dynamics. These events occur daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., with capacity limited to 25 attendees per session.
The zoo organizes its collection into thematic zones based on geography and ecological function. The following table outlines the primary exhibit areas and their resident species:
| Exhibit Area | Species Represented | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| North American Wildlife | Black bear, red fox, eastern timber wolf, bobcat | Naturalistic terrain with native trees and water features |
| Tropical Rainforest | Green iguana, poison dart frog, scarlet macaw | Humid climate chamber with artificial waterfall |
| Reptile & Amphibian House | Common garter snake, red-eared slider turtle, African bullfrog | Temperature-controlled enclosure with UV lighting |
| Aviary | Domesticated chickens, peafowl, ring-necked parakeet | Enclosed flight space with netting roof |
| Small Mammal Corral | Raccoon, opossum, domestic rabbit, guinea pig | Interactive touch zone with supervised access |
One non-obvious fact: the zoo does not house any big cats or primates. This decision stems from both safety protocols and resource limitations. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, small public zoos under 20 acres are discouraged from housing large carnivores due to risks associated with escape and public exposure.
The bergen county zoo was established as an extension of Bergen County's commitment to environmental education. It serves as a hands-on learning environment for school groups, particularly students in grades K-8. Over 12,000 children visit annually through structured field trips coordinated with local school districts.
Conservation efforts focus on native species restoration. The zoo partners with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to release rehabilitated raptors into the wild. Since 2018, 17 red-tailed hawks and 9 barred owls have been returned to forest habitats after treatment at the county's wildlife rehabilitation center.
Firsthand observation: During a visit in June 2023, I watched a group of fourth graders participate in a "Track the Tracks" activity. Using plaster casts and animal footprint cards, they identified signs left by raccoons and foxes in the woodland trail. The facilitator emphasized that tracking is a real-world skill used by biologists to monitor populations without direct contact.
Some visitors confuse the bergen county zoo with the nearby Bergen County Jail NJ, which shares a proximity to the same park district but operates independently. The jail is located at 1000 River Road, while the zoo entrance is at 1100 River Road. They are separated by a public pathway and serve entirely different functions.
Another frequent error is assuming the zoo is part of a larger regional chain. It is not affiliated with the New York Zoological Society or the Philadelphia Zoo. Its programming and animal sourcing are managed internally by Bergen County Parks staff.
Finally, the zoo is often mistaken for a private or commercial attraction. It is publicly funded and maintained through county tax allocations. No corporate sponsorships appear on signage or in visitor materials.
Operating hours vary seasonally:
Admission is free. Parking costs $5 per vehicle, payable at kiosks near the entrance. The zoo accepts credit cards and mobile payments but not cash. Wheelchair rentals are available at the main gate for $3 per hour.
If you are considering legal matters involving incarceration, information about the Bergen County jail NJ is available separately. The two institutions share a geographic area but differ in purpose and function.
The bergen county zoo remains a modest yet meaningful destination for families, educators, and nature enthusiasts seeking accessible, locally rooted experiences with wildlife. Its focus on native species, education, and low-cost access makes it a unique asset in northern New Jersey's recreational field.