Popcorn Park Animal Refuge — Attraction in Lacey Township

If you want to visit a small location which rehabilitates ill or mistreated animals of all types, this is the zoo for you. If you're looking for a full-size, family friendly zoo experience, complete with cafes, splashy video presentations and behind-the-scenes opportunities with the zookeepers and animals, this is most certainly NOT the zoo for you.

Plan to spend no more than 1.5 hours here, because it is not a large area. Its name comes from the popcorn one may purchase at admissions and feed to the various animals one encounters. It's worthwhile to buy it on top of the admissions fee, because there really isn't much else to do, there. The zoo itself is littered with popcorn, much of which lands on the ground because many of the animals are fenced in farther than the average child can throw. (There are some funnels and chutes to aid in popcorn delivery outside specific enclosures, but not zoo-wide.)

Speaking of children, it is best to avoid this place if you have a child that will need to be wheeled in a carriage. The grounds are unpaved, rocky and sandy; you will end up carrying your child throughout the visit because your carriage will not roll unless you've fitted it with tank treads. Outside food and drinks are also prohibited, so wave goodbye to the carefully stocked bag of treats you brought to keep the kids content. They WILL stop you at the door if you try to disregard this rule.

All in all, I'm not sure who this zoo is FOR. Young children are clearly not planned for in the design of this place, and adults can knock a visit out in half an hour, which makes the entry fee, very reasonable for a larger experience, seem a bit steep.

Maybe a fun visit if you're an adult looking to read some heartwarming stories about animal rescues, but look elsewhere if you're planning a...

I had an issue with a squirrel that was unable to move his back legs that was in my backyard..I called 911 in forked river who reached out to "a academy" that contacted me...(this was Saturday at 6 pm)...he stated that there was nothing he could do as there were no vet offices open...and then stated.." don't worry..something would eat it as its the cycle of life"..!!! Hurtful words as i didn't want this animal to suffer and im well aware of the cycle of life!! So this morning I went out to check the squirrel..( and I like to say..I couldn't touch him as I am scheduled for open heart surgery and couldn't take the risk). So the poor baby is still alive...so I contacted "a academy " and this he's still alive and again he tells me he can't help me!! I couldn't believe it!! My last try was reaching out to popcorn zoo!! I explained my situation and they said there are vets open..I believe they sailed cedars or something like that..but they said get him here now and they can have their vet take him on. I got my neighbor to place him in a carrier and raced to them....they took this innocent angle from me ai gave them a $100.00 donation for being there helping this baby!! I don't know the outcome yet...but at least he is being cared for with dignity!!! Thank God for the popcorn zoo!!! From the bottom of my heart...which as stated earlier..is not working properly...but they have...

Popcorn Park might be on the aging side of zoos, but it's more of an animal rescue and that's the beautiful part of it. All of Popcorn Park's residents were rescued from situations where they were in danger, and being at this zoo gives them a safe home where they can stay in peace. That being said, you will see more farm and common animals than exotics here- but there are plenty of interesting animals to look at. From goats, to monkeys, to tigers, there's something for everyone.

The park has not changed really in many years so it is a little run down. Some of the exhibits are empty because the previous animals passed away. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because it means that in the event of an exotic animal being found in dangerous conditions, popcorn park may have the space to take it in and rehabilitate.

At popcorn park, you can buy popcorn to feed to the animals for 3-5$. There are always wild peacocks, geese, and ducks wandering around that will gladly eat popcorn as well. Entry is extremely reasonably priced and the cost goes towards care of the animals. If you enjoy the Park's residents, there is the possibility of sponsoring them for a monthly fee that gets you updates and pictures of certain animals. Additionally, there is an animal shelter on site with plenty of dogs, cats, and other small animals.

Parking is free but fills up fast on...