Affordable. Perfect place to take your little ones. They have a train ride, carousel and a park across from the zoo.

+1

A spacious park in Paramus area, kids friendly. Our first stop was to the pony ride: the instructor was very professional and kind with his young learners. My three year old enjoyed the time with her very calm pony. Next, we walked to the not faraway zoo. Many farm animals to see. However, my daughter had a great time chasing hens, which are free to cruise the zoo. That scene was hilarious! To conclude our beautiful day, we took the little train which circles around the pretty zoo. I strongly recommend to visit this venue. Great customer service and definitely inexpensive!

I took my nine year old to the Let it Glow experience for the first time this year and we had so much fun! It takes about 40-50 mins depending on walking speed. We stopped to take pictures along the way. There is a train that takes you around the zoo and it's a cute way to finish the tour. It's worth it!

Some of the birds werent out because of the bird flu. I wasnt expecting the zoo to be that small but it wasnt croweded so it was nice. Took about an hr, hr and half max to look at everything. My daughter and son both loved the train. Will definitely come again.

+1

Went on the last day of the Holiday Lantern Event..Let it Glow. Beautiful. I enjoyed the time spent there.

Great zoo for school trips because it’s walkable and well kept.

+6

Cutest little zoo nestled inside of the park. Was just there for boo at the zoo and they take great care of the animals and keep the park super clean. My son loves the little train.

This ZOO is a hidden gem ! 💎 Affordable Addmisson, Great variety of animals and the train and carousel such an great addition perfect for small children and adults looking for a laid back Zoo Experience nestled within the park makes it great destination to go sit ,play and enjoy an afternoon picnic ☺️

We enjoyed the zoo, carousel, train, and nearby playground! We have three kids five and under and it was the perfect size zoo for our family. Staff was friendly, it wasn't too crowded despite the number of cars in the parking lot, and we all had a great experience!

An inexpensive zoo (completely free during parts of the winter) that has a collection of animals primarily from the new world. During the summer months when all locations are open the zoo can provide 2 to 3ish hours of child entertainment or 90 minutes for adults who want to see a zoo randomly. Well worth price of admission. An occelet experience is currently under construction. As a result soe animals are off exhibit in 2025 but still worth the admission price.

It's a great place for young kids... Not the biggest zoo out there but people are nice, close to home, and just big enough where you can bring a 3 year old and they can see the whole thing

Very nice. The zoo was mostly empty due to the weather. The train ride and carrosel were the kids favorite part. They also loved the big play area! Off season the zoo is free.

Beautiful Zoo! Great place for all of the families! Many animals were not there but the ones we saw made our day. On hot days be sure to bring water. Lots of interaction with animals there!

Its a small zoo. Kids will enjoy and not be overwhelmed by all the varieties. Had an awesome time with the kids. The train ride is a must. Highly recommend!!!

I would hear for for July 2 times children thoroughly enjoyed. It took an hour and a half give or take. It wasn’t the clean zoo in the world, but it was good The exhibits were very vague on what the animals do what’s their habitat but you see them it’s cool the kids like it Some exhibits were closed because of remodeling or this season stuff like that Overall, I would recommend the experience it’s affordable. It’s nice and it’s something to do.

The Zoo is very small, but easily walked. Some animals were not easily seen.The price of a train ticket for a 1 year old cost the same as for an adult- $3.00. I think that's too much. But, the Train ride is great as well as the Carousel. It's a good day out for very young children.

A small but lovely local zoo — just the right size! Be sure to ride the train when you visit. (Sadly, the capybara passed away earlier this year.)

Very cute zoo. Perfect for young children. Decent variety of animals. Crocodiles, llamas, Horses, Turtles, Monkey’s, etc. Admission is very inexpensive. Kids under 3 are free. There is also a small train ride for an additional fee. Pretty crowded on a weekday so I can imagine that the weekend is worse.

+4

I hosted my son’s birthday party at the Zoo and we loved it. The staff is very helpful and attentive. We purchased a package that provides access to the zoo, train, and carousel after the party. We had an animal habit teaching time for all the kids and adults. We loved it. They provided coloring bags for the kids. Prompt reply to any questions or concerns. We brought our decor and organized everything within half an hour provided to us. FYI- decor is not provided. The rental period is 1 hour and 30 minutes. No balloons are allow.

+2

Absolutely love this zoo. It’s not too big, making it easier for young children to walk around. They have a nice amount of animals so your child gets the full zoo experience. The grounds are well-kept and pretty to walk around. 10/10 would come here again.

+6

We loved our time at the zoo. Our favorite was seeing the budgies 🐤and being in their habitat while they flew around us. We had fun riding the train to see the sights. The train ride line gets long but still worth it. Extremely affordable experience for a family of 4 especially if you are a Bergen County resident.

+2

Good time beautiful weather and great animals to enjoy viewing. Clean grounds and great visit

Went to Glow at the Zoo New Year's Eve. Lovely lighted sculptures, including along the included train ride. Different from last year's in many respects. Most of the animals were asleep but we caught glimpses of the snowy owl, the red wolf(!), the guanacos, the rheas, the bald eagle and the condor. Glow at the Zoo is a fundraiser, which explains the $18 cost, but it is worth it. Nov til April if you go during the day, the zoo is free though the warm weather animals are away. Nice small zoo.

Today we went to the zoo instead of staying home. It’s a good size zoo and we had a fun time walking around. The pricing was very affordable and my child was free. The zoo has a great assortment of animals of all shapes and sizes. They have some extras including a train ride, carousel and a bird exhibit. If you haven’t been I would encourage you to come visit.

+4

I’ve been to the Bergen County Zoo a few times, including during the off-season, and it’s a nice little spot, especially if you know what to expect. It’s definitely on the smaller side, which honestly can be a plus if you’re going with kids or just want a short, easy outing without committing a whole day. During quieter months or weekdays, it’s calm and enjoyable, and you can move through at a relaxed pace. That said, it does get pretty crowded during special events or peak times, so parking and walkways can feel tight when that happens. If crowds aren’t your thing, I’d recommend visiting earlier in the day or outside of event weekends. Overall, it’s well kept, family-friendly, and a solid local zoo for a quick visit rather than a big destination trip. If you’re nearby, it’s worth checking out, just plan your timing wisely.

+6

Great small zoo with carousel & train, in a large park. Easy way to spend as little or as much time as you want. Affordable & discounts for Bergen residents. Great for all ages!

Nice place to spend quality time with family, especially the little ones. Some animals were off exhibit, but in general, it was a good experience. Free admission (the day i went).

+4

Beautiful little zoo. Ideal for us, since we had a toddler with very lil patience. The ticket price is very reasonable and the place is well maintained with a very decent variety of fauna to observe. Enjoyed our lil trip to the Bergen County Zoo! Outside the zoo is a nice playground for the kids and also well paved area for strolls.

+6

Greaaaaaaat family place. The ambient is perfect for children and even adults if you are looking for a quick weekend get-away. Not only will u find the zoo but a park with grilling areas and sufficient parking which will make for and entire days activity. That and the carousel make for a fun day away from home!!

+5

Quaint little zoo. Very reasonably priced. Nice and flat, great for strollers/wheelchairs/people who can't walk on lots of hills. You can see everything in an hour. And if you have more time, you can have a picnic in the park nearby, go to the playground, tennis courts, splash pad. The staff are nice and will tell you about the animals if you have questions, like about their names and breeds. They have both more familiar animals and ones you've never heard of!

Great little zoo for very little ones. Buy a train ticket and ride that before you do the zoo, the train is well worth the $2.00. Gift shop was very quaint and not too overpriced. Lots of selections and they have a great range. The budgies were our favorite part. The birdies have so many colors and they looked super soft and cute. My 2yr old enjoyed walking around. Plenty of places to sit and eat lunch. Got there at 1030am and we left by 1140am. And this included the train ride. Parking was fine. Not really any selections for food so I suggest you pack some snacks. I got bit by a few mosquitoes but my hubs and kids didn't. Residents tickets are only $4.00 and kids under 3 are free for the zoo. Kids under 1 are free for the train Update: the budgies are no longer there. In it's place is a walk through tour. I miss the birds

A perfect option for a short, budget-friendly family outing and an enjoyable activity for young children

Loved this little place! Not many zoo animals but we knew that in advance and still my 4.5 yr old daughter loved it and had so much fun. Felt more like a big farm but was a nice family outing. Went on a Saturday and obviously there was a lot of people but even then we didn't have to wait in line to buy tickets or enter the zoo. The train ride was fun. My daughter learned and experienced a lot and for the price ($8 adults/$5 kids) it was well worth it. Train ride and carousel tickets are $2 per person. The best part for my daughter was the pony ride, tickets are $3 and suggest you buy ticket in advance online because they sell out. We left that for last and arrive at 3pm and were sold out but the staff was nice enough to allow us to do 1 lap for my daughter and we paid cash. There's also a huge playground and picnic area next to the zoo. It was a fun day and will be coming back again soon!

+6

Great zoo with very helpful workers. Would definitely come back!

Nice little zoo,I was just driving from ny I wasn't expecting to go anywhere but I search places near me in New Jersey and I found this gem,I'll go back for sure the zoo is very clean and parking is free and the admission is $4 dlrs resident and non resident $8 dollars each which is a really good price!

+6

Nice and small tiny zoo, their service is good. You can easily cover entire Zop within 40-50 mins max. Entry fees for adults $4 (Residents) for non Residents fees is more. They also have 5mins train ride and Carousel kids really love them kids 1 year old + needs $2 ticket for each ride. You can easily spend 2-3 hours with family Here and kids will really enjoy this park. Zoo closes at 4.30pm and last entry is at 4pm. Train and Carousel last ride happens at 4.45pm and last ticket is sold at 4.30pm. Plenty of free parking for cars.

+6

I’m a sucker for light displays and had to visit during Let It Glow at the zoo. My boyfriend and I went on a weeknight in early January and basically had the zoo to ourselves. It was our first time there. The staff was nice, the lanterns were beautiful, and we loved the train ride at the end. 10/10 would go back!

This is a smaller zoo, but it's great for younger children. Having said that, my 8yo still loves it. We went to the light show over Christmas, and she just attended the mini camp last week and said she had a great time. They offer free zoo entry over the colder months, when maybe not all the animals are out and about. We will continue to go to the zoo as long as my child still enjoys going..lol.

William Pataky

Cute little zoo with a nice selection of animals and very fair prices. The first time we were here was during COVID. It was in January of 2021 and places were just starting to open up a bit. We were lucky enough to find this zoo that had entry and vaccine requirements that we were able to meet. It was freeIng cold that day but it was so worth it to get out of the house and be a little normal again. The Zoo is clean and the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. This is worth the trip for kids and adults alike.

+2

Tsering Sherpa

It was good. Since I went in fall, some of the animals were not for exhibition and housed inside. The admission was free. The restroom was clean and the whole zoo was stroller friendly.

Joseph Alminawi

Surprised by how excellent the zoo was even during off season (some of the animals were not in their habitats). Lots of great art everywhere - and a train you can take that circles the zoo (paid). Staff were all super friendly.

+2

Lisa Sturdy

We've been here many times. I took my grandson on the train, after seeing the all animals. Some were not there, but he was too young to notice. They also have a carousel. They have clean bathrooms w changing stations and handicap access.. It was a great time, making memories!

Tony C

The Bergen County Zoo is such a hidden gem! It’s the perfect size big enough to have a wide variety of animals, but small enough to enjoy at a relaxed pace without feeling overwhelmed. The animals are well cared for, and the exhibits are clean, engaging, and easy to see up close. What makes this zoo extra special is how family-friendly it is. The train ride and carousel are always a hit with kids, and there are plenty of shaded areas and picnic spots that make spending the day really comfortable. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to answer questions and share fun facts about the animals. It’s affordable, accessible, and an amazing way to spend the day in Bergen County. Whether you’re coming with kids, on a date, or just want a peaceful walk while learning about wildlife, this zoo is a must-visit. Highly recommend! 🦁🐢🦜

Uddhav Timilsina

Because of my elderly parents we decided not to visit Bronx zoo this time and all other zoos in NYC were small. So we visited this Zoo. Getting there is easy and cheap with NJ buses. Most of the exhibits were from Central and South America, which was very unique of this Zoo. We rode on the train which was a wonderful experience. I recommend visiting this Zoo if you have kids.

Ari Childs

A fantastic experience. Would highly recommend especially if it's not too hot of a day. The variety of animals wasn't huge but my kids (2&5) were thrilled. It was pretty personal, not too busy. They have a train (that my kids loved), a carousel (we didn't go on bc I'd probably puke!) & a really nice splash pad & playground right behind the zoo. Will definitely go back for the playground and zoo as well. The animals were pretty lively, it was clean and definitely a good experience overall.

aron lesin

Bergen County Zoo is truly wonderful! The animals are great, and we really enjoyed the carousel and train ride. Heads up, the train is more for the ride itself as animal views are limited. Overall, it's a clean, fun, and perfect spot for families!

matt Lesher

This is a great zoo. It's not big or very diverse, but it's neat & clean with quality displays. Most of all, the animals and birds are loved and well cared for. As a bergen County resident, there is a great discount entry fee. The zoo is in beautiful van saun park.

+6

Victoria

Love visiting this zoo! It’s such a peaceful and relaxing spot to take your kids. I really don’t understand how anyone could complain, especially considering it’s free during the off season. There’s so many amazing animals from mountain lions to sloths, bison, wolves, monkeys, horses, prairie dogs, and more. The zoo has a big playground nearby, plenty of walking paths, places to picnic, and just enjoy the outdoors. There are also restrooms, a gift shop, and crafts/events for children. Great family friendly place!

+8

Ivonne Marte

Went for the Holiday Lantern Spectacular & it was a great experience. It's toddler friendly and caters to different age ranges. Ticket says s'mores come along with it that's not true - you have to purchase that apart. Other than that there's a lot to see and the train ride was the highlight of the trip. Highly recommend.

+1

Small but clean zoo, nice place to get away for a few hours but limited amount of different animals, if you want a large zoo visit the Bronx zoo.

+2

Went to see let it glow a few says ago. The reason I am giving them 4 because I think it was bit pricy based on the experience. It is $18 per person and small too.

The Bergen County Zoological Park is located at Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey. It was the first zoo in New Jersey to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo is open seven days a week. Hours of operation are from 10:00 am until 4:30. Many visitors to the New York City area do not realize that a lovely, well-maintained small zoo exists just 30 minutes from Manhattan. Located in Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey, the Bergen County Zoological Park (co.bergen.nj.us) is open year-round and offers a quieter alternative to the Bronx Zoo. Children can enjoy other attractions at Van Saun Park, including pony rides, a carousel and a playground, and the entire family can enjoy the beauty of the gardens or the tranquility of the park's Walden Pond.

+6

Nice small zoo. Funny and educational for kids and adults as well. Free the whole month of April. Used to have more animals and house of butterflies. Situated inside van Saun park, so after finishing the zoo enjoy the kids play ground or barbecue area. If zoo parking is full ( weekends or holidays) use other parking areas in the park and take a nice walk. If you park illegally you will get a ticket.

+6

I love this park. I've taken my daughter when she was little to zoo boo at the zoo. Was just here with my son for his school's first field trip. Place was AWESOME . Small zoo plenty of shade and great animals. My only issue was the bathrooms. OMG GROSS!! They were so dirty and wet toilet seats after washing the kids hand also used wipes and hand sanitizer. Great zoo just needs better maintenance on the bathroom.

+1

The zoo is nice and have cool animals. Nice walking trail. Please bring water especially during the summer. Animals are well taken care of and beautiful. Nice family trip for the kids or a cool date just to see some cool animals. Affordable to get into. They have public restrooms and disabled parking. Some areas of the park was closed due to maintenance or new animals coming. I highly recommend

Good place to go with toddlers and kids. It's a pretty small place, more like a small cozy park with animals than a full out zoo. Most interesting animal there was the mountain lion. They have a little train that runs but that is seperatly priced and you have to make sure it runs that day if you want to ride it. When I was there the train was not running. Townspeople get a certain price and if you're not, the price is higher.

Decent size zoo with many different animals. Has a educational center with reptiles and turtles plus a room for crafts. There are a couple of food trucks parked outside. Parking lot seems to get full early and a section of animals was closed which is why I gave a 4 star.

+2

Great zoo for young kids. You can get through it in an hour or so. It's free in the winter, though there are less animals.

Small and low key alternative for New Yorkers with small children to the crowded mobs at like the Bronx or Central Park Zoo. Short drive (< 30 min) from Manhattan. Great for small kids who get just as excited by a horse or a cow as by something more exotic. Kids especially love the carousel and the train. The zoo itself is super affordable (free in winter!). Super short drive to kid friendly Paramus malls.

Overall it was a good experience for young children! Stroller friendly. There were some exhibits that were empty but to be clear there was a sign at the ticket booth that let customers know this which I thought was fair.

It was good enough for the kids but it was sad that we couldn't feed the farm animals as other zoos had. But at least we got to feed the parrots with sticks and that was a unique experience for the kids. The only things that they need to get rid of is the bushes that prevent us from seeing the animals very well behind the cages.

+6

5/23/2022 I visit this zoo today it isn't a large zoo but has some nice exhibits i didn't go with any kids so I kind of breezed through it I may have been there about an hour. The zoo is inside of a large park so you can also walk around and maybe have a picnic after your visit at the zoo. It is very affordable there is resident and non-resident admission fee but both are less than $10..

+6

This is a cute place to take the kids to. There's a train that rides around the park, which is always a lot of fun. The zoo has a variety of animals, but don't expect it to be like the Bronx zoo. I love that there is a carousel on the grounds as well. I only saw one food truck serving hot dogs and one ice cream truck, so you might want to keep that in mind if you're thinking of going. There's a general store where you can get water, sodas and sovaneirs. The price to ride the train and to enter the zoo is $4.00 each for NJ residents. I believe kids under 3 are free. You can't beat the price.

+2

This small zoo is hosted inside Van Saun County Park, and has indoor exhibits for fish, reptiles and amphibians, a mini farm exhibit with typical farm animals, and other exhibits for birds and mammals, mostly from North and South America. This is not a huge zoo like the Bronx Zoo or San Diego Zoo, but then again it doesn't charge a big admission fee like those zoos, and since it's a county zoo, Bergen County residents get a discount on admission. It's a fun place to bring the kids, who will see some animals up close that they may only have seen on TV. Where else can you come within a few feet of a live mountain lion? There are special programs the zoo will host for groups - contact the zoo if you are taking kids on a field trip. There are seasonal exhibits - check with the zoo to find out what is scheduled. There is a miniature train that you can ride around the outside of the zoo for just $1.50 - it's about a 7 minute ride that's especially fun for the kids and worth the money.

+6

There were few animals to be seen because it's winter, but overall it was a good walk.

Neat little zoo and inexpensive... great carousel, fun train ride that is about a 7 minute ride. Also worth noting that the zoo is part of a very larger outdoor park with playgrounds, tennis courts, walking/running paths. Some zoo exhibits can be temporarily closed - but worth the visit!

+1

A wonderful little county park zoo. It has a feel of the Central Park Zoo where you walk clockwise to follow the path to see all the animals. So it is petite but packs quite a bit within it. Even outside of it, there are the train ride and merry-go-round too. It’s a great way to separate those in line for the rides outside of the zoo. We went during a school field trip with our kids and unfortunately the train queue was to be about one hour plus long wait. We got a rain-check/voucher since the ride was pre-paid. The merry-go-round was a hit with all the children! Overall a wonderful zoo and will surely visit again. Hope all the animals will be out then, during our visit a handful were off-site. 🐒🐯🦘

SP: Unfinished Business

I used to visit this zoo when I was a child, came here to visit again to see the "Let it Glow" festival, the last time I visited didn't leave a review but I'll leave one now, the prices are reasonable and it's a nice interactive place to just take a stroll, and I love the fact that the train is still running, though I think the area itself needs some changes, the old ticketing booth was moved to the other side now, and I also think that they should have more holiday type festivals every season, maybe for the Spring time too, with water sprinklers or a water fountain for the animals...

+1

Ammarah Asghar

We usually have a blast every time we come here. But when 1/2 the animals are off exhibit, that becomes frustrating for children & parents. We purchased tickets online, and there was no announcement as to which animals were not available for viewing. But if you buy tickets on site, there is a list of animals that you won't be able to see depending on the weather. We went around 60°+ weather, and we saw the mountain lions, condor / vultur (he was hiding), llamas (only from the train), rhea / ostrich, pigs, goats, horse, sheep, donkey, goose, buffalo & elk. The main attractions for my kids, alligators, the indoor birds with turtles exhibit, owls, macaw, and so many more were unavailable. Thankfully our kids are easily distracted & were just happy to be spending time with their cousins. But when that many animals are off exhibit, I definitely think the prices should be adjusted or the zoo should be free. Parking was easy to find at 10:45am on a Sunday morning, and the zoo was pretty empty.

Susan Haas

My grandkids and I enjoyed the train ride and the carousel as well as the wonderful nearby playground. The staff was pleasant and helpful. I would give 5 stars except that I dislike all zoos. Here, like everywhere, the animals looked lethargic and I have to believe they are lonely and frustrated in the small pens. But BCZ does the best they can for a small suburban site.

Miriam Chami

We went for the glow show last night - took my 2 y/o and he loved it. It was super cold so be sure to bring an extra jacket. The walk-through was pretty short but just enough for a 2 y/o to enjoy :). Lights were super beautiful of course! We especially enjoyed the train ride and seeing the farm animals! (The other animals were out away because we have bookings from 5-6pm). Definitely recommend!

Cute zoo, nice park. Free on veterans day. Very small and most animals were not on display but there is a great play area for kids across the parking lot

This is a nice little Bergen County zoo! If you’re a Bergen county resident, price is very reasonable, but a little pricy for non-Bergen county residents. It’s not that big of a zoo - took us about an hour to go through the entire zoo. Good for little ones since there is not that much walking. Along with zoo, there is a train ride (extra ticket) and children’s play area is also right next to it! Plenty of free parking!

Nice small zoo ...with in less amount you can enjoy your day ..they have few animals, small train ride and marigoround...they also have a big playground and water splash area

+3

Many animals were off exhibit 😞. There were some I was expecting to see that were off exhibit so that was a bummer. Still had some impressive animals. The animals in the educational center are pretty cool, especially due to their size. Mostly amphibians/reptiles. The train ride was pretty cool and they have the clear plexiglass on the back of each seat as a barrier.

+6

Great place for an outing with the kids. Zoo is not that big but they also have a carousel and small train that rides around the area and all of this is super cheap. They also have a park that's not too far away.

+1

Hanna Lyaschenko

Probably a good free zoo. After skating, we didn't have the energy to walk around the zoo. The illuminations are very beautiful. We'll come here again.

+13

Shreyas Tendulkar

The zoo and the exhibits are good for the kids to enjoy and learn. But the viewing of animals is not easy since the cage fencing is dense and there's a lot of distance between the cage and viewer fence. A lot of exhibits were closed and the train broke down leaving a lot of kids to head to the carousel. Overall a well managed facility for kids day out.

We went for the "Let it Glow" event at the zoo during holidays with the kids. It was cute but honestly not worth the money. Found it a bit expensive for such a small zoo that didnt even have the animals out and the light spectacles were very few and far in between. They had another event going on "winter wonderland" that we were not aware it was separate but found out once there. Turtle back zoo is way better for holiday event!

Wing Lee

Came here for the Halloween event. Majority of the animals were not in there exhibit. We were disappointed. We saw three monkeys, one goat, and two lambs. The Halloween event was ok. There were only two activities tables and it was overcrowded.

First of all, the front lady(old lady) not nice at all. She is basically the face of this place ans completely rude. The carrousel guys(old guys) yelling at people in front of anyone. If you are going to work where children and special needs kids come please change your attitude or find another job. I really don't recommend coming here.

MOUNTAIN LIONS HAVE ZOOCHOSIS. DO BETTER. Disgusting conditions. Tiny enclosure and mountain lions are clearly going neurotic. Really sick. You guys need to give them off to a zoo who cares about their well fare.

Many animals are not treated well, including the owls and Andean condors. The condors are majestic large birds that require MUCH more space than what they’re given at this zoo, where the roof of their enclosure is unconscionably low. I was recently in South America and remember seeing these beautiful birds of prey soaring high in the sky. They should NEVER be kept in such pathetic tiny cages that are unsuitable for them and resemble nothing like their natural habitat. The fact they are even here is extremely questionable. They do NOT belong in a cage, being used as entertainment props for children, thousands of miles away from their home. They can barely move around in the enclosure, and can’t really fly as the roof is extremely low. Similar inadequate or inappropriate spaces are also offered for other animals, including ones that normally live near a body of water but instead find completely dried out artificial “ponds” in their cages at this zoo. The sole tapir we saw had an untreated wound on his or her elbow. As the cherry on top, about half of the animals were “off exhibit” during our visit, with no signs upfront disclosing such a fact, nor a discount to the entrance fee. Very disappointing to not find many of the animals that had brought us here in the first place. No big cats or alligators could be found. Made me wonder that they did to these animals. The zoo as a whole is more an entertainment park for children than a zoo where animals are respected and scientific research is carried out. Fake animal statues are everywhere instead of real animals. It’s weird to see fake giraffes, hyenas, and zebras when no real ones can be found here.

I used to love this little zoo and often visited it with my younger siblings. Unfortunately, they have chosen to move away from being child- and family-friendly with their events. Because of this, I will not be renewing my membership or supporting them.

Unacceptable Treatment of Children by Train Operator - Nov 2, 2025 We visited today for a birthday party with a group of 5- and 6-year-old children. At approximately 1:00 PM, while the kids were boarding the train, my 6-year-old son attempted to sit with his friends when the train operator aggressively shouted at him: “ARE YOU DEAF?! I told you to go back!” I was seated a few rows behind and only learned about this incident after we disembarked. By that time, the operator had moved on and I couldn’t address it directly. This behavior is completely unacceptable. Young children cannot be expected to immediately understand all operational procedures, and even if redirection was necessary, there is absolutely no justification for yelling at or berating a 6-year-old in this manner. My son has been visibly upset and frightened since this incident occurred. What should have been a joyful birthday celebration was tarnished by this staff member’s aggressive and unprofessional conduct. I have filed a formal complaint with management and expect appropriate action to be taken. Staff members working with families and children should be trained in patient, age-appropriate communication. Parents considering visiting should be aware of how some staff members interact with young guests at this facility.

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE TAKE YOUR KIDS SOMEWHERE ELSE AND ENJOY IT I PAID $60 TO GET IN TO THE “WONDERLAND” ITS A EMPTY STAGE WITH OVERPRICED FOOD TRUCKS (2 churros and a coffee = $35) and 10 tables with fire for over 150+ people makes no sense they charge you to over charge you for food. I PAID TO GET INTO SKATE, PAID TO SKATE AND PAID FOR THE SKATES .. LIGHT SHOW IS A WHOLE SEPERATE CHARGE WINTER WONDERLAND IS JUST A BIG TREE AND THE ICE RINK AND OVERPRICED FOOD TRUCKS DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY.

Came today with my family to be ripped off about their animals. Shouldve been charged half off then full price. Non resident are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Yeah its cheap but at least have all the animals to show. Yeah some animals can't be in the sun so they're putting up tarps now. Great animal available was the mountain lion. The zoo is under extreme construction. The train does not work since last week because of the tracks missing. On website it says only 4/23 the train would be off. The old men at the carousel 🎠 were rude and loud. They do not check each child straps. So parents please check your child before it goes around. THIS PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL BUT A RIP OFF FOR THE EXCITEMENT FOR THE KIDS. thank God they have a park next door.

Staff behavior at a recent visit. I would like to express my deep concern about the behavior of a staff member during a recent visit we to the zoo. Throughout the visit, the staff was extremely rude—yelling at guests and speaking to people in a berating manner. When we attempted to calmly address and clarify the situation, we were met with more shouting and interruptions, which made the experience even more upsetting. This conduct was completely unacceptable. As guests and supporters of the zoo, we expect a welcoming and respectful environment. It’s important to remember that without the support of visitors and members, the zoo would not be able to thrive. I hope this matter will be addressed promptly so future guests do not encounter the same treatment. We appreciate the work the zoo does and hope to see improvements in how staff interactions are handled moving forward.

Someone

One week later update on the most recent review regarding the mountain lines. They are extremely distressed and pacing in circles repetitively. This will be reported. Bergen County zoo you need to do better and fix this right now or this will be solved rightfully so. Get these mountain lions into a better habitat let them go to where they belong. They are growling and pacing in circles.

Belle Belle

🚨 As of 08/27/25: There were two mountain lions repetitively pacing in circles and looking distressed. Their enclosure is TOO small for such large animals. Most animals live enclosures that are too small, but the mountain lions were the worst ones I saw. It was upsetting to see. Bergen County Zoo, do better! Please improve these beautiful animal’s living conditions as soon as possible. Some of these enclosures, specially the mountain lions’ is unacceptable. Living in such a small enclosure is torture for these animals. I will update my review when and if animals’ living conditions improve.