Encouraging natural behaviors
Much of the zoo’s daily enrichment program is designed to mimic behaviors red pandas would naturally perform in the wild.
“For enrichment, we focus on trying to bring out natural behaviors in them,” King said. “Since they’re arboreal, important ones are climb, and since they forage a lot, it would be explore, climb and forage. Those are the behaviors we try to do the most with enrichment.”
The approach encourages the animals to stay active while reinforcing behaviors essential to their survival in the wild.
According to zoo staff, about 95% of a red panda’s diet consists of bamboo. Much of the bamboo fed to Cape May’s red pandas is grown on zoo grounds.
King said red pandas typically live eight to 10 years in the wild, though those in human care can live significantly longer. The zoo’s former red panda, Luna, lived more than 22 years.
Conservation beyond the zoo
The Cape May County Zoo’s conservation efforts extend beyond caring for animals on site.
Verity said the zoo supports the Red Panda Network, which works to protect red panda habitat in Nepal, educate local communities and reduce threats to the species.
Last year, the zoo raised more than $6,000 for the organization.
“A lot of times making a connection with an animal, even if it is just because it is so cute, might inspire people to learn more about them, learn more about their habitat and then hopefully want to help,” Verity said.
The zoo also participates in conservation initiatives supporting other species, including bison and snow leopards.
Cape May County Administrator Kevin Lare said the zoo is funded through a combination of county tax revenue and private donations. The county receives an average of about $1.5 million in donations each year to support the facility. In 2026, salary, wage and operating expenses totaled $3.1 million. Admission has always been free, and the county says they intend to keep it that way.
For now, visitors may simply see Wally exploring a new habitat, climbing through trees and getting comfortable in his new surroundings.
Zoo staff see something more.
His arrival is another step in a long-term effort to protect a species whose future depends on preserving its habitat and its genetic diversity for generations to come.
“People have to think bigger than our neighborhood,” Verity said. “This is an animal that we do not want to go extinct.”
The Cape May County Zoo, which was recently named one of the nation’s best free attractions by USA Today, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The zoo welcomes about 750,000 visitors a year.
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