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Zoo Camp

What is Zoo Camp?

Zoo Camp is an exciting summer learning experience at the Bergen County Zoo. Children ages 5 - 15 are invited to participate in Zoo Camp. During the week, children will learn to appreciate and respect animals and their habitats through fun, interactive, and hands-on experiences.

There are four groups of campers: Lambs (5 - 6 years old,) Hawks (7 - 8 years old,) Gators (9 - 11 years old,) and Jr. Zookeepers (12 - 15 years old.) Camp hours for Lambs, Hawks, Gators, and Jr. Zookeepers are Monday-Friday, 9 am - 1 pm. Attendance is limited to 30 campers each week. The fee for Zoo Camp is $100 for the week. All campers will receive a Zoo Camp T-shirt and nametag to be worn during camp.

Lambs, Hawks, and Gators will spend time touring different parts of the zoo, observing the animals, playing games, and making crafts. They will also enjoy an up-close animal encounter each day. Topics we will explore include animal behavior, characteristics and adaptations of animals, and conservation.

Jr. Zookeepers will explore the different aspects of a career in zookeeping. Four campers each week will gain real hands-on experience as they learn about our animals, prepare their diets, and clean their enclosures.

How do I apply for Zoo Camp?

Each summer, the Bergen County Zoo offers Zoo Camp to children 5 - 15 years old. Children must be either residents of Bergen County or Members of the Bergen County Zoo. Zoo Camp applications are automatically mailed to Zoo Members; if you are not a member, you must call the zoo to request an application. Applications are available in January by calling (201) 262-3771 x 10. We do not maintain a mailing list for Zoo Camp applications. The application deadline for Zoo Camp is in March. Because we receive more applications than we have openings, campers are selected by lottery. You will be notified in April if you are selected. You will not be notified if you are not selected. To be fair to other applicants, we request that children attend each camp group (Lambs, Hawks, Gators, Jr. Zookeeper) only once. Please do not apply for the same age group if you have already attended in previous years.