Laughing Kookaburra Chick Hatches at Cape May Zoo

Issue #404

July 25, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

‍🐦 Laughing Kookaburra Chick Hatches at Cape May Zoo

🦆 Bold Seagull Interrupts Picnic at Popular Cape May Beach

⛵ Close Call: Sailboat Hits Rocks in Avalon, Prompting Heroic Rescue

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

July 25

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Laughing Kookaburra Chick Hatches at Cape May Zoo

 A new resident is making noise — quite literally — at the Cape May County Zoo. A laughing kookaburra chick recently hatched, marking an exciting addition to the zoo’s animal family. The zoo announced the news on Wednesday, sharing that the chick emerged from its egg around May 25 and developed its full flight feathers by June 28. This is the first offspring for this particular pair of kookaburras at the zoo, and both parents have been actively involved in caring for their chick. With the addition of the new hatchling, the zoo is now home to four kookaburras. Known for their distinctive, echoing cackle, the birds are native to Australia and belong to the kingfisher family. While they may look charming, kookaburras are predatory by nature and maintain strong territorial bonds. The zoo, located in Cape May Court House, encourages guests to visit and listen for the new four-part chorus of kookaburras now calling the facility home. In total, the zoo houses more than 550 animals, making it a family-friendly destination for wildlife lovers and curious visitors alike.

Bold Seagull Interrupts Picnic at Popular Cape May Beach

PJM, the grid operator serving New Jersey and much of the Mid-Atlantic, has announced a 22% increase in capacity costs for the coming year, likely raising consumer electricity bills by 1.5% to 5%. The announcement follows a 20% utility rate hike in New Jersey this past June. The regional grid operator, which supplies electricity to 67 million people, has faced mounting scrutiny from state officials, particularly in New Jersey. Lawmakers have criticized the company for last year’s sudden spike, and in March, PJM executives told the New Jersey legislature that rising energy demand and constrained supply were key drivers of the cost surge. As reported earlier, Governor Phil Murphy has since accused PJM of market manipulation in a formal letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and joined nine other governors in demanding that the organization fill two open board seats with candidates of their choosing.

Close Call: Sailboat Hits Rocks in Avalon, Prompting Heroic Rescue

 Ten people were rescued safely on Wednesday morning after a sailboat crashed into a jetty in Avalon, New Jersey, following a mechanical failure. The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. near the 8th Street jetty. According to the Avalon Beach Patrol, the 30-foot sailboat lost motor power and became trapped in rough surf, causing it to drift uncontrollably into the rocks. Witnesses nearby quickly noticed the distress. One beachgoer observed passengers frantically waving their arms and trying to attract attention from passing boats. A nearby vessel initially responded, throwing out a tow line to help guide the sailboat away from the rocks. However, within seconds, the situation deteriorated as the sailboat broke free and was pushed back into the jetty by crashing waves. Officials said the combination of engine failure and choppy seas led to a dangerous chain of events. Beach Patrol Chief Matt Wolf noted that the inlet near 8th Street is one of the most hazardous waterways along the East Coast, with previous incidents of boats sinking in the area. Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of beach patrol guards and bystanders, everyone was pulled from the sinking vessel without harm. The rescue is being praised as a standout example of teamwork and quick action under pressure.

Which famous American architect was a frequent visitor to Cape May, New Jersey?

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Answer to the July 24th Trivia Question

Which U.S. president was a frequent guest at Cape May, New Jersey?

A) George Washington
B) Ulysses S. Grant
C) Abraham Lincoln
D) Theodore Roosevelt

Answer: B) Ulysses S. Grant

Cape May, often cited as the country’s first seaside resort, has a rich history of hosting notable figures, including U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison. The town's Victorian architecture and historic charm have made it a popular destination for many prominent visitors throughout the years.

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