Cape May Zoo’s Jr. Zookeeper Camp Offers Kids a Wild Winter Experience

Issue #549

December 18, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦁 Cape May Zoo’s Jr. Zookeeper Camp Offers Kids a Wild Winter Experience

🚋Fundraiser Underway to Restore Iconic 1963 Wildwood Tram Car

🦆 From Arctic Tundra to Jersey Shores: Loons Arrive for Winter Stay

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 December 18

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Cape May Zoo’s Jr. Zookeeper Camp Offers Kids a Wild Winter Experience

If your kids are already feeling the winter blues, the Cape May County Zoo has just the antidote. This January, the zoo is bringing back its Jr. Zookeeper: Veterinary Camp — a hands-on educational adventure perfect for animal enthusiasts aged 10 to 16.

The half-day camp takes place on Saturday, January 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering a behind-the-scenes experience that's equal parts fun and informative. Participants will enjoy early access to the zoo, get up close with ambassador animals, and discover what goes into caring for wildlife at one of South Jersey’s most beloved attractions.

Focusing on veterinary care and animal science, the camp introduces young learners to animal husbandry, training, enrichment, conservation, and other key elements of zoo operations. It’s a rare opportunity for kids to explore real-world science in action—without the pressure of a classroom environment.

Beyond the hands-on activities, the program is designed to spark curiosity, build responsibility, and encourage kids to think about animal care and environmental stewardship as potential future paths. It’s also a great way to get children outdoors and engaged during the slower winter months.

Fundraiser Underway to Restore Iconic 1963 Wildwood Tram Car

A beloved piece of Wildwood’s boardwalk history is getting a second chance. Tram Car No. 8, a 1963-era engine once used to pull the iconic Sightseer Tram, was recently rescued from the scrapyard by the Wildwood Historical Society. Now, efforts are underway to restore the rusted relic to its original glory and display it at the George F. Boyer Historical Museum. The tram car, which had been in storage at Hunt’s Pier following its retirement last summer, was destined to be junked as the city transitions to newer, hybrid-powered vehicles. Learning of the tram’s fate, the historical society quickly intervened and moved the vehicle to a fabrication studio. The goal is to return it to its original blue and yellow color scheme and place it on display at the museum on Pacific Avenue. When completed, visitors will be able to board the restored tram car and hear the familiar boardwalk audio warning: “Watch the tramcar, please.” The historical society plans to raise funds to cover restoration, transport, and construction costs for displaying the tram. One major logistical challenge remains: the tram is too large to fit through the museum’s existing doors. Plans are in motion to create a new, larger entryway—similar to a garage or warehouse door—to accommodate it. The Wildwood Historical Society is selling 2026 calendars for $16.99, featuring vintage boardwalk photos, as part of the fundraising effort. Additional donations and purchases through the society’s website will also support the cause. A specific timeline for completion has not yet been announced, and the overall project cost remains undisclosed.

 

From Arctic Tundra to Jersey Shores: Loons Arrive for Winter Stay

  Each winter, two remarkable bird species return to New Jersey’s coastline: the Common Loon and the Red-throated Loon. Though they breed far to the north, these expert divers and fishers find refuge in the Garden State’s coastal waters during the colder months. The Common Loon is an icon of the northern wilderness, known for its haunting call and striking summer appearance. In the fall, these birds leave their breeding lakes in Canada, Alaska, and the northern U.S. to migrate to wintering grounds along the Atlantic seaboard. From mid-October through early April, they’re regular sights along the Jersey Shore. In winter, their bold black-and-white breeding plumage gives way to a more subdued gray and brown. These large, powerful birds—typically weighing 8 to 12 pounds—vary in size depending on how far they migrate. Those flying thousands of miles from Alaska tend to be more than 25% smaller than loons migrating shorter distances from places like New England or Atlantic Canada. Loons are built for water. With long, torpedo-shaped bodies and strong, flipper-like feet placed far back on their bodies, walking on land is nearly impossible for them. Instead, they glide effortlessly through the water, using their dagger-like bills to catch fish and crabs. In New Jersey’s coastal waters, they feed on menhaden and crustaceans, often diving beneath the surface in search of prey. Their mouths are lined with tiny denticles—hooked projections that help grip slippery catches. Winter can be a challenging time for loons, as colder water temperatures push small fish farther offshore. During this period, loons are frequently seen capturing crabs near the surface. It’s also when they molt their wing feathers and temporarily lose the ability to fly, relying entirely on the sea for safety and food. Loons are visual hunters, requiring clear water to locate prey. When storms muddy the water or disrupt the surf zone, they may disperse further out to sea in search of better feeding conditions. Typically solitary while feeding, loons are sometimes seen forming cooperative hunting flocks, especially when chasing schools of fish—occasionally gathering in groups of ten or more. At the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Avalon Seawatch, volunteers have counted nearly 4,700 Common Loons migrating past the area this fall. Unlike other species that move in sudden waves, Common Loon migration tends to be steady throughout the season. Alongside them is the Red-throated Loon, a smaller, more numerous relative. Despite its name, the red throat is only visible in breeding season. In winter, this loon appears pale and delicate, with a slender build and an upturned bill that gives it a regal or "snooty" appearance. They breed in the Arctic and pass through in huge numbers—over 157,000 were tallied at the Avalon Seawatch this fall alone. November and December are peak months for spotting these birds, often in impressive flocks moving just offshore. Birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of these winter visitors should bring binoculars and seek calm sea conditions. Prime loon-watching locations include the Two-Mile Beach unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, Cold Spring Inlet, Cape May Point jetties, the Concrete Ship, Avalon, Barnegat Inlet, and Manasquan Inlet.

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

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Answer to the December 17th Trivia Question

What historic feature can still be seen at Sunset Beach in Cape May, New Jersey?

A) The remains of a World War II bunker
B) A Victorian-era carousel
C) The sunken concrete ship S.S. Atlantus
D) The original Congress Hall hotel

Answer: C) The sunken concrete ship S.S. Atlantus

The S.S. Atlantus, a World War I-era concrete ship, sank off the coast of Cape May in 1926 and its remains are still visible from Sunset Beach. This ship was part of an experimental program to create durable concrete ships, but it met its fate during a storm while being used to create a ferry dock.

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