Cape May Zoo Bomb Threat Joins Wave of Hoax Calls Targeting U.S. Zoos

Issue #832

October 07, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

 🍬Cape May Zoo Bomb Threat Joins Wave of Hoax Calls Targeting U.S. Zoos

 🤠Oktoberfest Continues at Morey’s Piers Through Oct. 11

⚓Tourism Boom Continues in Cape May County Following Record $8.44B Year

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

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

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Cape May Zoo Bomb Threat Joins Wave of Hoax Calls Targeting U.S. Zoos

The Cape May County Park & Zoo reopened to visitors Tuesday morning after a bomb threat forced the evacuation and lockdown of the popular Middle Township attraction Monday afternoon.

The threat was called into 911 shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, prompting an immediate emergency response. Visitors and employees were evacuated from the property while zoo personnel secured the animals in their enclosures.

The Cape May County Sheriff’s Office and Middle Township Police Department responded to investigate. Four bomb-detection K-9 teams searched the zoo and surrounding park as authorities worked to determine whether the threat was credible.

No explosive devices were discovered during the search, and authorities cleared the property Monday evening. As an additional precaution, security personnel conducted another sweep Tuesday morning before the zoo reopened to the public.

County officials have emphasized that threats of this nature are treated as legitimate emergencies until law enforcement can determine that a facility is safe.

The Cape May County incident comes amid reports of similar hoax threats and swatting calls involving zoos and aquariums across the United States. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums reported earlier this year that dozens of facilities had been targeted by such incidents.

Other reported targets have included Zoo Miami, the Columbus Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, Buffalo Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo. The false reports can force evacuations, trigger extensive police responses and disrupt normal operations even when no actual danger is ultimately discovered.

Swatting generally involves making a fabricated emergency report intended to provoke a significant law enforcement response. Although many of the incidents targeting zoos have proved unfounded, authorities investigate the reports because of the potential danger to visitors, employees, animals and emergency responders.

With the precautionary searches completed and no explosive device found, the Cape May County Park & Zoo returned to normal operations Tuesday.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the threat to contact the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office or Middle Township Police Department.

Oktoberfest Continues at Morey’s Piers Through Oct. 11

The Wildwood Boardwalk is trading summer vibes for steins, bratwurst and Bavarian music as Morey’s Piers celebrates Oktoberfest through Sunday, Oct. 11.

The annual fall festival takes place on weekends at Mariner’s Pier, combining Morey’s familiar amusement rides and games with German-inspired food, live entertainment and activities for adults and children.

The 2026 celebration began Sept. 18 and continues each weekend through Oct. 11, extending the Boardwalk amusement season into fall.

Mariner’s Pier is transformed for the occasion with Oktoberfest decorations and a festive biergarten atmosphere. Live bands perform on the Coca-Cola Stage near the Giant Wheel, while roaming musicians bring traditional German-style entertainment throughout the pier.

Food is also a major part of the celebration. Seasonal offerings include Bavarian-style soft pretzels, bratwurst, German potato salad, schnitzel, pierogies and fall desserts, including pumpkin funnel cake.

Adults can find seasonal beers and specialty beverages, while the festival offers plenty of entertainment that does not revolve around drinking.

Stein-holding competitions give adults a chance to test their endurance, while younger visitors can participate in a kid-friendly Root Bier version.

Families can also take part in OktoQuest, an interactive scavenger hunt that sends participants on missions around the festival. Those completing the challenge can earn a chance at a grand prize that includes Morey’s Piers season passes for 2027.

The festival launched with special opening-weekend activities, including the Boardwalk Bier Run and a ceremonial keg tapping.

Admission to Mariner’s Pier is free, allowing visitors to enjoy the Oktoberfest atmosphere and entertainment without purchasing an admission ticket. Tickets or wristbands are required to ride the amusement attractions.

Regular Oktoberfest hours are 6 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

The final weekend, Oct. 9-11, gives visitors one more opportunity to combine a fall festival with classic Wildwood Boardwalk fun before the 2026 Oktoberfest celebration comes to a close.

Tourism Boom Continues in Cape May County Following Record $8.44B Year

Cape May County tourism continues to show growth in 2026 following a record year in which direct visitor spending reached $8.44 billion and the county ranked first in New Jersey. July occupancy tax collections rose from $3.148 million to $3.776 million, an increase of roughly $628,000, or 20%. Lodging remains the county’s largest tourism sector, while repeat visitors and expanded year-round travel continue to support the local economy.

What is Cape May's population known to swell to during the peak summer season, compared to its small year-round population?

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 Answer to the October 6th Trivia Question 

What is the purpose of the Cape May Canal, completed during World War II?

A) To create a commercial shipping route
B) To protect naval vessels from German U-boats
C) To provide a waterway for tourism
D) To aid in the construction of a military base

Answer: B) To protect naval vessels from German U-boats

The Cape May Canal was constructed during World War II as a defense measure to protect naval and commercial vessels from potential attacks by German U-boats in the Atlantic Ocean

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