SUSSEX, NJ--(Marketwire - Apr 26, 2011) - Space Farms Zoo and Museum, a homespun destination for family fun, is now open for the 2011 season. A hidden gem located in rural Sussex, New Jersey, Space Farms is now home to coati, a mammal of the raccoon family native to Central and South America, and African servals, medium-sized wild cats.
"For over 80 years our family has been dedicated to conserving wildlife and preserving American history," said zookeeper Lori Space Day, whose grandfather started Space Farms. "The animals are like members of our family. We love to educate visitors and have them get up close and personal with the wildlife -- from the cute and cuddly to lions, tigers and bears." Space Farms is on the fourth generation of family members working at the zoo.
Since 1927 families have been visiting Space Farms to view animals from far away lands from just inches away. The rural zoo has the largest private collection of North American wildlife worldwide and features exotic species from across the globe. Adding to Space Farms' rustic charm are free roaming chickens, ducks and geese that follow guests as they tour the zoo.
Upcoming Special Events
- Mother's Day (5/8)
Moms enjoy free admission, informative talks on maternal behavior, nursery feedings - Farmer Fred Day (5/14)
Hay pile jumps, Farmer Fred talks about hay production - Armed Forces Day (5/21)
Military personnel (active/retired) receive 10% off, tour antique weapons - Memorial Day Weekend (5/28-30)
Carnivore feedings -- watch the lions, tigers and bears eat - Buffalo Bill Day (6/4)
Kids dressed as cowboys or Native Americans receive a free bag of animal food, learn about the great American buffalo - Scavenger Hunt Day (6/11)
What can you find at the zoo? Complete the hunt and receive a bag of animal food - Father's Day (6/19)
Dads receive free admission, discussions on paternal behavior - Safari Day (6/26)
Children that bring their favorite stuffed wild animal toy get a free bag of animal food
Visit the Space Farms website (www.spacefarms.com) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spacefarms) for more information and a full listing of upcoming events.
Getting There
Space Farms Zoo and Museum is located on Route 519 in Sussex, NJ (90 minutes outside of NYC) and is open daily through October 31. Admission prices are $14 per adult, $9.50 per child and $13 per senior. Group rates, birthday parties and season passes are available.
About Space Farms Zoo and Museum
Space Farms Zoo and Museum was established in 1927 by Ralph and Elizabeth Space and is located on 100 acres in the green hills of Sussex County. The zoo features over 500 animals of 100 different species and is internationally recognized for its bear and lion cub breeding programs. The museum contains over 50,000 artifacts, including antique cars and the second largest privately owned collection of antique firearms in the US. A walk through the Space Farms Museum is a walk through time.
Editor's note: Photos of coati and servals available upon request