The Cape May County Zoo is excited to announce the recent arrival of a very special guest from Philadelphia – a condor.
“Princess” is a 68-year-old Andean condor visiting the zoo from her permanent home at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Her home at the Philadelphia Zoo is undergoing renovations over the next few months and she will be spending time at the Cape May County Zoo while the work is being completed.
Cape May Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the County Parks and Zoo, reported the arrival of the Andean condor.
“We welcome Princess to Cape May County and know she will be a huge attraction while she is with us,” Hayes said in a news release. “Our zoo attracts visitors from all over the country, and Cape May County is a top birding hot spot, so we’re a natural host for her. She will be in good hands with our zoo staff.”
With a wingspan over 10 feet, Andean condors are considered the largest raptors in the world. They are at home in the peaks of the Andes mountains of South America, where they can soar up to 18,000 feet in the air. Condors are carcass eaters and play an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
Associate Veterinarian Alex Ernst said Princess will be at the Cape May County Zoo for only a short time, so people should come by soon to catch a glimpse at her.
Princess can be found along the Savanna boardwalk next to the Eurasian Eagle owls, he noted.
The Cape May County Zoo is open daily, except during inclement weather, from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
The park is open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. The County Park and Zoo are located at 707 North Route 9 in Cape May Court House. The zoo is free and parking is available. For more information on the Cape May County Zoo and Parks go to www.capemaycountynj.gov.
