FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 24, 2026

CONTACT:
Derek Sands
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov

BERGEN COUNTY UNVEILS VISION FOR FUTURE OF COUNTY ZOO

Storybook Master Plan Envisions New Animal Habitats, Conservation Education Center and Major Improvements Over Next Five to Seven Years

BERGEN COUNTY UNVEILS VISION FOR FUTURE OF COUNTY ZOO

PARAMUS, N.J. – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Bergen County Parks Department today announced the completion of a new Storybook Master Plan outlining a long-term vision for the Bergen County Zoo, including new and expanded animal habitats, enhanced educational opportunities, and improvements designed to strengthen the visitor experience and advance animal care.

The plan, developed with Relevant Strategies & Solutions (RS&S), establishes a framework for priority projects to be advanced in phases over the next five to seven years. The Storybook builds upon the character and traditions that have made the Bergen County Zoo a beloved destination for generations while laying out opportunities for significant improvements in the years ahead.

Among the major concepts outlined in the plan are:

  • A new Andean condor habitat, currently in the design and engineering project phase, featuring a 29-foot-high aviary with expanded opportunities for gliding, perching, and exploration
  • The introduction of red pandas to the Bergen County Zoo in two interconnected outdoor habitats featuring elevated passages, specialized denning areas, and climate-controlled holding spaces
  • A new spider monkey and capybara habitat, providing significantly expanded climbing and exploration space for spider monkeys and welcoming capybaras back to the Zoo
  • A relocated and expanded Bergen Dutch Barn and Farmyard, with additional space for animals and new opportunities for keeper presentations and hands-on learning
  • A future white rhino savannah which will include an expansive habitat with multiple viewing opportunities, including views from the Zoo train
  • A new Conservation Education Center, as a hub for learning and community engagement with modern classrooms, auditorium space, expanded animal programming, and an event venue overlooking the proposed rhino savannah.

“This is an ambitious vision for one of the most well-known and beloved destinations in the Bergen County Parks System,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “For generations, families have come to the Bergen County Zoo to see their favorite animals, learn about wildlife, and make memories together. This Storybook respects that history while giving visitors an exciting look at what the future of the Zoo holds.”

The Storybook is organized around five strategic pillars: excellent animal care, people and performance, delivering on the Zoo’s mission, awareness and visibility, and community connections. Together, these priorities are intended to strengthen animal care and well-being, conservation and education, the guest experience, and advise the Zoo’s long-term operations.

“The Bergen County Zoo holds a special place in our Parks System and in the memories of so many families who have visited over the years,” said Commissioner Chairman Steven Tanelli. “This plan gives us a true roadmap to build on what people already love about the Zoo while creating new experiences for the next generation.”

The Storybook also places a significant emphasis on conservation. The Bergen County Zoo currently supports conservation efforts involving species including the American bison and critically endangered red wolf, participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ North American Monarch SAFE, American Red Wolf SAFE and North American Bison SAFE programs, and works with outside organizations on initiatives involving horseshoe crabs, amphibians, and other wildlife.

“The completion of this Storybook gives us a defined framework for what promises to be an exciting next chapter of the Bergen County Zoo’s story,” said Acting Bergen County Parks Director Craig Dorsett. “Each of these concepts has been developed with animal well-being, conservation, education, and the visitor experience in mind, and we are thrilled to be sharing them the public. It gives our dedicated team, led by Zoo Administrator Harry Peachey, a clear direction as we continue improving the Zoo and creating stronger connections between our visitors, our animals, and the natural world.”

The Storybook will serve as a guiding framework as the County evaluates individual projects, funding opportunities, partnerships, sponsorships, and potential philanthropic support. The concepts outlined in the document will be advanced individually as planning, design, funding, and other necessary approvals move forward.

The full Bergen County Zoo Storybook Master Plan can be viewed on the county website.

The Bergen County Zoo is located within Van Saun County Park in Paramus and serves as a regional destination for animal conservation, environmental education, and family recreation.

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