The Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

I always hesitate to go to zoos, as I usually just feel bad for the animals, but the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Forked River, N.J., is a place near and dear to my heart.

It’s a small place, just seven acres, near where I grew up, and they cater to “exotics, wildlife, farm animals, and birds who suffered abandonment, cruelty, injury, illness, handicap, exploitation, old age, inappropriate ownership, or who could not be safely returned to the wild” (per their website).

12-year-old Kya is a white Bengal Tiger. If you look closely, you can see her eyes are clouded with glaucoma — she’s completely blind.

When you visit, you will see many animals that are blind or otherwise injured in a way that makes them “undesirable” for other zoos. Many enclosures have a placard with the animal’s name and rescue story on it.

It’s called Popcorn Park because you get a box of popcorn and can feed certain animals, like goats. I have vivid memories of a years-ago visit in which Ferdinand the Bull stretched his tongue waaaaaaaaaay out to get popcorn from our box.

The PPAR was established in 1977, and now has over 200 animals. You can get quite close to many animals and touch others, making it great for kids. Peacocks roam freely around the grounds.

Boo Boo is a 25-year-old black bear who was once used as a marketing ploy by a car dealership.

Additionally, on site are cat and dog adoption facilities from the Associated Humane Society. In addition, these support –- and this is the best part -– permanent long-term homes for cats (in Kitty City) and dogs (in Animal Haven Farm) who have special needs.

I have sponsored a cat for many years in memory of past beloved pets through their Share-A-Pet program; needless to say, it’s not been the same cat all these years.

Simba is a 17-year-old Lion who came to the zoo when his owner in Alabama fell ill and could no longer care for him. He now spends his days with a lioness named Nyla, and they were very playful and affectionate together.

I’m not sure if this is Shilo or Tocho, one of two male cougars who were orphaned during a state’s “trophy hunt” 7 years ago. I loved watching him stretch and sharpen his claws just like a regular housecat; I’m sure he wants a belly rub, too!

However, as a sponsor, you get periodic updates on your pet, and you can stop in and visit (which I once did!).

I have been to the PPAR many times over the years, but somehow Doug never made it there, in spite of it being just 15 minutes from my parents.

But oh, then they have a “Lions, Tigers and Beers” event, and suddenly who is all kinds of interested?? It was a sold-out event, so it was nice to see so much local support for the beer–I mean, animals.

As I mentioned, there were many peacocks roaming the grounds; their bright colors are so beautiful.

One peacock put on a full display, trying desperately to attract a female who wouldn’t even glance at him. It was very funny! You can watch a short video below.