Just like its namesake Cape May, the Cape May County Zoo is a jewel by the sea. The non-profit zoo houses approximately 200 different species of animals, birds and reptiles. Nestled within the Cape May County Park, the zoo welcomes over three quarters of a million visitors every year.Best and worst times to go to the Cape May County ZooThe Cape May County Zoo is open daily except for December 25. Prime season along the Jersey Shore is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you plan on visiting the zoo during the summer, earlier in the day is best to avoid the crowds. Weekends make for rough travel on the Garden State Parkway during the summer months with Saturdays being especially trying since many beach homes rentals begin their stay on that day. A weekday visit avoids the hassles of the traffic pileups on the Parkway.Must see/do at the Cape May County ZooSet aside time either before or after your visit for a train ride through the woods adjacent to the zoo entrance as well as a carousel ride on a merry-go-round made up of zoo animals. Once inside, make a beeline for the bears. If they are awake and playful, they put on quite a show. The lion's roar reverberates around the park. He is quite loud and majestic.Admission to the Cape May County ZooOpen daily except for Christmas Day, admission to the zoo is free. However, donations from visitors, businesses, and supporters are how the zoo stays open. Monetary donations are accepted at the main gate as your drive into the zoo.Parking at the Cape May County ZooParking is free at the zoo, which is housed in Cape May County Park Central. The over 200-acre facility includes the zoo, walking and bike paths, fishing ponds, and playgrounds. All of the activities available can make the parking lot challenging especially by mid-afternoon during more popular summertime weekends. Additional parking is available on the back end of the park if the main lot is full. The lot is farther from the zoo, but within convenient walking distance. If visitors are arriving in a large group by bus or van, there is a parking fee and a reservation is required.Public transportation at the Cape May County ZooPassengers traveling to Cape May via the Cape May Lewes Ferry from Delaware can purchase a package that included a visit to the Cape May County Zoo. The package includes round-trip shuttle service to the zoo. Space is limited with this package therefore reservations are highly recommended.Food at the Cape May County ZooThe Cape May County Zoo does not permit food to be brought inside the zoo. However, there are ample picnic areas outside the zoo to eat a meal or snack before entering the facilities. The Safari Café is located near the zoo entrance and offers a variety of food choices such as salads, sandwiches, kid's meals, pizza, hamburgers, snacks, and drinks. Patrons order food and eat in the adjacent picnic area. The service at the Café is not restaurant style. Once inside the zoo, visitors can purchase beverages or ice cream from the two Kiosks on site.Insider tip for visitors to the Cape May County ZooVisitors should plan on at least two hours to see the zoo in its entirety at a leisurely pace. Avoid going to the zoo on an extremely hot and humid day. Most of the animals take cover in their sheds to avoid the stifling heat. Indoor exhibits are overflowing with people trying to do the same. A winter or late fall day is a surprisingly refreshing time to visit the zoo.Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.