Middlesex Co. Still Waiting For Johnson Park Zoo Report

PISCATAWAY, NJ — At their most recent March 17 meeting, the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners said they are still waiting for the results of a report that will help them decide the fate of Johnson Park Zoo.

"We are waiting for a report on recommendations what to do with the animals and the facility," said Commissioner Director Ronald Rios. He said the county expects to have that report by their next meeting, scheduled for April 7.

That March 17 meeting was a passionate one, with many members of the public testifying that they want the county to close the zoo, and even a 10-year-old Edison boy saying he thinks the animals at Johnson Park are suffering from zoochosis, which is when caged or zoo animals get depressed or go crazy. (This boy's assertion has not been confirmed by Middlesex County or an independent veterinarian; in fact, Middlesex County said the animals are healthy and regularly checked by a veterinarian.)

One woman who runs an animal sanctuary said a goat she took in from Johnson Park Zoo has severe arthritis and pigs she took in from there were "so obese they could not even walk or see."

You can watch the March 17 meeting here: http://video.middlesexcountynj...

This is a small but popular petting zoo located inside Johnson Park, a very low-lying area of Piscataway along the Raritan River. It is officially called Johnson Park Animal Haven.

The zoo, along with the entire park, was badly flooded by Tropical Storm Ida on Sept. 2. As the Raritan River rose 24 feet in one day, cresting at 42 feet, photos of goats, horses and sheep standing knee-deep in murky brown flood water went viral on Facebook.

Raritan River floodwater was documented up to four feet high inside the zoo buildings and animal cages. An animal rights activist claims a goat died after the Sept. 2, 2021 floods, but a Middlesex County spokeswoman said that is not true. That same animal activist said one animal at Johnson Park was seen up to its neck in flood water last September — but again, that has not been confirmed by the county.

Middlesex County first said it would close Johnson Park Zoo, then reversed course

Middlesex County owns and operates Johnson Park petting zoo; the zoo takes in animals that were in poor condition elsewhere. For decades, it has been open daily to the public to see and pet the animals.

Middlesex County Commissioners said in mid-October they would be closing Johnson Park zoo, after there was a massive outcry online over the flood photos.

Bu then in December, the county changed course and Commissioner Rios said he personally received many phone calls and emails from people begging him to keep the zoo open.

"We received comments contrary to closing the park, because there were people advocating that they want to have animals still in Johnson Park," said Rios, adding that Johnson Park Zoo has brought joy to so many Central Jersey families through the years.

The fate of the petting zoo will not be decided until a study is completed on the best way to relocate the animals.

In December, Middlesex County hired an outside firm, French and Perillo Associates and Zoo Advisors, to do the study. Their study will actually look at the best way to proceed with all three petting zoos run by Middlesex County.

Middlesex County runs similar petting zoos in Monroe Township (Thompson Park) and in Woodbridge (Merrill Park).

One pig did die in flooding in Merrill Park Zoo in Woodbridge

No animals died during the Ida-flooding at Johnson Park, said a Middlesex County spokeswoman, despite social media rumors to the contrary.

But one pig did drown in Ida floodwaters in September at nearby Merrill Park Animal Haven in Iselin.

That happened when the park experienced sudden flash flooding from the south branch of the Rahway River.

Park staff and two people passing by noticed the flood waters were rising rapidly and had to rush in and free the animals trapped in their pens.

"Unfortunately, upon entering the pig enclosure, it was discovered that one pig had passed away," said the county spokeswoman. "All other animals were successfully rescued."

Patch reporting on the Johnson Park Zoo saga: Middlesex County Closes Petting Zoo After It Was Hit By Ida Flooding (Oct. 18, 2021)

Fate Of Johnson Park Petting Zoo In Piscataway Still Undecided (Dec. 3, 2021)

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