New Jersey has no shortage of great animal experiences, including ranches with farm animals and zoos big and small. However, for those who want something truly unique - and a little bit wild - head to the town of Garfield where you can enter...the Batcave! No, you won't be encountering any crime-fighting vigilantes with an adoption addiction, but you will be encountering plenty of small, furry flying critters at the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center. This non-profit animal exhibit holds hundreds of rescued animals and is dedicated to educating guests about some of nature's most misunderstood critters. Its curator, Joseph D'Angeli, has dedicated his life to the study of bats and this educational center even offers a unique animal encounter in New Jersey where you can get up close and personal with the little guys and give them a treat!
This just might be the coziest wildlife center and rescue in all of New Jersey, and that's how we like it.
From the moment you walk in, you'll find countless small and adorable animals making the place their home. Current residents include armadillos and chinchillas.
But for the real adventure to begin, keep an eye on the bat-symbol.
That means you're about to enter the low-light area, where nocturnal animals reside.
As you arrive, you'll see tanks full of reptiles, including some small crocs and gators.
But the real headliner is the Batcave, a large facility housing fruit bats in an environment that mimics a cave.
The curator of the wildlife center is known as "NJ's own Batman" for his dedication to helping these misunderstood creatures thrive.
The timed general admission, available only online for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, offers guests the chance to feed these fruit bats with sticks and see them up-close and personal. Who wouldn't love these guys - just look at that face!
Have you visited the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center in Garfield and seen the Batcave? Let us know about your visit to this unique animal encounter in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more and buy your ticket online at the Batstock website, and make sure to follow the Facebook page of the wildlife center for updates on events and a possible upcoming move to a new location. While you're in the area, you're only a fifteen-minute drive from Overpeck County Park, one of our favorite county parks in New Jersey. And if you need a place to sleep after a day of fun, we recommend the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights-Meadowlands as a place right in the middle of it all.
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