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Wallaby that Escaped from Cape May Zoo Found Safe

Incident Date:
05/05/2026
Location:
Cape May, NJ - USA
Facility Name:
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Wallaby
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

CAPE MAY, NJ – A 2-year-old male wallaby escaped from his enclosure overnight but was recovered safely after a daytime search, according to Cape May County Park & Zoo officials. The wallaby, named Cletus, was found in a neighborhood near the zoo in the Cape May Court House section, officials said.

“Cletus is safely back home at the zoo, and we are grateful for the quick and professional response from our team and our law enforcement partners,” said Leonard C. Desiderio, director of the county’s board of commissioners. Officials will conduct a “thorough review” of the wallaby’s flight, said Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski, who has oversight of park and zoo operations.

The review will include a security audit of the zoo’s animal enclosures.

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