Watch Out For Invasive Jersey Shore Jellyfish With Painful Sting

Contributor - Ryan Straub

Be on the lookout this summer. Jersey Shore jellyfish have been popping up and it could be painful. Public and scientific interest is piqued by the growing number of clinging jellyfish at the Jersey Shore. From Monmouth County to Cape May, these diminutive yet powerful organisms have formed a steady population along the coast, mostly in shallow waters with lots of algae. Not fatal, but painful enough to require medical attention when stung, their sting poses a significant risk to anyone enjoying New Jersey's back bays. 

Since these invasive jellyfish were first discovered in New Jersey eight years ago, Dr. Paul Bologna, Director of Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University, has been at the forefront of research into them. His study sheds light on a noteworthy and rather concerning trend: the clinging jellyfish population's stability and even increase. 

Their versatility and persistence are highlighted by the recent discovery of clinging jellyfish in unexpectedly low salinity circumstances close to Brick Township, well upriver from their typical habitats. This discovery suggests that these jellyfish may survive in a wider variety of environmental settings, which may allow them to spread much farther inland than previously believed.

Clinging jellyfish raise a warning for people who live and visit the Jersey Shore regarding recreational water activities. In order to reduce the risks connected to these stings, awareness and education are essential.

Painful interactions can be avoided by taking easy preventive steps, like avoiding locations with high concentrations of algae and wearing protective gear. From an ecological standpoint, there might be more significant effects from the increase in clinging jellyfish populations. To fully comprehend the effects of this invasive species and create population management plans, more research is required.

Ultimately, the clinging jellyfish along the Jersey Shore are a poignant reminder of the difficulties and complications that come with invasive species. Understanding the dynamics of these jellyfish and guiding ecological management strategies as well as public safety precautions depend on ongoing research by specialists like Dr. Bologna.

The Cape May Zoo is the ultimate family destination down the shore. It is free fun for all.

The Cape May County Zoo was created in 1978 within the Cape May County Park.

At the opening of the zoo, the animals consisted of an African lion, primates (spider monkeys), various barnyard animals, and New Jersey wildlife animals.

In the early 1980s, the zoo gradually incorporated into its displays more exotic animals, such as black bears, bison, antelope, primates, and birds.

Beginning in 1986, a Cape May Zoo renaissance began. Donations were solicited and there was a major reconstruction. Some of the projects that were completed consisted of a complete perimeter fence, a new lion exhibit, a Bengal tiger exhibit, a cougar exhibit, a giraffe and camel exhibit, a reptile house, and the construction of a medical building and diet preparation building.

Throughout the 1990s, renovations and new exhibits continued, with the construction of an African Savannah, which consisted of 57 acres that display giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches. Reconstruction of a reptile house replaced the original reptile house that was destroyed by fire in 1998, and a "World of Birds" walk-through Aviary was constructed.

From the zoo's beginning in 1978, the animal population was around 70 animals and today the zoo consists of 550 animals representing 250 species.

Planning on visiting the Zoo? This information will help you plan your trip.

Admission
The Zoo is FREE.
Donations help to keep them FREE!

Parking
Parking for cars is FREE.
Full-size buses are $80.
Short school buses are $40.

Zoo Hours
The current Zoo hours are:
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
7 days a week - They are open every day!
(Except for Christmas)

A wallaby is more than just a small kangaroo! Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials, meaning they carry their young around in a pouch and are similar enough that scientists have placed them in the same order, family, and subfamily. Wallabies are much smaller, though. The wallabies are back in their yard at the zoo! After enlarging their yard, installing a new fence, adding dirt and grass seed, and putting in a new hut (complete with a front porch), the wallaby mob has returned from their temporary yard next door.

This loveable species is the world's largest rodent! Endemic to South America, they inhabit forested and savanna areas near fresh water. They are semi-aquatic and have webbed feet to help them get around!  At the Zoo you'll find Budette, Marigold, Buttercup, Capychino, and Goomba. They are all on exhibit daily, so stop by to say hello.

At the Cape May Zoo you can find Fred and his crew, the Galapagos Tortoises! Fred is 500+ lbs. Galapagos tortoises are the largest living species of tortoise and can weigh up to 919 lb. They have lifespans in the wild of over 100 years. Captive Galapagos tortoises can live up to 177 years!

Reticulated Giraffes call the Cape May County Zoo home. The boys rule at the Zoo. Kifeda was born there on November 11, 2017. They also have Jambazi and Beau who buzz around the yard like lively brothers when the weather's nice.

Their African Lions came to the zoo in November of 2014 from Jacksonville NJ. Our Male Lex and female Bella are siblings born in 2011. Their main keeper enjoys working with them and compares them to big dogs. try sticking around to hear them roar!