Animal Rescue Rewards Worth Risks for Zoo Staff

John Bergmann joined the Associated Humane Society out of high school and 37 years later still has the same passion for rescuing animals.

Bergmann, the director of Popcorn Park Zoo, rescued a mother possum stranded on the top of a pilling in Barnegat Bay in late April. He took his own kayak to paddle out to the animal 20 feet out in the bay. 

Saving stranded creatures is just one of many daily tasks for employees at Popcorn Park. The organization, established in 1977, provides safety and care for injured, abandoned and abused wildlife. 

Spanning several acres of land, Popcorn Park Zoo is home to tigers, African and mountain lions, emus, monkeys, raccoons and numerous types of deer, among many others.

"We're getting them fed and getting them to rehab so that they can be released," Bergmann said. 

It also is a domestic animal shelter, providing hospitality and arranging adoption for small animals.

There are a number of animal rescues that don't go as well as the possum scenario, but those that do make up for it, Bergmann said.

There are always risks involved with animal rescue, both for the animal and for the employee, and those participating in wildlife rescues must be cautious. However, Bergmann is confident that employees at Popcorn Park have the experience to treat and care for animals in many circumstances. Bergmann sometimes walks the local roads with animal control officers, to help get them acquainted with the surroundings, different possible situations and needs of the animals. 

"I was always involved with animals," Bergmann said. "Just being able to rescue and release that animal and let it live its life is great. It's gratifying."

Leave Your Pets at Home

On Memorial Day, a 1-year-old Yorkshire terrier mix was found by police in the car of its owner, a Toms River resident. The car was located in a Monmouth Raceway parking lot. The dog, who was recently adopted, was signed over to the Tinton Falls Associated Humane Society.

Bergmann advises animal owners to leave their pets at home during the summer months if they are aware the animal will have to stay in a car. Owners should be aware of the temperatures, because if it's warm outside, it will be even warmer within the car, Bergmann said.

Popcorn Park Zoo is open every day and Bergmann encourages local residents to visit the shelter and wildlife preserve throughout the summer months. For a full list of animals, services, and schedules, visit www.ahscares.org.