So when was the last time you came face to face with a coatmundi? What’s a coatmundi, you ask. It is one of the 100-some animals at Cohanzick Zoo, one of the last free zoos in the nation. There are no fancy exhibits, no gimmicky doo-dads, no add-on activities to drain your wallet -- just a straight-ahead zoo where you can visit the animals who all live in a naturalistic setting.

Get up close and personal with monkeys, bears, crocodiles, exotic African leopards and (gulp) snakes. And although they don’t sign autographs, Erik and Esor, two white tigers, are the two most famous residents and have fans galore. There is also a walk-through aviary where golden eagles, peregrine falcons, various species of owls and other feathered friends that wing around just inches away.

But the Zoo isn’t the only place you’ll see animals here. The Cohanzick Zoo sits in the middle of Bridgeton City Park so keep an eye out and you’ll see all kinds of birds and local wildlife. In fact, the trails around the Zoo are a popular spot for birders. And after a hard day of watching the animals, you can roll out a blanket or snag a picnic table for a fun al fresco lunch.