Popcorn Park Gives Animals a Second Chance

Popcorn Park, in the Pinelands of Southern New Jersey, is a federally licensed zoo that cares for thousands of injured, exploited, ill, abused and older animals each year. 

The zoo was founded in 1977 as a pet adoption center. But with an steadily increasing number of animals coming in, more cages were built and it slowly became a zoo. 

There are more than 200 animals living at Popcorn Park. From African lions and tigers to emus and wallabies, Bergmann has his hands full. 

Every morning, Bergmann makes his rounds to say hello to all the animals in different cages around the zoo. He even calls them by name. Popcorn Park's animals return the greeting warmly. It is no secret that they have a deep appreciation for their zookeeper. 

"You are around [the animals] a lot. I guess there is some realization [by them] that you have done something for them," Bergmann says humbly. 

While Bergmann has a special relationships with all of the animals, he has most bonded with a Bengali. "He was emaciated. You could see all his ribs and bones. The way he looked, it was like he didn't have a will to live," said Bergmann. Thankfully, he and his staff were able to get the Bengali to come back to life, getting him to a normal weight and introducing him to a lioness friend.