Middlesex County Commissioners still waiting for recommendations on Johnson Park Animal Haven zoo

During its March 17 meeting, the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners announced they are still waiting for a report that will provide recommendations on what action to take regarding the Johnson Park Animal Haven zoo in Piscataway, according to an article from Patch.

Since being flooded during Hurricane Ida in September 2021, the zoo has come under fire for allegedly maintaining poor living conditions for the animals it houses, as previously reported by The Daily Targum. 

Advocacy groups such as the Friends of the Johnson Park Animals (FJPA) have called for the closure of the zoo and the transition of its animals to sanctuaries.

Initially, the Board of Commissioners agreed to close the zoo but later decided against the action, citing requests from the public to keep it open, according to the article. 

In December 2021, Middlesex County hired French and Perillo Associates and Zoo Advisors, an independent firm to perform a review of the zoo and produce a report recommending how to proceed with regard to the facility. 

"We are waiting for a report on recommendations on what to do with the animals and the facility," Ronald G. Rios, director of the Board of County Commissioners, said during the Board’s meeting on March 17.

The County Commissioners expect to receive the report by the next meeting on April 7.