West Milford Jungle Habitat

06/15/2026

For anyone who watched the Jungle Habitat episode of Hazardous History last night: yep, that was it. Cool to see the place pop up again after 50 years, but the segment itself was… kind of a snooze. They used stock footage from the Windsor Safari Park in Berkshire, England (likely in fear of getting some shade from Warner Brothers) which made it unauthentic. Of course, the Fonz suggested wild animals might still be roaming the mountains of West Milford which we know is just nonsense. The Action Park segment was the real highlight.

You can get your Jersey fix by watching Season 2, Episode 8 “Fatal Attraction” online or wherever you stream. Maybe some of you taped the episode on your VCR!

When it comes to odd zoo lore, this new film might prove to be the better option for your viewing pleasure:

The Catskill Game Farm was America's first ever private zoo, fostering beloved childhood memories for a generation before falling into disrepair and closing in 2006. Amongst the rubble, filmmakers discover reels of home movies which would expose a shocking new chapter of the zoo's history.

06/12/2026

This fun reminder of a 🐪 ride came in from a Jersey gal who’s leaving the Garden state this month. Years of memories in her home, and she had the kindness to send this my way. Wishing more adventures ahead for our donor Lisa and her family.
Did you ride a camel at Jungle Habitat? More importantly- did you get spit on by the camel? I’ve heard from past riders that they were a bit prickly.

05/16/2026

Sometimes when I’m sitting alone in the dark, I wonder where this sign is.

05/03/2026

All of the blog topics are here for those looking to read the catalog:

Warner Brothers Jungle Habitat theme park

04/27/2026

Jungle Habitat will be featured in an upcoming episode of Hazardous History with Henry Winkler on The History Channel.

We just signed the release for our content, so keep an eye out — West Milford’s most legendary wildlife adventure is heading to national TV.

Looks like Jungle Habitat is putting West Milford back on the map… again. This time with fewer baboons climbing on cars. I could make a good joke about Fonzie jumping the porpoise tank instead of a shark, but that would best be represented by someone with photoshop skills.

11/28/2025

Big anniversaries are coming — and they’re not just red, white, and blue. I confess, this post is semi-inspired from my binge watching of the PBS American Revolution docuseries.

• America: Born in 1776, celebrating its Semiquincentennial (250 years) in 2026. Fireworks, parades, history, pride.
• West Milford, NJ: Jungle Habitat closed its gates on Halloween 1976. In 2026, that will be 50 years of wild stories — from lions on the loose to local traffic jams.

America grew from revolution to resilience.
Jungle Habitat grew from “drive‑through safari magic” to “legendary local lore.”
Both left behind unforgettable tales — one shaping a nation, the other shaping a community’s imagination.

Why 2026 Feels Big
• Nationally: 250 candles on America’s birthday cake next year.
• Locally: 50 years since Jungle Habitat’s closing — a milestone that still roars in memory.

2026 isn’t just about fireworks — it’s about remembering when elephants wandered West Milford and parrots squawked over Marshall Hill Road. Share your Jungle Habitat memories, photos, or family legends. Let’s prepare to celebrate America’s 250th and Jungle Habitat’s 50th together — because history is both epic and delightfully weird.

And yes, semiquincentennial is a real word. 🐅🐆🦓🐘🦏🐪🦒

08/20/2025

If you want to wander around the Habitat, this event will be a fun evening for you! Bring your own giraffe.

03/06/2025

All JH safari visitors received a cassette tape and player to play as they drove through Safari 1 or Safari 2. I'm working to restore these on the website, but here's the audio:

Copy of the audio that was provided to all visitors to Jungle Habitat in West Milford, NJ

02/28/2025

If you were part of the incredible team that brought this unique theme park to life, we want to hear from you!

We are on a nostalgic journey to revisit the cherished memories and stories of Jungle Habitat. We are seeking former employees for voice or video interviews to help us capture the essence of this beloved park. Your experiences are the heartbeat of Jungle Habitat's legacy, and we want to celebrate them with you!

Whether you worked behind the scenes, operated rides, cared for the animals, worked in the restaurant or welcomed visitors with a smile, your contributions made Jungle Habitat a magical place. Please share your stories and be a part of our project to honor and preserve the park's history. DM us to get in touch or use the "Contact us" section on

49 years have passed since Warner Brothers Jungle Habitat closed its gates for the last time!

02/03/2025

If your parents had a penchant for adventure and traffic, the season pass was the way to go! #1976