The Cape May County Zoological Society, Cape Savings Bank and the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders unveiled the newest attraction at Cape May County Park today, The Hummingbird Express, a four car miniature passenger train, pulled by an old-time “steam” locomotive that will take riders through the park and loop around the new Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Habitat. The habitat is now under construction.  The Hummingbird Express, owned and operated by the private non-profit Zoological Society, is sponsored by Cape Savings and is part of the Society’s mission to support the zoo through private sector funding. The suggested donation for tickets is $2 for kids and adults and all net proceeds will be used to build new exhibits at the zoo. The Cape May County Zoological Society, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation. The train is the first major revenue generating initiative of the Zoological Society. According to Bill MacQueen, Executive Director of the Society, “the Zoological Society has developed a private-public partnership with county government to create fundraising ventures to financially support the zoo through private-sector projects.” Freeholder Director Dan Beyel who oversees the county parks and zoo expressed his delight in the butterfly garden and hummingbird habitat being part of the new train route. "I'd like to applaud the well thought out planning of the zoological society in creating these new attractions that are so fitting for our park and zoo. I also cannot overemphasize the county's gratitude to Cape Savings Bank for their very generous contribution. The county's overall efforts and vision to enhance the park and zoo is critically dependent on private and public collaborations. With the renewed enthusiasm of the Zoological Society, I anticipate this is just the beginning of greater things ahead," said Beyel. The Zoological Society’s cooperation with corporate sponsors marks a breakthrough in opportunities for revenue generation. This Hummingbird Express train and Butterfly Junction Depot are sponsored by Cape Savings Bank. Herbert L. Hornsby, Jr., president of the bank : “the zoo is a wonderful resource for our community as well as vacationers to the shore. Cape Savings has donated towards the growth and development of the Zoo over the years, and I am delighted that we are able to help the Zoological Society in this venture. The Zoo train is a creative way to introduce even more people to the worthwhile attractions the Zoo has to offer. Supporting the needs of our local communities is the foundation on which Cape Savings Bank is based, and I am happy to continue our tradition with support of The Hummingbird Express.” Cape Savings Bank and the Zoological Society agreed to a multi-year sponsorship, which provided $65,000 to acquire the locomotive and depot building. The hummingbird and butterfly garden will contribute to an ecological and environmental conservation program that of is an important component the zoo and Zoological Society’s educational mission and responsibility as accredited members of the AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. All monies raised will primarily be allocated for the rehabilitation and revitalization of the tiger exhibit. The new tiger den construction will begin this summer. | 
