Cape May County Zoo Park receives its largest-ever donation

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Over the years, Charles Muller was treated to behind-the-scenes tours and relatively close encounters with animals at the Cape May County Park & Zoo.

Now, two years after his death, Muller has repaid those favors with a $1.4 million gift to his beloved zoo.

That's the largest donation in the zoo's history — and the full value of Muller's estate.

Muller and his wife, Elizabeth, were supporters of the zoo since their first visit in 2001. Even after Elizabeth died in 2010, Muller kept making the roughly 125-mile trip from his Edison home to the zoo.

After his wife's death, Muller became close with Michael Laffey, the former parks director.

Laffey used to give Muller special tours, especially to see his favorite animal, a Siberian tiger named Rocky who died in 2017.

Muller, who eventually made Laffey the executer of his will, died in September 2022 at age 93.

In his final wishes, Mulller said he wanted his entire estate to help provide food, shelter and medical care for the zoo's residents.

Since 2022, Laffey has been working with Muller's attorney to liquidate all of Muller's assets. The total that went to the zoo was $1,435,787.59.

This donation and others help keep the zoo free and open daily.

Leonard Desiderio, Cape May County's commissioner director, extended the board's "sincere gratitude" to Muller, adding he would be memorialized for his donation.

Details on a memorial for Muller were not immediately available.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.