Report: Lawsuit Claims Beloved Cow at Cape May, NJ, Zoo Injured Teen

A published report says the Cape May Zoo is being sued after a popular animal injured a teenager in 2021.

According to NJ.com, Jilly The Cow, one of the most frequently visited animals at the zoo, hurt a 14-year-old girl.

It was in November of that year when the teen from Salem County stopped to take a picture with Jilly when it, "suddenly and without warning, violently and aggressively swung its head and struck (the teenager) in the head."

Citing the lawsuit against the county, Middle Township, the zoo, and the county’s zoological society, the teen had to visit a hospital for treatment, underwent physical therapy, and surgery, and now has permanent scars.

Now at the age of 16, she reportedly continues to incur medical expenses related to the incident.

Jilly's enclosure at the zoo allows visitors of all ages to see, pet, and feed her along with numerous goats in the same area.

The fence between Jilly and the spectators is several feet high, but it does allow for Jilly to extend her head over the top railing.

Jilly, a Holstein Cow, has been a fixture near the entrance to the zoo for a number of years and she celebrated her 10th birthday this past February.

Officials with Cape May County told NJ.com they cannot comment on pending litigation.

Meanwhile, the Cape May Zoo remains open seven days per week; its winter hours are 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and admission and parking are free.