THE BOARDWALK CATS

          And other little known AC animals

   There are hundreds of feral cats living under the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Pavillions (sitting areas on the boardwalk) . There is a small group of good hearted people who take care of them . These people can often be seen feeding the cats ,usually around  noon or around 5pm , in all kinds of weather . At each stop two to 3 dozen feral cats come running for the chow . Some are as friendly as a family lap cat . Others stay away from strangers with a learned fear . The group of volunteers have supplied small shelters , many shaped like igloos . As cash supplies allow they have the cats neutered or fixed . You can tell the ones already taken care of by a clipped tip of one ear . When there are new litters the volunteers take them and see that they are adopted . Two of the largest populations are near the Showboat Casino/Taj Casino , and by Bally's/Claridge Casino . People are often amazed by the co-existance between the cats and the seagulls and pigeons . But these are both hardy , tough groups of birds . People often donate a buck or two to the cause when they see the workers out there . The local PetSmart  give them a break on the food and and supplies . And the cats do their part by keeping the boadrwalk area free of rodents .

   Another animal friendly attraction lies over the bridge in nearby Brigatine . Founded by an animal trainer who used to work for the old Steel Pier Water Circus Show ,the Marine Animal Stranding Center rescues injured seals , sea turtles caught in the intake pipes of the nuclear reactors , and other sea creatures in need . The founder said he came to feel sorry for the seals being forced to perform as he became aware of their intelligence and feelings . Starting this center , way before the casinos came , was his way of giving back . You can get there by going over the bridge past the Trump Marina Casino . It is about a mile or so into town on the main road , on the left . It has a very nice nautical gift shop , and always some "guests" swimming around the two pools .

   Sea life can also be found at the Sea Life Aquarium in Gardner's basin . There are also speed boat rides , sightseeing tours , and a nice restaurant and lounge at the basin . And it is host various events such as the Seafood Festival .You can get there easily by turning west at the Showboat Casino ( The Water - The Atlantic Ocean - is East !) and then following the signs , starting near Atlantic Avenue , for Gardners Basin . It is only a 10 minute ride from Showboat .

   Best known AC animal ,but often overlooked , is Lucy the Margate Elephant building. This is a huge Elephant that has had many uses in her lifetime , including as a real estate office . The Elephant is now a National Landmark and a tourist attraction . You can tour inside Lucy for a small fee which goes towards her upkeep . You can buy snacks and souvenirs and learn about her interesting history . Just head south into Margate and follow the signs . About a 15 minute ride from the Hilton Casino .