Take A Walk On The Wild Side
at this Top Rated New Jersey Zoo!
Who doesn’t love a day at the zoo? It’s so much fun to spend the day outdoors and see amazing animals such as ferocious lions to adorable otters. North Jersey is close to famous zoos like those in Central Park and the Bronx, but there’s no need to venture into the city to enjoy an amazing day at the zoo. In addition to the Bergen County Zoo, Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo is a top-rated New Jersey attraction and a fun day trip destination for visitor of all ages.
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Located on South Mountain Reservation in West Orange NJ, the Turtle Back Zoo opened in 1963 and in those days featured a collection of 140 animals representing 40 different species. The zoo took its name from a rock formation on the mountain that resembles a turtle’s shell. Today, the zoo is home to over 800 animals representing more than 150 species from all over the world. As opposed to its early days when animals were housed in cages (common for that time), the animals reside in spacious, well-designed habitats that closely mimic their natural habitat. Some of the many animals you’ll find here include lions, giraffes, sea lions, Amur leopards, red pandas, African penguins, cougars, capybaras, wolves, bobcats, bald eagles, river otters, and more.
Constantly evolving and improving, a visit to the Turtle Back Zoo always offers new experiences. In fact, in less than two weeks, the zoo will open a brand new flamingo exhibit.
The zoo offers many hand-on experiences which offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident animals. A 1600 gallon touch tanks offers the opportunity to touch rays as they effortlessly glide through the water. In the free flight aviary, zoo guests can literally allow kookaburras, lorakeets, and other feathered friends to eat out of their hands. The Essex Farm exhibit allows visitors to feed friendly farm animals like goats and sheep and offers pony rides for children.
Other attractions at the Turtle Back Zoo include Behind the Scene zoo tours, Mini Golf Safari, the Zoo Train, the Prehistoric Playground, paddle boats, a carousel, and the TreeTop Adventure Course featuring an aeriel obstacle course and ziplining.
The Turtle Back Zoo frequently holds special events and programs such as free summer movie nights (Zoo-Vies), the Ales ‘N Tails Oktoberfest, zoo sleepovers, an Earth Day Party for the Planet, and a free Holiday Light Spectacular. You can even host a birthday party at the Turtle Back Zoo!
The Turtle Back Zoo is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange NJ within Essex County’s South Mountain Reservation. Admission to this New Jersey zoo is $15 for visitors 13 and over, $12 for children ages 2-12 as well as senior citizens (age 62+), and free for children under 2. The zoo is open daily from 10am – 4:30pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day). Visit the Turtle Back Zoo online (www.turtlebackzoo.com) for more information on special events, directions, and more.
Featured Photo: e_monk via Flickr
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