Behind the Scenes Tours/Animal Encounters

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Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths in order to enter the zoo.

Behind the Scenes Tours offer a sneak peek at what happens behind the scenes at your favorite Turtle Back Zoo exhibits. Your ticket includes admission to the zoo, a 30 minute tour of one of our animal facilities, and a meet and greet with the animal keeper.  Tour guests do not enter exhibits or touch the animals.  Group sizes are limited based on the Tour location.

• Giraffe Barn: 1 PM on Saturdays in January & February
  • Meet at the Amphitheater next to the Reptile House at 12:45 PM.
    • January 6, 13, 20, & 27
    • February 3, 10, 17, & 24

• Island Giants *NEW EXHIBIT*: 2 PM on Sundays in March
  • Meet at the Amphitheater next to the Reptile House at 1:45 PM.
    • March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

• Amazing Asia: 2 PM on Sundays in April
  • Meet at the Amphitheater next to the Reptile House at 1:45 PM.
    • April 7, 14, & 21 (no 4/28)

• Wellness Center (Hospital): 2 PM on Saturdays in May
  • Meet at the Amphitheater next to the Reptile House at 1:45 PM.
    • May 4, 11, 18, & 25

Animal Encounter Programs are hour-long conservation education programs that feature one of our animals and includes an animal encounter, either in the classroom or out in the zoo.  Your ticket includes admission to the zoo, an education presentation, and bagels and coffee.  Program guests do not enter the exhibits or touch the animals.  Programs are held at the Berson Family Center on the east side of the zoo complex (the building next to the TreeTop Adventure Course).  Arrive as early as 9:50am

• Sloth Social: 10 AM on select Saturdays
  • Meet at the The Berson Education Center between 9:50 and 10:00AM.
    • Saturday, February 10, 2024
    • Saturday, March 2, 2024
    • Saturday, April 6, 2024
    • Saturday, May 25, 2024

Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are only for ages 6 and over, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  All members of the party must have a ticket. No photographs are permitted except when directed; all attendees will sign a photo waiver prior to entering.  Face coverings may be required in some facilities during the tour.

Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths in order to enter the zoo.

Register Here!

Search for “Behind the Scenes” at “Turtle Back Zoo”

Some buildings contains stairs. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility please contact us so that we may better address your needs at 973-731-5800 ext.103 or mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org.

Your Behind the Scenes ticket gives you Zoo admission before and/or after the tour. Tour attendees should meet Tour Staff 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour-specific locations listed above. Tours start promptly at the agreed-upon time; late arrivals may lose part of the tour by being late, or lose the entire tour without refund. Tours will commence regardless of weather, unless cancelled by the Zoo due to unsafe conditions for our Animals, Staff, or Tour Attendees. If we cancel a tour due to weather we will notify you as soon as possible and will reschedule a date and time. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions and for walking the Zoo.  Tour and Program guests do not enter the exhibits or touch the animals.

Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths in order to enter the zoo.

Cancellations or Rescheduling: Cancellations may be made up to 7 days prior to the originally scheduled tour date and time; no refunds will be offered less than 7 days prior to the originally scheduled tour date and time. Cancellations or rescheduling may be made by contacting the Education Department at 973-731-5800 ext.103 or mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org.