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From our smallest spider to the half-ton North American Bison in our Great Plains Exhibit, Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo offers a look at more than 100 different species of native and exotic animals from five continents. Get up close and personal with our animals at our Essex Farm Petting Zoo, and don’t forget to take a tranquil ride through South Mountain Reservation on our miniature train. Come back often as we constantly are adding new and exciting natural habitat exhibits for our animals. Whether you spend a day or an afternoon, Turtle Back Zoo is a special place where children and their families can learn about animals and gain appreciation for nature. I invite you to Experience Essex and Turtle Back Zoo.
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Executive
About The zoo
For over 60 years, we have been inviting people to explore animals and habitats from around the world at their local zoo.
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Grand Opening Celebration of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo`s Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center! 🏥⚕️
Join us for a family-friendly evening celebrating the grand opening of our state-of-the-art Animal Wellness Center.
📅 Friday, May 9, 2025
⏰ 5:30PM - 8PM
📍 Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
🐾 Tour the New Facility: Explore our advanced wellness center and learn about animal wellness and conservation both locally and globally.
🦒 Stroll the Zoo: Take a leisurely walk through the zoo and enjoy all the amazing habitats.
🧑⚕️ Meet & Greet: Meet our board-certified veterinarian and skilled technicians. Learn about their work and the care they provide to our beloved animals.
🐻 Teddy Bear Clinic: Register to participate in our special Teddy Bear Clinic. Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a wellness check-up with our knowledgeable docents.
Purchase tickets now: link in our bio!
Apr 18

Cheers to 12 Years! 🍻🎉
Get ready to raise a glass — Brew at the Zoo is back for its 12th year at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo! 🐯🍺
Join us on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 6–9PM for an unforgettable evening filled with:
🟡 Craft beer tastings from 40+ breweries
🟡 Live entertainment to keep the vibes going
🟡 Delicious foods and snacks to pair with your pours
🟡 And plenty more surprises throughout the night!
Whether you`re a seasoned beer lover or just here for the good times, you won`t want to miss this wild celebration!
🎟 Full Event Info & Ticket link in our bio!
Apr 14

🚨🐾 BIG NEWS! 🐾🚨
The Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center is officially open, bringing state-of-the-art medical care to the amazing animals in our care! 🏥✨ From our brand-new CT scanner to behind-the-scenes observation windows, we’re taking animal wellness to the next level.
And who better to show you around than Myrtle the Turtle? 🐢👀 Watch as Myrtle explores the new space!
Want to help us continue improving animal care? Donate today and support future projects like this! 💙 🐾
🔗 www.zoologicalsocietyofnj.org/donate
Apr 8

Cheers to National Beer Day! 🍻
Get ready for Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, June 28th, 2025! 🎉 This unforgettable event will feature live music, amazing vendors, and an incredible selection of craft brews.
🎟 Members-Only Tickets: On sale Monday, April 7th at 10 AM
🎟 General Admission Tickets: On sale Monday, April 14th at 10 AM
Visit www.tbzbrew.com for details.
MEMBERS: Keep an eye on your inbox for exclusive presale info! 🍺🐾
Apr 7

What do famous penguins do? Get there own merch! I mean... the new 2025 Zoo Membership Magnet does feature my dazzling profile, so it kind of makes it true. Don’t worry, I won’t let this inflate my beak too much. But maybe I could get some extra fish out of it? 🐟🐟
‼️A reminder voting is now open for Round 3. Let’s get to the final six!
INSTAGRAM | VOTE in two 24-hour polls on stories @penguins_international
FACEBOOK | VOTE by Emoji on post @penguinsIntl
WEBSITE | VOTE at penguinsinternational.org/motpm-2025/
oxox, Zilla
#dazzlingdozen # MOTPM2025
Mar 30

Thanks to the help of our zoo animal friends and YOU, we made it to the top twelve! The competition is heating up so it’s a good thing as an African penguin I can handle a little warm water.
DYK African penguins forage in cold ocean currents with temperatures ranging from 41 to 68°F where Emperor penguins swim in water temperature as frigid as 28.8 °F.
Voting in Round 3 is this Sunday, March 30 & Monday, March 31.
oxox, Zilla & animal friends
📸 2. Paisley, Sheep | 📸 3. Penny, Zebu | 📸 4. Stella, Raven | 📸 5. Bowie. Lab
Mar 28
