The entire North American continent teams with amazing wildlife, whether deep in the forest or right at our communities front door in Essex County. Wild America recaptures the thrill of discovery and explores the complexity of relations between the land and the wildlife that stems from it.
Take a hike through a natural area of mature oak, hickory, and maple trees to see native birds of prey such as turkey vulture, bald eagle, owl, raven, and Harris’ hawk. These animals are in secure naturalistic enclosures, but you have the feeling that you are sharing the woodland together.
Our newly renovated bald eagle exhibit was opened in February 2021. As wild bald eagles fly overhead, this exhibit highlights the importance of conservation policy and regulations in order to help preserve this species that was once listed on Federal and State Endangered Species Acts.
A big cat exhibit which opened in 2011, introduces visitors to the largest felid species in North America. These species strengthen the zoo’s commitment to conservation by providing space for rescue cougars again educating about the challenges of human-animal relationships. At the same time, we promote breeding and reproduction of AZA SAFE Jaguar where we discuss the importance of combining both in and ex situ efforts in a One Plan Approach to species conservation.
Stressing the relation of animals to their (and our) environment, exhibits in this zone present instructive social groupings of animals, maintaining a natural history perspective. The back yard themed black bear exhibit is a compelling visual reminder of local wildlife and surrounding non-animal exhibits highlight themes of human-animal relationships with our bear-proof garbage cans and apiary.
Turtle Back Zoo is located at the north end of Essex County’s 2,000 acre South Mountain Reservation. A network of trails will take you along ridges and through valleys. You will pass by ponds, streams and hemlock falls. Make time to visit New Jersey’s natural areas and get to know and appreciate the vast variety of animals and plants that can be seen.
The African Savannah is a premier world destination and the same goes for our habitat area here in Essex County.
Giraffe out in the yard and Giraffe feed are weather, maintenance, and animal health & participation depending.
The sprawling savannah is our largest multi-species exhibit with some of the most iconic African species.
Although they are the most populous of the subspecies, it is estimated there are fewer than 37,000 Masai giraffe remaining in the wild, (recent reports of poaching would suggest it likely to be significantly less). As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) the giraffes are part of the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSPs are coordinated plans to manage the genetic diversity of animal species held in AZA zoos. In support of this plan, TBZ’s exhibit features a bachelor herd of five Masai males.
The African Adventure exhibit was constructed to make the animals feel perfectly at home. It features three acres of land with grazing and shade stations. Multiple viewing areas let you move about the habitat to explore.
When not outdoors, their climate-controlled barn with special flooring, giraffe-height windows and adjustable hay racks makes for a cozy home in a New Jersey winter. While the giraffes are the stars of this area, don’t miss the other animals from the savanna, including ostrich along with critically endangered bongo.
In 2017, we opened our Lion and Hyena habitats. Spacious rotating spaces allow the animals room to roam and switch habitats to increase complexity for these species. Close up viewing windows can provide close encounters with these amazing animals.
We are currently introducing a new female lion into our habitat with our male lion. You will usually only see one on view at a time.
Shores of Africa, or our Penguin House, is a state-of-the-art habitat that houses a colony of 29 African penguins along with several pelicans. A small habitat near the exit houses a pair of bushbabies. These nocturnal animals are more active at night, so look up at the video monitors to see if you can catch them napping.
Asia contains over a quarter of the Earth’s land surface. Exotic and charismatic animals such as the red panda, Amur leopard, clouded leopard and gibbons inhabit this region of the zoo.
Watch gibbons swing (brachiate) through the jungle ruins as they welcome you to the area. If you step under the awning, you can still see our gibbon family on days that might be too chilly for outdoors. Outdoors on the far side, step up to our window view and see if a playful gibbon will come down to visit with you.
Follow the extensive bamboo plantings to new holding and habitats for red pandas, clouded leopards, hornbill and endangered Asian turtle species built in 2022. This most timely habitat features AZA’s Reduce the Risk and Wildlife Trafficking Alliance initiatives and ties in the expansive biodiversity of Asian countries with the threat to both humans and animals from zoonotic disease through the One Health initiative.
Further up into Amazing Asia you will find the critically endangered Amur leopard habitats as well as a quiet area with seating and shade for those needing a break.
An Aussie Walkabout...
Welcome to the grasslands of the “world down under”, where huge marsupials hop like rabbits and chew cud like cows. Birds that are too big to fly. Experience the upside down world of some of Australia’s most unusual wildlife!If you are ready for an engaging mini, check out our mob of Bennett’s Wallabies. These animals, though similar to Kangaroos in habits and appearance, are a different species altogether. Small, compact and full of energy, they are inquisitive and quick to flee.
The Australian Walkabout features a walk-through budgerigar Aviary surrounded by wallabies. The walk-through features other native Australian birds, including Tawny frogmouths and Kookaburra. The Aviary is a guest favorite at the zoo.
This Walkabout terminates in a connection to the Prehistoric Playground, Essex Farm & Amazing Asia habitats.
This area is currently undergoing construction. Reopening planned for APRIL 2025.
Home Grown 🌱
Nestled between the pines at the top of the Zoo is Essex Farm. Our cozy farm setting houses a special collection of hand-raised farm animals sure to delight! This fun hands-on farm welcomes visitors to feed goats and get close to other animals that have been vital to human civilization for thousands of years.
Home to horses, goats, zebu cows, and chickens, the farm also boasts a few unforgettable animals like our braying donkey and molasse-smelling kunekune pigs. Everything you thought you knew about farm animals and more!
Around the back of the farm, you can see our seasonal vegetables gardens grown by our Horticulture team and used in some of our education programs.
The Essex Farm provides an opportunity to present New Jersey agriculture and relations of wildlife to domesticated stock by being located adjacent to Wild America.
Immerse yourself into the world of reptiles
The Reptile House is one the few areas in the zoo that is not geographically themed but focuses on a herpetological collection from around the world. The diversity of reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species is showcased in this area. The building has three large anchor mixed species habitats, including some of the world’s smallest crocodile species.
Through large glass panels you can closely view turtles, snakes, and lizards, creating an appreciation for misunderstood reptiles & amphibians. You will, however, have to search for many of them. Animals are presented in their natural habitats. You will experience how their camouflage protects them.
A Conservation Spotlight tank in the center of this space allows us to highlight Rote’s snake-necked turtles and the in situ work being done to assist with conservation of this species.
All five species of sea turtles found in the Atlantic Ocean are threatened by pollution, plastic ingestion and boat strikes, and they are losing natural nesting and feeding sites because of coastal development. Sea turtle strandings in the Northeast Region of the United States is on the rise, and Sea Turtle Recovery is the only organization permitted to provide long term care for sick and injured sea turtles in the state.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo partnered with the non-profit Sea Turtle Recovery to help care for sick and injured sea turtles. This partnership has been an ongoing success and has shown how organizations can work together to save threatened and endangered species.
In 2016, a 4,000 square foot care facility was constructed with generous contributions from Prudential, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, PSE&B and Matrix Development Group, and helps fulfill the zoo’s mission of conserving and protecting the environment.
The recovery hospital provided by & built at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has five recovery tanks, life support systems, and an intensive care unit for more critically injured turtles. Zoo visitors will be able to see less critical patients while learning about the perils sea turtles face and what the public can do to help. Once the turtles have regained their health, they will be released back into their natural habitat.
The recovery hospital provided by & built at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has five recovery tanks, life support systems, and an intensive care unit for more critically injured turtles. Zoo visitors will be able to see less critical patients while learning about the perils sea turtles face and what the public can do to help. Once the turtles have regained their health, they will be released back into their natural habitat.
Sea Turtle Recovery is a nonprofit whose mission includes rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles for their release back into the wild. Their nonprofit provides medical care, staffing, food cost, public education and other needs of the sea turtles. Their funding comes from public donations and grants made to them at seaturtlerecovery.org and inside their exhibit space at Turtle Back Zoo.
DONATE TO SEA TURTLES
Sea Turtle Recovery (STR) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of sea turtles. Its current work extends throughout the state educating the public about the ecological role of sea turtles, threats they face, and ways to protect their future.
Now, with the building donation of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, the Sea Turtle Recovery can begin to fulfill the other portion of its mission to rehabilitate sea turtles for release back into the wild.
More about the Sea Turtle Recovery, their efforts, and how to donate to the sea turtles’ care can be found by visiting seaturtlerecovery.org. To contact Sea Turtle Recovery at the Zoo call #973-731-5800 x290 or email [email protected]
Our popular Touch Tank features a 1,600- gallon tank with cownose rays and epaulette sharks where visitors have the unique experience of hands-on learning by touching the rays as they swim by. Feeling more adventurous? Add on feeding our Sting Rays! Learn more and check availability under Animal Experiences.
As you walk around the indoor space, you will see other tank habitats to explore. An Indo-pacific reef tank highlights the multiple species that make up this ecosystem including corals and various fish and invertebrates.
*This building has multi-stall men's & women's restrooms for visitors.
All of the world is connected through water.
The World of Water area is home to endearing water animals such as river otter, flamingos, and our touch tank aquarium species. Plantings such as bamboo, reeds and birch trees surround this area to provide the feel of water’s edge.
Our flamingo habitat welcomes our guests with an upbeat Caribbean theme and allows us to manage both Chilean and American species.
A recently renovated North American River Otter exhibit, completed in 2021, allows guests to view this playful species both above and below water.
In 2023, center zoo was renovated creating our Island Giants habitat which provides space for Komodo dragon breeding to support SSP sustainability goals along with Aldabra tortoise. In addition, a Crocodilian building provides indoor, outdoor and under water viewing of our American alligator and tomistoma. Both these habitats highlight species living on islands and wetlands effected by climate change.
In 2025, a Madagascar themed habitat featuring several species of lemur as well as radiated tortoise will highlight conservation work being done related to bushmeat in this highly unique island ecosystem.
Schedule
some animals off exhibit in winter or inclement weather 
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