Accessibility

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo welcomes guests of all ability levels, and is dedicated to making every visit special. Our goal is to make our zoo more inclusive, and we welcome suggestions to help us grow and learn.

This page provides information and identifies the accommodations we are broadly able to provide. For additional questions, or assistance with planning your visit, please contact Guest Relations at [email protected] or call 973-731-5800 x0.

Sensory Sensitivity

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. KultureCity Sensory Bags are available at Guest Services at the main zoo entrance.

Use the Accessibility Map to view loud vs. quiet areas; check out our event calendar for sensory-friendly events. The zoo has installed signage identifying quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors as they explore the grounds.

SENSORY BAGS

Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at Guest Services at the main zoo entrance.

QUIET ZONES

The zoo is very compact, so most areas do have a level of noise/activity. Some areas that typically have less activity and are suggested spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated are:
AMAZING ASIA, OTTER, BEAR PATH, WILD AMERICA, and BIG CAT COUTRY

HEADPHONE ZONES

We have identified areas that are noisy and where guests tend to linger as “Headphone Zones.” These areas include:
GIFT SHOP, AMPITHEATER, REPTILE HOUSE, TRAIN, SHORES OF AFRICA (Penguin House), TOUCH TANK, CAROUSEL, and SAVANAH CAFE

STAFF TRAINING

Another aspect of the KultureCity partnership involved training Zoo staff members to increase understanding of SPDs, informing them about the efforts the aquarium is making to better serve the community and to discuss strategies each department can implement to support this initiative.

ACCESSIBILITY MAP

COMING SOON. See current zoo map for ADA paths to top of zoo.

LEARN MORE

Mobility Assistance

Our zoo is built on a mountain, so we have some steep paths. Take your time. Benches are located throughout the zoo for breaks. View the Accessibility Map for ADA access paths. We have a limited number of wheelchairs and strollers that are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the zoo entrance in the Guest Relations office.

First AID

First Aid is located at the zoo entrance in Guest Relations as well as the Touch Tank and Essex Farm. AED machines are also located throughout the zoo.

Please inform any Zoo team member if you need medical attention.