We accept all major credit and debit cards, apple pay as well as cash.
All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. We ask guests to be accountable to their purchase decision and adhere to the ticketing policies included in the terms and conditions. If you cannot make your scheduled reservation, we recommend sharing your non-member tickets with a friend or family members to use.
Please note also Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is open rain/snow or shine. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo provides no refunds due to inclement weather.
There is always plenty to see and do at Turtle Back Zoo. Plan ahead for the weather and make sure you stop into our indoor areas such as the Reptile House, Touch Tank, Penguin House, Sea Turtle Recovery, Essex Farm and our newly opened Animal Wellness Center!
All tickets are final sale. We cannot provide refunds, cancellations or rain checks due to weather conditions or animal visibility. On any day, all exhibits and experiences are subject to unforeseen conditions and not guaranteed, including but not limited to weather, mechanical, animal-related issues.
There is no time limit to how long you can stay in the Zoo, however there is no re-entry, so when you leave zoo grounds, you are leaving for that ticketed visit.
Based on the available habitats and attractions, we expect the average visit to be 2-2.5 hours.
The Zoo participates in a reciprocal program with zoos and aquariums across the country that entitles certain zoo members to 50% off general zoo admission. To see if your Membership is on our Reciprocal Membership List, click HERE.
Please note, although listed, we do NOT honor Bergen County Zoo as a reciprocal membership.
Reciprocal membership pricing is not available online. Please have your valid zoo membership card and photo ID to purchase the day of at the zoo ticket windows.
Group rate is available for 15 people or more. Pre-registration and advanced payment is required. We cannot take credit card payments over the phone. Call our Group Sales department to reserve your day #973-731-5800 x 221, 223 or 227.
Select ticket windows may be available for Members, Birthdays/ Groups, Online Tickets and At-the-Gate Ticket Sales. Please note your line selection depending on your needs or ask a staff person for assistance.
There is no re-entry.
Our Café is OPEN with limited menu options. 11am – 3pm daily.
While you can bring in outside food into the Zoo, you are not able to bring in outside food and beverage into the café.
Yes, picnic areas and tables for lunches are throughout the park. Deposit trash in designated receptacles.
Please note outside food is NOT permitted inside our café.
Drink and Dippin’ Dot vending machines are available throughout the park.
Stroller rentals are currently NOT available. In season – Single stroller $8; Double stroller $12. You are able to bring your own stroller. Strollers are not permitted in some exhibits and attractions, so parking is required. Please self-park your stroller where instructed and take your belongings with you. Stroller and contents are left at your own risk.
Wheelchairs will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note these are not motorized wheelchairs.
Every year, the Zoo receives many inquiries from people who would like to donate wild animals or exotic pets; however, the zoo is not able to accept them.
If you have an animal in need of a new home, please contact local and regional rescue organizations that specialize in caring for unwanted pets.
Plans for a pet should always include care for its entire lifespan. Remember that exotic animals almost never make good pets.
All commercial and news media visits must be approved and pre-arranged. For more information contact Anthony Puglisi #973-621-2542 or [email protected]
Yes, our Lost and Found is located in Guest Services by the main zoo entrance/ exit. To inquire about an item you may have lost at the zoo, call 973-731-5800 x0.
No, please leave scooters and skateboards at home! This is a significant safety problem and we need all guests to comply with our rules that prohibit scooters/skateboards/rollerblades from the park.
Yes, for Service Dogs; No, for therapy dogs.
We only allow working Service Animals, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Service dogs are working animals, not pets. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Pets, comfort animals, emotional support or therapy animals are not permitted at the Zoo.
Upon arrival at the park, please check in with Admissions so a supervisor can review some logistical items with you and issue a Service Dog Admission pass*. Thank you for your cooperation to ensure a safe and successful visit for yourself, your service dog, the animals cared for at the zoo, and other park guests.
*As stipulated by the ADA, Zoo staff may request that a service dog experiencing difficulty or demonstrating problematic behaviors, such as barking or lunging, be removed from the Zoo immediately. We ask that you promptly comply with any such request for the safety and welfare of all.
