Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo!
TBZ is proud to offer two education programs where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible.
- Animal Encounters
- Behind the Scenes Tours
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), outside the zoo proper. Attendees must be at least 6 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are $50/person; discount available for zoo members.
Spring & Summer Dates & Themes
Sloth Social | Saturday, March 29 @10am
Prairie Dogs and Pastries | Sunday, May 11 @10am
Sloth Social | Saturday, May 31 @10am
Sloth Social | Saturday, June 28 @10am
Sloth Social | Saturday, August 16 @10am
Meet at the Berson Family Center between 9:50-10am. Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths after your program in order to enter the zoo.
Behind the Scenes Tours offer a sneak peek at what happens inside 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 with or touch the animals. Group sizes are limited based on the Tour location. Attendees must be at least 6 years old and children under 18 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are $50/person; discount available for zoo members.
Spring Dates & Themes
Bison | Saturdays in March @2pm
Island Giants | Sundays in April @2pm
Animal Wellness Center | Sundays in May @2pm
Summer Dates & Themes
Penguins | Thursdays, July 3, 17, 31, & August 14, 28 @6pm
Amazing Asia | Thursdays, July 10, 24, & August 7, 21 @6pm
**For all tours, meet your tour guide at the Amphitheater in front of Reptile House**
Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths in order to enter the zoo.
Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All members of the party must purchase a ticket. Photographs are not 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.
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 [email protected].
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 guests. 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 around the zoo. Tour and Program guests do not enter the exhibits or touch the animals. In some cases, animals will not be in the building during behind the scenes tours.
Please bring your confirmation email to one of the ticket booths in order to enter the zoo. All Behind the Scenes Tours Meet at the Amphitheater in front of Reptile House
Cancellations or Rescheduling: Cancellations may be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled program date and time; no refunds will be offered less than 7 days prior to the scheduled date. Cancellations or rescheduling may be made by contacting the Education Department at 973-731-5800 ext.103 or [email protected].