Turtle Back Zoo
About Us
PLAN YOUR TRIP: ZOO UPDATES
BECOME A MEMBER
Turtle Back Zoo is your zoo! Membership in the Zoological Society of New Jersey is your key to supporting your zoo experience to the fullest. The upgraded Society membership program packs more value, fun, and exciting new features into being a member. With special tours and privileges and more options, it is definitely the best buy in Essex County.
LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR THAT ZOO FAN?
GRAB A ZOO GIFT CARD!
Gift Cards can be redeemed only for Zoo General Admission and Zoo Education Programming. Gift Cards CANNOT be used to purchase: Zoo Membership, Gift Shop merchandise, Café or other food offerings. Gift Cards expire one-year from purchase. Gift Cards cannot be redeemed for cash. Gift Card will be sent via email for redemption. Please allow 48 hours for e-gift card to be activated.
ZOO ADMISSIONS
Zoo Tickets can be purchased at the Zoo Entrance or Online. Tickets cannot be refunded for any reason, including weather, so please plan your trip accordingly.
Tickets are only valid for the date specified. There will be no Re-Entry. Please ensure that you have everything with you before entering the zoo.
For a Contact-Free Entry, we prefer that you do not print your tickets; rather just show the confirmation email on your phone to the cashier at the entrance.
As you know, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is continually renovating and upgrading to create a fun, safe and educational experience for our customers. You may now notice a “fee” on your transaction. This has previously been a part of your zoo admission, but our online ticketing now has been updated to include this fee as a separate line item on the ticketing side.
The funds generated are specifically allocated to be used on enhancements at the South Mountain Recreational Complex. The fee is $2.00 per paid ticket type. Free tickets do not incur a fee. We thank you for your support. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at #973-731-5800 x0.
Please do not enter the Zoo if you are feeling ill.
ZOO ANIMALS
ZOO ATTRACTIONS
*weather, maintenance, animal health & participation can impact these attractions*
Carousel – $3
Daily 10AM – 3PM
Sting Ray Feed – $3
WEEKENDS 10AM – 3PM
Train – No Charge
Weekends 10AM – 3:30PM
Pony Rides – $3
Holiday Lights ONLY
Giraffe Feed – CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON
Aviary Feed – CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON
Butterfly Tent – CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON
ZOO AMENITIES
Restrooms will be on a sanitation schedule, so they will be closing down at specific times of the day.
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.
The Gift Shop is OPEN.
Stroller rental is currently UNAVAILABLE | $8/ single, $12/ double
You are able to bring in your own stroller.
Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note these are not motorized.
ZOO FAQ
- Reservations are not required, but Online Tickets can be purchased. You can also purchase tickets at the Zoo Entrance.
- Members do not need a reservation.
- Members will need their photo ID and membership card (printed or on phone) to check in.
We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Cash is accepted at our ticket windows.
Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable. 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.
Face coverings are optional while on Zoo Grounds.
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. Attractions and animal exhibits currently being to close down at 3:30/4pm.
At this time, we are not able to accept reciprocal memberships online. You can come purchase the day of at the window. To see if your Membership is on our Reciprocal Membership List, click HERE. Please note Bergen County Zoo is NOT a reciprocal membership.
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, you are welcome to bring in your own food, although 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.
The Zoo is open rain/snow or shine. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo provides no refunds due to inclement weather.
PLEASE PLAN YOUR TRIP ACCORDINGLY.