Turtle Back Zoo
Turtle Back Zoo gets its name from a distinctive rock formation located on the mountainside just east of the Zoo. The indigenous Lenape people called this formation Turtle Back Rock, because large basaltic crystals created a pattern on the rock formation which make it look like the back of an enormous tortoise. Even in its name, the Zoo is always inspired by nature!
Turtle Back Zoo was initially established in 1963, with a commitment to providing an enriching recreational experiences that fosters excellence in wildlife education and conservation. Over the past 60 years, while maintaining that commitment to the community, the Zoo has also significantly strengthened its commitment to conservation, by participating in conservation programs and partnering with a variety of conservation organizations. The Zoo recently redeveloped its Amazing Asia exhibit area, in order to provide optimum living and breeding conditions for clouded leopards, red pandas, knobbed hornbills, and Vietnamese pond turtles – four species in need of conservation efforts. The Zoo is a proud member of Species Survival Plans for over 30 endangered species, and participates in SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) programs launched by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
If you would like to support Turtle Back Zoo in its conservation work, please visit our website to see all the ways in which you can help: http://www.60wildyears.com/
Photo by Keeper Chris H.