BDeRose

Thanks to the dedicated members of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, the Zoological Society of New Jersey has committed to planting 12,000 trees in high need areas both locally and abroad! The Turtle Back Zoo Tree Initiative produced our highest annual sales totals and a strengthened commitment to our mission-based programming.   The Turtle Back Zoo […]

The Zoological Society of New Jersey at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo proudly contributes to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (“CCF”) via donations in support of the CCF’s efforts to protect wild cheetah populations. This summer, the Society’s Executive Director, Adam Kerins, was selected to participate in a research trip through his graduate program at Miami

The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) named June 21 “World Giraffe Day”, choosing the longest day of the year to celebrate the world’s tallest animals. It is an annual event created “to raise support, create awareness, and shed light on the challenges giraffes face in the wild.”[1] Kristin Rydziel, one of the giraffe keepers at Turtle

The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is one of the most charismatic of all the felid species. Named for the distinctive cloud shaped pattern on their fur, these medium sized cats are by far, one of the most secretive cats in all the world and shrouded in mystery.   Clouded leopards are classified by the International

All Turtle Back Zoo membership purchases aid the Zoological Society of New Jersey’s commitment to conservation by contributing to our global fund, which we utilize to support a variety of conservation projects worldwide. Just in time for Arbor Day, the Zoological Society of New Jersey is proud to introduce an important new initiative as part

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize is the only reserve in the world specifically established to conserve wild jaguars. A 128,000-acre expanse of tropical forest, it is confirmed to have at least 80 adult jaguars living within its borders[1]. Local communities benefit from this sanctuary through tourist revenue and employment, and community residents take

Brittany Bishop has been an animal keeper in the bird department of Turtle Back Zoo for over two years and has worked in animal care for over seven years. Recently, the Zoological Society of New Jersey sponsored an experience for her with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Costal Birds (SANCCOB) at its

African lions, Demarcus and Sukari, have been adored since their arrival at Turtle Back Zoo in 2017. Both lions are enrolled in a species survival program breeding plan, to directly aide in stabilizing the endangered population of lions in the wild by managing a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable species population in zoos.  Their

In 2019, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for an unusual pair – Nandi the cheetah and Bowie the Labrador retriever. Having been raised together, the two are best friends and can be seen playing and cuddling most days at the zoo. Their connection does more than provide Nandi with a playmate; Bowie is trained

In 2018, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for a flock of African penguins in the Shores of Africa exhibit. Their presence at Turtle Back Zoo is both fun for families and important to their population; their exhibit was designed to encourage breeding in this endangered species.[1] While the penguins partake in this program to