Conservation

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

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and the Zoological Society of New Jersey are proud to support the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) through our dedicated Conservation Fund.  For this issue of our Conservation Partner Spotlight we interviewed Ravi Corea, founder and president of the SLWCS.  Learn more about how Ravi became a world-renowned conservationist

The damage was severe and approximately 1 billion animals were in peril. Across Australia, nearly 18 million acres of land burned — much of it bushland, forest, and national parks home to the country\’s beloved and unique wildlife. The Conservation Committee for the Zoological Society of New Jersey at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo approved

The Zoological Society is proud to have supported the Cheetah Conservation Fund in a most important endeavor.  Through funds raised, the Society was able to issue a charitable grant in support of this specific project. Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has assembled a team to care for cheetahs that are confiscated by the Somaliland Police and

Public Notice – For the purpose of applying for funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program for improvements to Turtle Back Zoo. Notice is hereby given that the Zoological Society of New Jersey, Inc., in coordination with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, intends to make