Conservation
The Zoological Society of New Jersey and Essex County Turtle Back Zoo participate in three global conservation initiatives: Conservation Project Funding, Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, and Species Survival Plan (SSP) program. In 2016, AZA-accredited facilities contributed over $200 million to conservation initiatives; Turtle Back Zoo’s nearly $200,000 share is contributed by the Zoological Society of New Jersey, the non-profit arm of Turtle Back Zoo.
Our Efforts
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World Series of Birding 2024 Recap
Team Birdin’ with Glorious Purpose (see the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki for reference – our nerddom covers many genera) 2024
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Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Signs AZA’s Declaration to Protect 30% of the planet by 2030
On October 11, 2023, Turtle Back Zoo signed the Association of Zoos & Aquarium (AZA)’s declaration to protect 30% of
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A Day of Service with Carmax & Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Zoo Team Go partnered with Carmax and Jenkinson’s Aquarium to participate in a beach clean-up at Point Pleasant Beach. Armed
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The Zoological Society of NJ supports Monarch Butterfly Conservation
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and The Zoological Society of New Jersey are helping to support AZA’s Monarch SAFE and
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TBZ Hosts Conservation Talk on Lemur Conservation with Dr. Cortni Borgerson
On Thursday, January 11th, 2024 Essex County Turtle Back Zoo hosted a talk with Dr. Cortni Borgerson, Associate professor at
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Snow Cones For Snows
Written by Educator Katie F. Recently, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo hosted a fundraiser for Snow Leopard conservation, featuring Gala
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A Day of Service with L’Oreal
The Zoological Society of New Jersey partnered with L’Oreal, the world’s leading cosmetics brand, to carry out an environmental clean-up around
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60 Wild Years of Turtle Back Zoo
Turtle Back Zoo gets its name from a distinctive rock formation located on the mountainside just east of the Zoo.
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Protecting Critically Endangered Turtles
In 2021, the Zoological Society of New Jersey donated funds to the Asian Turtle Program (“ATP”), a group dedicated to
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Green Acres and Turtle Back Zoo 2023
The Zoological Society of New Jersey, Inc. is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements
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Membership Reached New Heights – Turtle Back Zoo Tree Initiative
Thanks to the dedicated members of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, the Zoological Society of New Jersey has committed to
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Cheetah Conservation Efforts in Namibia
The Zoological Society of New Jersey at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo proudly contributes to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (“CCF”)
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World Giraffe Day 2022 at Turtle Back Zoo
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) named June 21 “World Giraffe Day”, choosing the longest day of the year to celebrate
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TBZ & Clouded Leopard Conservation
The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is one of the most charismatic of all the felid species. Named for the distinctive
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Membership Just Got Greener — Turtle Back Zoo Tree Initiative
All Turtle Back Zoo membership purchases aid the Zoological Society of New Jersey’s commitment to conservation by contributing to our
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Protection Against Poaching
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize is the only reserve in the world specifically established to conserve wild jaguars.
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Brittany Bishop, Our Keeper Abroad
Brittany Bishop has been an animal keeper in the bird department of Turtle Back Zoo for over two years and
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Supporting Wild Lion Populations
African lions, Demarcus and Sukari, have been adored since their arrival at Turtle Back Zoo in 2017. Both lions are
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Protecting Cheetahs with Dogs
In 2019, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for an unusual pair – Nandi the cheetah and Bowie the Labrador
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Keeping African Penguins SAFE
In 2018, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for a flock of African penguins in the Shores of Africa exhibit.
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Conservation Partner Spotlight: Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and the Zoological Society of New Jersey are proud to support the Sri Lanka Wildlife
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Matching Donations for Australia Fires
The damage was severe and approximately 1 billion animals were in peril. Across Australia, nearly 18 million acres of land
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Cheetah Conservation Fund Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
The Zoological Society is proud to have supported the Cheetah Conservation Fund in a most important endeavor. Through funds raised,
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Green Acres and Turtle Back Zoo
Public Notice – For the purpose of applying for funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres
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Sea Turtles Abroad!
Meet Alex Witter! Alex is a committed conservationist who is working with sea turtles in Costa Rica for the summer