Turtle Back Zoo
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
Protecting Critically Endangered Turtles
In 2021, the Zoological Society of New Jersey donated funds to the Asian Turtle Program (“ATP”), a group dedicated to
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
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
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”)
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
TBZ & Clouded Leopard Conservation
The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is one of the most charismatic of all the felid species. Named for the distinctive
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
Protection Against Poaching
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize is the only reserve in the world specifically established to conserve wild jaguars.
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
Supporting Wild Lion Populations
African lions, Demarcus and Sukari, have been adored since their arrival at Turtle Back Zoo in 2017. Both lions are
Protecting Cheetahs with Dogs
In 2019, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for an unusual pair – Nandi the cheetah and Bowie the Labrador
Keeping African Penguins SAFE
In 2018, Turtle Back Zoo became the home for a flock of African penguins in the Shores of Africa exhibit.
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
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
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,
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
Sea Turtles Abroad!
Meet Alex Witter! Alex is a committed conservationist who is working with sea turtles in Costa Rica for the summer
Dr. Bergmann’s Sea Lion Rescue Efforts
Sea lions are loved and adored by many people all over the world. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize sea lions have been endangered