Turtle Back Zoo, Wildlife park in West Orange, New Jersey
Turtle Back Zoo is a wildlife park in West Orange, New Jersey, with exhibits for animals from North America, Australia, and Africa. The grounds divide into themed zones that recreate different habitats and guide visitors through varied landscapes.
The zoo opened in 1963 as part of a plan to create public recreation areas in Essex County. Over the following decades, management expanded the site and added new sections for species from different continents.
Throughout the year, the zoo organizes events where visitors can meet selected animals up close. These programs focus on families interested in learning about animal care and the work keepers do every day.
The park opens daily at 10 in the morning and typically closes in the late afternoon, with longer hours on certain summer days. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the paths between exhibits can cover a fair amount of ground.
The park houses a recovery center for sea turtles that cares for injured or ill animals. Staff prepare them for release back into the ocean and give visitors insight into the healing process.
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