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Community Corner

'Who Doesn't Love Penguins?' Head to the Zoo

Turtle Back makes for a fun trip with the kids.

When people think of Essex County, they don’t ordinarily envision 18 acres of thoughtfully composed land. Bears, alligators and penguins don't exactly come to mind.

But  has been surprising visitors since 1964, and according to Adam Heiser, guest relations manager, the future is bigger and wilder.

“We’ve broken attendance records for six years straight,” Heiser said, indicating the West Orange zoo has managed to do well even during rough economic times. “There are few zoos in the US that are self-sufficient, but our revenue often exceeds our budget.”

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A primary reason for Turtle Back Zoo’s continually upward trend is its determination to not rest on old glories.

“Last year, we completed the aquarium. The year before that, we installed the gibbon exhibit,” Heiser said. The latter addition features the animals in a setting meant to evoke a disused Asian temple, reclaimed by nature. The combinations of natural and architectural features make it perfect for the animals that call it home. “It’s like a huge jungle gym for them.”

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Being a first-class zoo on the rise, and well within traveling distance, Turtle Back Zoo distinguishes itself as a great destination. That's why we've picked it for this installment of Day Tripper, a weekly look at destinations that are out of town, but in reach, and worth the trip.

DAY TRIPPER DIGEST

Estimated Travel Time: 55 minutes

Why it’s Worth the Trip:  Turtle Back Zoo has been a favorite New Jersey destination for decades and things are only getting better. New exhibits are being planned and the location, alongside other South Mountain Recreation Complex partners, ensures plenty for the entire family to do.

How to Get There from Here: Detailed driving directions.

While you’re in the Area:  As part of the, Turtle Back Zoo shares the facility with the a and miniature golf course. Within driving distance is the Essex Green Shopping Center, where visitors will find , J, and Party Central Express.

You’ll Probably Get Hungry:  In October, the recreation complex will have a new tenant, , but in the meantime Essex Green has you covered. You’ll find Coldstone Creamery, , , and .

Heiser is proud of Turtle Back Zoo and the atmosphere it creates.

“It is a very friendly environment, and a real jewel in Essex County. People tend to think of Essex County being much more city-like, and just a short drive away, there’s this very aesthetically pleasing place,” he said.

The animals, however, are always the focal point of a zoo, and Turtle Back doesn’t disappoint.

“We have leopards, red pandas, the gibbons, cougars and bears,” Heiser said. “We also have the aquarium and the reptile house. In the fall, we’re planning a new exhibit called Big Jag Country, which will feature jaguars and snow leopards.”

When asked what animals get the most attention, Heiser couldn’t point to one specific group.

"Each individual has their specific favorites," he said. "Speaking personally, mine are the penguins, and who doesn’t love penguins?"

Turtle Back Zoo does take into account the sensitivity of very young visitors and the possibility that the more fierce animals might be too scary for them. Additional features include a classic carousel featuring carvings of animals, pony rides from April to November (weather permitting), and a train that departs from Turtle Back Junction and tours the South Mountain Reservation grounds.

Family workshops, Mommy and Me programs and docent tours are also available to the public.

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