Turtle Back Zoo in N.J. Will Get $5.9M Facelift, New Exhibits: Officials

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There may be some exciting changes coming to the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, according to county officials.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. is expected to outline plans for $5.9 million of upcoming improvements to the zoo on Wednesday, including the “Ronald J. Mount Lion and Hyena Exhibit,” to be named after the late Ronald J. Mount, who was a major supporter of the zoo and a member of the Zoological Society of New Jersey and the Volunteer Docent organization, officials stated.

In addition, DiVincenzo Jr. is expected to release details about a new condor exhibit in development, enhancements to the Cattle Exhibit, new fencing at the Essex Farm Petting Zoo and shade structures at the Sea Lion Sound Exhibit, amphitheater and Dinosaur Playground.

All of the improvements total almost $5.9 million, officials stated Tuesday.

Patch file photo: Turtle Back Zoo

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com