Turtle Back Zoo Plans Sea Lion Exhibit

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced plans Monday to develop a sea lion exhibit at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. The summer 2013 opening will coincide with the zoo's 50th anniversary.

The $3.2 million project will be funded through increased zoo fees, membership fees and fundraising, with no additional burden on the county's budget, according to DiVincenzo.

"The sea lion exhibit will be the largest and most ambitious attraction at Turtle Back Zoo," he said. "Opening it during the 50th anniversary celebration will be symbolic of how much the zoo has been transformed into a premier recreation and education destination." 

The development of the sea lion exhibit, to be located adjacent to the Penguin Coast exhibit, is in the beginning stages with architect proposals still under review.

"How we are going to pay for it has been extremely well-thought out by the team," said DiVincenzo. "Just like with our county golf courses we are making sure that the zoo stays self-sufficient."

Beginning January 2011, a $1 surcharge will be added to the zoo admission for youths and adults to raise cash for the new exhibit. Free zoo admission on Tuesdays after 2 p.m. will change to a $1 admission. These surcharges are anticipated to amount to $300,000 a year or $1.2 million over four years.

Another $1 million for the sea lion exhibit is anticipated to be raised by the Zoological Society of New Jersey, the zoo's fundraising organization, by increasing annual membership fees to $90 from $75.

"I will raise the remaining $1 million," said DiVincenzo, citing private donations.

Once opened, the sea lion exhibit is anticipated to attract 50,000 additional visitors a year, which should increase zoo revenue by $350,000 a year, based on the children's rate of $7 per visitor.

"The project cost will be under the amount we raise but we want to cover future expenses," said DiVincenzo.

Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoo's director, said the exhibit will hold more than 100,000 gallons of water and be sufficient in size and features for up to four sea lions.

"Why sea lions? They are one of the most popular zoo attractions and they are cold-tolerant, which is important because we are a year-round zoo," he said. "A sea lion exhibit can teach valuable lessons about the importance of the world's waters, as well as be entertaining."

Goodman said a male sea lion, known as a bull, can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and female sea lions, or cows, grow to 200 to 250 pounds. He doesn't know yet if the zoo will acquire sea lions of both sexes or if sea lion pups are in the zoo's future.

"We are working with vendors and architects now and what we build will depend on recommendations and requirements," he said. "Whenever we design an exhibit, we seek to exceed the standards."

Twenty-four year veteran of the zoo docent program, Tina Silvestro, said that the zoo once housed three sea lions in a pool the size of the current penguin exhibit.

The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is one of 221 facilities worldwide accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which sets standards for animal care, ethics, conservation and outreach.