Opening of Turtle Back Zoo's Big Cat Exhibit Postponed

Slated to open Saturday, the Big Cat Country Exhibit at Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo has been postponed, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced. 

He said extremely rainy weather coupled with Hurricane Irene delayed the opening of the exhibit.

"Big Cat Country is an exciting addition to Turtle Back Zoo and will contribute immensely to the zoo’s mission of raising awareness about animals and the environment," DiVincenzo said in a Friday statement. "Unfortunately, the weather has not cooperated and the hurricane and other soaking rain storms have hampered construction. We apologize for the delay and look forward to opening the exhibit later this month."

The exhibit, located in the southern section of the zoo, will include cougars and jaguars. Officials have not set an opening date for the exhibit but said it should open later this month.

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