$4.4M Alligator, Komodo Dragon Exhibit Opens At Turtle Back Zoo

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A group of “Island Giants” in Essex County now have a $4.48 million new habitat to explore at the Turtle Back Zoo.

On Wednesday, officials and zoo staff gathered for a ceremony to usher in the new Island Giants exhibit, which includes alligators and Komodo Dragons.

The new exhibit was dedicated in honor of Essex County Commissioner Patricia Sebold. Read More: Patricia Sebold Honored With Zoo Exhibit Dedication

Here are some things to know about it, officials said:

“Island Giants features two exhibit spaces that have both indoor and outdoor areas for animals. Turtle Back’s Komodo dragon, named Shu, has been relocated from his quarters inside the Reptile Center to one of the new outdoor exhibit areas. Next to Shu in the indoor exhibit area are Aldabra Tortoises. Peaches, Turtle Back’s alligator who was temporarily moved to the Bronx Zoo during construction, has returned and is occupying the other outdoor exhibit space. Next to peaches in the second indoor space are tomistoma, a genus of crocodilians who are named Chevy, Checkers and Forrest.”

According to county officials, the new habitat space was long-overdue.

ALLIGATORS – “The old alligator exhibit was opened in 2003 and needed to be updated to meet current standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The exhibit is designed to resemble a bayou-type shed with a weathered wood surface on the outside. The pool for the alligators has a split view so visitors can see the animals when they are underwater and when they are floating about the water level. The expanded exhibit also provides Turtle Back Zoo with enough space to host two alligators instead of the one it currently has.”

KOMODO DRAGONS – “The Komodo dragon was welcomed in 2012 at Turtle Back Zoo, which at the time was the only zoo in the Tri-State area to have the reptiles on display. The Komodo dragon has been the marquee animal housed in the Reptile Building. The new exhibit has a southeast Asian theme; the building has a thatched roof and is landscaped with reeds. There also is a sandy area which is similar to the native habitat of the Komodo dragon. The expanded space allows Turtle Back Zoo to increase the number of Komodo dragons on exhibit from one to two.”

Improved accommodations for the alligators and Komodo dragons will enable Turtle Back Zoo to participate in the AZA’s Species Survival Program, a breeding initiative that aims to increase the populations of endangered species.

“The new habitats within Island Giants demonstrate our commitment to protecting these vulnerable coastal species around the world,” Turtle Back Zoo Director Jillian Fazio said.

According to county officials, here are the financial details of the new exhibit:

“French and Parrello from Wall received a professional services contract for $376,000 to design the new exhibit. APS Contracting from Paterson was awarded a publicly bid contract for $4,109,800 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. This was funded through the Essex County capital budget and a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.”

Work started in November 2022 and was completed in 10 months.

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