Essex County Hosts Penguin Naming Contest

Essex County Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced Friday that the public is invited to participate in a naming contest for two new African penguins that recently arrived at the Turtle Back Zoo. Entries will be accepted until noon Monday, July 26. The names will be announced Thursday, July 29, at a ceremony at the zoo.              

"Our penguins are one of the most popular attractions at Turtle Back Zoo. The addition of these two new animals will make the exhibit that much more exciting," DiVincenzo said. "We are asking the public to share their ideas and help us name the two newest additions to our zoo family. We did a similar naming contest when we opened our 'Bears in Your Backyard' exhibit and people from around the world submitted suggestions. It just shows how beloved Turtle Back Zoo is."

The two African penguins were born in Denver and brought to the Turtle Back Zoo through a penguin species survival and breeding program. They currently are acclimating to New Jersey in the zoo's veterinary hospital prior to joining the other penguins. There now are eight penguins in the Penguin Coast exhibit that opened in 2008.

The exhibit re-creates the rocky, South African coast where the birds are found. It also provides large windows for unobstructed viewing of the animals and a bigger pool for them to swim.

Nomination forms are available at Turtle Back Zoo or on the county's website. Entrants must submit their name, e-mail address, mailing address and phone number. Children must have the permission of their parents or guardians to submit suggestions. 

Nomination forms or ideas for names can be mailed or delivered to Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 or by e-mail to namethepenguins@yahoo.com. Please write "Penguin Naming Contest" on the envelope or in the memo line of the e-mail. Those entering the contest have the option of making a $1 donation. Proceeds will be used to maintain the Penguin Coast exhibit.