Essex County’s Pat Sebold Honored With Zoo Exhibit Dedication

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s been decades, but a longtime elected official, zoo supporter and former teacher in Essex County finally has an exhibit named after her 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. Read More: $4.4M Alligator, Komodo Dragon Exhibit Opens At Turtle Back Zoo

The new exhibit was dedicated in honor of Essex County Commissioner Patricia Sebold, who worked as an English teacher at West Orange High School for more than 30 years, and has been participating in Livingston’s civic affairs since 1976.

Sebold’s 30-year tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners makes her one of its longest-serving members. She also has served as the commissioner’s representative on the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board since its creation in 1998.

“I always have been fond of Turtle Back Zoo,” Sebold said, adding that residents and visitors should “look at what it has become today.”

Sebold said she was “overwhelmed” when she learned of the plans to dedicate the new exhibit in her name last year – and it’s a feeling that endures today.

“My family came to this country committed to making a better society,” she added. “I followed in their footsteps.”

“Because of Pat’s efforts, Turtle Back Zoo was brought back from nothing,” Commissioner President Wayne Richardson said, describing Sebold as a “mentor.”

“Pat Sebold has an extraordinary public service career that spans over three decades,” New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz said. “She has always committed herself to the community and her constituents. And Pat always has stood up for preserving open space and supporting environmental issues.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said Sebold deserves the honor because of the “solid representation” she has given as a commissioner and advisory board member.

“This is a well-deserved honor and we are happy you now have your own island,” Livingston Mayor Michael Vieira agreed, joking about the name of the exhibit.

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