Turtle Back Zoo’s Flamingo Exhibit Will Open At End Of Summer

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Looking for a fun, family-friendly event to bid farewell to summer in Essex County? The Turtle Back Zoo has announced an opening date for its $3.2 million flamingo exhibit: Wednesday, Aug. 29.

The zoo suggested that visitors check out TickledPinkTBZ.com for more information. A separate fundraising event, “Ticked Pink,” will be held on Friday, Sept. 14.

• See related article: Mingle With The Flamingos At NJ Turtle Back Zoo Benefit

In March, Essex County officials gave some details about the soon-to-come habitat, which will be located at the former site of the Penguin Coast exhibit. The penguins were relocated to the new African Penguin Exhibit in the African Adventure area of the zoo.

The new habitat will feature a pool, nesting island in the middle of the pool and an imitation waterfall. There will be a 1,000-square-foot indoor facility to hold the flamingos when they are not on exhibit. Shade structures will be provided in the viewing areas for visitors, county officials said.

• See related article: Turtle Back Zoo's $3.2M Flamingo Exhibit Taking Flight

Wall-based French and Parrello designed the flamingo exhibit as part of an existing contract. West Orange-based Drill Construction was awarded a publicly bid contract for $3,201,810. Funding is being provided with grants from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund and NJ Green Acres program, and an allocation from the Essex County capital budget, officials said.

"When we decided to relocate our penguins to the African Adventure section, we wanted to replace the exhibit with an animal that could captivate the attention of our visitors," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said at a March 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the flamingo exhibit.

"This was especially important because the area is across the pathway from the Savanna Café and those eating on the second-floor deck will be able to look into the exhibit space," DiVincenzo said. "With their unique appearance and colorful feathers, the flamingos are sure to become a favorite of our visitors."

"Flamingos are a good addition to Turtle Back because we don't have many exhibits featuring birds and this will help diversify our animal family," Turtle Back Zoo Director Michael Kerr said. "Our mission at Turtle Back includes promoting education about and understanding of animals. Because flamingos are found in many parts of the world, we will be able to highlight conservation efforts and cultures from different parts of the globe."

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Photo: Turtle Back Zoo