West Orange Council Presses For Details On Zoo Development

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Town Council is pressing for more information from Essex County about possible development at the Turtle Back Zoo.

Recently, the county-managed zoo has seen vocal pushback – and support – for several proposed expansion projects within its borders, including an $8 million amphitheater with a 150,000-gallon pool.

Local opponents of more expansion claim that it will add to already-bad traffic in the area and may have negative environmental consequences, such as a reduced number of trees. However, supporters – including Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – have argued the additions are needed to help the zoo continue its mission of education and conservation.

• See related article: Fight Continues Over Expansion At Turtle Back Zoo
• See related article: Amphitheater At Turtle Back Zoo: 'Education' Or 'Overspending?'

During their Sept. 10 meeting, the West Orange Town Council approved a resolution that praises the county-run zoo, calling it an “economic engine” that’s dedicated to “the highest levels of animal care.”

However, the resolution also made multiple requests of DiVincenzo and his administration:

• The county should provide a master plan prior to any further development plans for the Turtle Back Zoo along with a traffic study and environmental impact study
• Essex County should adhere to all DEP, soil conservation and other environmental protection and erosion guidelines when new exhibits and amenities are created at Turtle Back Zoo
• Turtle Back Zoo should comply with all USDA-accredited agency guidelines for animal care when new exhibits are created

The county also needs to keep the West Orange Council informed about any ongoing efforts to strengthen the South Mountain forest and habitat, the resolution states.

“In addition to a long-term plan for the zoo, the county needs to have a plan to invest in the South Mountain Reservation and preserve additional land for open space. The reservation is the jewel of the Essex County park system. It is under tremendous stress resulting from development on its fringes, climate change and invasive species – both flora and fauna.”

The resolution passed by a 4-1 margin.

TURTLE BACK ZOO: ‘A SELF-SUFFICIENT FACILITY’

In their resolution, the West Orange Town Council offered the following statements about the Turtle Back Zoo.

NEW AT THE ZOO – “Over the last 17 years, new natural habitat-themed exhibits were updated or created for lions, hyenas, giraffes, penguins, wallabies, flamingoes, black bears, farm animals, cougars, leopards, alligators, otters, prairie dogs, Reptile House and sea lions and various amenities have been improved, including the Savannah Café, Carousel and two open air picnic pavilions… Turtle Back has [also] partnered with Sea Turtle Recovery to nurse rescued turtles back to health before they are returned to the wild.”

ZOO FUNDING – “The various projects to update and introduce natural habitat-themed exhibits and amenities have been funded through contributions from the Zoological Society of NJ, corporations, philanthropic organizations, community groups, individuals, the NJ Green Acres program and the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, which has resulted in no additional burden on the Essex County operating or capital budgets… The zoo has been a self-sufficient facility for the last 10 years, meaning its operating budget is covered by the money it generates from admissions and contributions.”

PLANNING BOARD REVIEW – “Essex County regularly presents plans for improvements at Turtle Back Zoo and the South Mountain Recreation Complex during courtesy review hearings before the West Orange Planning Board, and the recommendations made by the Board are incorporated into final plans.”

ACCREDITATION – “The zoo has earned accreditation from three well-respected agencies: Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoological Association of America and American Humane.”

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