From the Essex County Executive’s Office:
On Sunday, December 13th, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. welcomed the Owens family from Plainfield, N.J., as the 700,000th visitors to Essex County Turtle Back Zoo during 2015. This is the first time that attendance has exceeded the 700,000 mark and the 11th consecutive year that a new annual attendance record as been set at the Zoo. “We have made tremendous improvements to Turtle Back Zoo and the large turn-out of visitors each year shows how popular our Zoo has become.
Essex County Executive
DiVincenzo with
Willie and Tana Owens and their children Nazir, 10, Allysa, 5, and Chanel, 3. (photo Glen Frieson)
Introducing new natural habitat exhibits like the Sea Lion Sound with sea lions, sting rays and sharks, along with our Carousel, Treetop Adventure Course, miniGOLF Safari and Train Ride attractions make coming to Turtle Back Zoo a fun, learning adventure for children and families,” DiVincenzo said. “We would not be here without the continuing support of our loyal visitors, sponsors, volunteers and staff. We look forward to seeing everyone next year for even more adventures, excitement and family fun,” he added.
At 6:38 p.m., Tana and Willie Owens and their children Nazir, 10, Allysa, 5, and Chanel, 3, walked through the entrance to help Turtle Back Zoo reach a new attendance milestone. “We saw information for the Holiday Lights and Turtle Back Zoo on Facebook and thought it would be a good activity for our children. We are always looking for new experiences for them,” Tana Owens said. Tana said the last time she had been to Turtle Back was in grade school on a class trip and was eager to see how much things had changed.
In recognition of the milestone, DiVincenzo presented the Owens family with a gift basket filled with toys, stuffed animals and merchandise from Turtle Back Zoo, along with a one-year membership to the Essex County Zoological Society.
The previous attendance record was 688,359 set last year. A new annual attendance record has been set every year since 2005. The 500,000 milestone was first reached in 2010 and 600,000 was first reached in 2013.
Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Regular admission is $10 for children and senior citizens, $13 for adults and free for children under 2 years. For additional information, please call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.
