Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (second from left) on Monday, March 21 at the new Pony Ride Trail at Turtle Back Zoo, with Chloe, one of the horses, are (from left) Freeholder Wayne Richardson, Turtle Back Zoo Essex Farm Manager Jennifer Proscia, Chief of Staff Philip Alagia, Freeholder Patricia Sebold and Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne. (Photo courtesy of Essex County)
The new Pony Ride Trail at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo opened today to the public. The upgraded attraction includes an open air pavilion under which the ponies — with their riders aboard — walk, allowing visitors to enjoy the rides throughout the year and in all kinds of weather.
“We are always looking for new ways to improve upon the experience our visitors have when they come to Turtle Back Zoo. The pavilion over the pony trail protects our animals from the hot sun and inclement weather, and enables us to offer the rides all year round,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo. Joining the County Executive at the opening were Freeholders Patricia Sebold and Wayne Richardson.
The wooden pavilion covers the pony walking trail loop, protecting the ponies and young riders from the elements. The new construction also includes a barn for six horses adjacent to the pony ride trail, eliminating the need for the ponies to cross a public walking path to travel from their old quarters to the trail.
In 2015, there were 29,344 pony rides given during the six months it was open.
The project upgrade cost $762,611. The project was started in September and took six months to complete.
Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Regular admission is $10 for children and senior citizens, $12 for adults and free for children under 2 years. Beginning April 1, in-season admission rates of $11 for children and senior citizens, $14 for adults and free for children under 2 years will apply. For additional information, call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.
