Pulling out your hair looking for ways to keep the little ones entertained in the waning days of summer?
If you’re too tired (or sunburned) for one more trip to the beach, keep it local at the Turtle Back Zoo and visit the newly renovated and interactive prairie dog attraction.
According to a spokesman for Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, “The renovations are part of our ongoing initiative to ensure our animals are kept in a safe environment, our visitors have a first class viewing experience and our exhibits meet the highest standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
The exhibit features “Prairie Dog Hill” where children can scurry about in underground tunnels and pop up from “burrows” right next to active furry and adorable prairie dogs.
“Prairie Dogs are actually ground dwelling squirrels that make a ‘dog-like’ barking sound when alarmed,” according to the Zoo’s website. “Bobbing up and down in excitement, these fast moving, 3 pound squirrels bark out warning calls from their burrows to other colony members that can number into the thousands!”
For more information on Essex County, NJ’s Turtle Back Zoo, directions and hours of operation, visit here.
