NEWS ARTICLE
August 21, 2006
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WEST ORANGE, NJ - Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo cut the ribbon and opened the Essex County Reptile and Education Building at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ. The building houses 20 different types of reptiles, including a pair of Black Dragon Monitor Lizards, believed to be a new species recently discovered in Malaysia. Turtle Back Zoo is the only location in the world where such animals are on display. "The opening of this building is a significant milestone in the history and revitalization of the Zoo. This is a one-of-a-kind facility with a unique collection of exotic animals that cannot be seen anywhere else. It puts Turtle Back Zoo on the map as one of the premiere places to learn about reptiles," DiVincenzo said. "The modern classroom space will help us to expand and enhance our education and outreach programs and our new entrances make the Zoo accessible and user-friendly", he added.
"What is happening at Turtle Back Zoo is truly amazing," said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Director of the Zoo. "We're not just exhibiting animals anymore, we're getting endangered animals, rare animals, participating in nationwide breeding programs....We're getting animal transfers from all over the country, Goodman said. "The changes we are making are transforming Turtle Back into a top-notch educational and recreational facility that is a fun place for children and people of all ages to visit."
The new exhibits are reigniting interest in Turtle Back, which broke its all-time attendance record last year and hopes to attract even more visitors this year. By building year round exhibits and adding classroom space inside the reptile house, the zoo has put itself on course for accreditation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), a distinction that will make the zoo eligible for more government funding and more exotic animals.
Clarke Caton Hintz Architects designed the Education Building and Reptile Exhibit. The new complex will provide two new classrooms, a large gift shop, reptile exhibit area and administrative space. This complex will replace two existing outdated classroom and administrative facilities which were built during the 1960's. The new 12,000 square foot building and renovations will provide much needed space for zoo activities and administration.
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