Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a beloved 20-acre zoological park located in the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey, managed as part of the Essex County Park System. Home to approximately 1,400 animals representing more than 100 species from five continents, the zoo features a wide array of exhibits including an African Adventure with Masai giraffes, ostriches, and bongos, an Australian Exhibit with kangaroos and emus, a Butterfly Tent with over 1,500 vibrant specimens, a reptile house and education center, and a Great Plains Exhibit with North American bison. The Essex Farm provides a hands-on petting zoo experience, and additional amenities include pony rides, a train ride through the surrounding woodland, picnic areas, and a gift shop. With its diverse animal collection, family-focused programming, and scenic natural setting, Turtle Back Zoo is a treasured destination for families and school groups throughout the greater New York metro region.
