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Trip Planner:   USA  /  New Jersey  /  West Orange  /  Turtle Back Zoo

Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange

4.5
#1 of 10 in Things to do in West Orange
Zoo · Zoo / Aquarium
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Home to about 850 animals representing 275 species, Turtle Back Zoo welcomes half million people annually to its themed exhibits. See a sea lion tank and prowl along a penguin coastline; tour habitats of large cats, wolves, bears, and alligators; and visit a reptile center. Wildlife aficionados won't want to miss the 2.7 m (9 ft) long lizard that was discovered in 2005 and still has no scientific name. Can foxes fly? You'll find out by seeking out the first flying foxes in any United States' zoo--giant bats that can reach a weight of 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) with a 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wingspan. The zoo is a part of South Mountain Recreation Complex. To visit Turtle Back Zoo and other attractions in West Orange, use our West Orange trip maker tool.
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Turtle Back Zoo reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
862 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • I came back for a second year for Groundhog's Day to see if Edwina would see her shadow and she did. It will be another six weeks of winter. It will be cold out and was cold out. The event was held... 
    I came back for a second year for Groundhog's Day to see if Edwina would see her shadow and she did. It will be another six weeks of winter. It will be cold out and was cold out. The event was held...  more »
  • The zoo was cleannnnnn. A few of the animals were out in the vet clinic but we still saw a lot more animals, after you've walked around the entire zoo make sure to take a ride on the train. 
    The zoo was cleannnnnn. A few of the animals were out in the vet clinic but we still saw a lot more animals, after you've walked around the entire zoo make sure to take a ride on the train.  more »
Google
  • This is a great little zoo that has a huge heart for its compact size. When you enter the Zoo you are met with the feeling that the staff care about the animals and that the animals enjoyed their life. The big cats had plenty of room to roam and the smaller exhibits had plenty of enrichment to keep their occupants entertained. The primates were our favorite. They were running around playing with each other and taking turns chasing around each other with a. 5 gallon water jug filled with their snacks. The turtle recovery tanks were well maintained and the cameras added a sense of closeness while still allowing the low stress environment necessary for the animals to recover from their ailments. We absolutely loved watching the cheetah and it's Labrador buddy chase each other around and then enjoy a good nap while cuddled up. You can really tell they enjoy each other's company. It was very sweet. Parking was super convenient and free so no argument there. This really is a must visit zoo for anyone capable. I may modify this in the future to award the 5th star but that won't be until I see how the construction finishes and the remaining animals return to their exhibits.
  • We spent a lovely Autumn day at the zoo. It has been years since I’ve last visited and the changes are huge, all for the good. The layout is well planned so that even crowds never make it seem packed. We even tried the Zip Line! We stopped for a snack and we’re surprised with the quality and reasonable prices at the cafe. Don’t miss the train ride which is included with admission. Plenty of parking is available.

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