Many visitors to Essex County Turtle Back Zoo are parents who are bringing their children to the zoo to experience the same sense of excitement they had as children when their parents brought them. Talking to some of them about their favorite memories brings out stories about the train, entering the turnstile to the sheep-and-goat exhibit and being greeted by a small herd of hungry animals running down the hill, the odd-looking yak—and the Story Boxes and Zoo Keys. Many people still have these keys tucked away with other prized souvenirs.

Good news! The Zoo Keys and the Story Boxes are back! Unlike the old Story Boxes, which at times sounded like old radios, the new Story Boxes contain wireless technology, and each provides two different messages depending on how the key is inserted. One side plays a jingle about the animal, and the other side contains a brief description of the animal and some key conservation facts.

The first fourteen Story Boxes are installed in front of some of the most popular animal exhibits, including the alligator, penguins, bears, bison, wolves, red panda, toucan, llamas, zoo farm, kangaroos, otter, bobcat, and cougar. Because the system is wireless, additional boxes can be added at  a later date.

Zoo Keys are available at all cash booths and the zoological society office.

The Zoo Keys cost $3.00 each and are operational for one year.

Collect them all: 2008 Red Elephant, 2009 Green Alligator, 2010 Blue Shark

This educational program is supported by a grant from the TD Bank Charitable Trust.