FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz

June 21, 2005 973-621-4404

Anthony Puglisi

973-621-2542

Popular Petting Zoo Is Re-Invented with Classic Barnyard Setting and Unique Indoor-Outdoor Exhibits

West Orange, NJ - If you're looking for a unique animal experience this summer, plan a visit to Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. stopped by the zoo on Tuesday, June 21st and officially opened the new Essex Farm petting zoo, which was re-invented with a classic barnyard setting and unique animal exhibits that can the public can view both indoors and outdoors.

"Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo has been one of our recreation treasures for more than four decades. In the past 30 months, my administration has been committed to creating new exhibits and making comprehensive improvements that have enhanced our visitors' experience," DiVincenzo said. "These changes have made Turtle Back Zoo a magnet for school trips and young families from throughout Northern Jersey," he noted.

DiVincenzo expressed his appreciation to Acting Governor Richard Codey and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, which provided a $200,000 Livable Communities Grant to help fund the facelift. "Essex County has received unbelievable support from the State and this grant enabled us to completely overhaul the petting zoo area," he said.

The centerpiece of the new modern exhibit is a 3,360-square-foot red barn that has a Belgian draft horse, three different kinds of sheep, alpine goats, a pig, rabbit, guinea pig and nine different types of chickens. Later this summer, donkeys and alpaca (miniature llamas) will be added. The animals will have access to outdoor pens and stalls inside the barn and there is room for an expanded pony ride area. The barn, designed to meet standards established by the American Zoological and Aquarium Association (AZA), will provide the animals with appropriate protection from the elements. Visitors can view the animals outside or walk through the barn during inclement weather, making it the first exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo that can be open 12 months of the year. All animals have successfully cleared the strict quarantine period according to guidelines set forth by the AZA and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. In addition, new sinks with anti-bacterial lotion have been installed throughout the petting zoo area. Visitors to Essex Farm are strongly encouraged to wash their hands after they have finished petting the animals.

Paths leading to Essex Farm were upgraded and repaved to make the exhibit area handicap accessible and more convenient for adults pushing strollers. In addition, new brightly colored and kid-friendly signs and a working vegetable garden are part of the exhibit.

"Essex Farm is an exciting, interactive exhibit where children can safely pet and see farm animals. Getting up close to the animals is an opportunity for kids to learn about and gain an appreciation for animals that can create wonderful memories they will have for a long time," said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Director of Turtle Back Zoo. "The new animal exhibits and the upgrades to our existing displays and pathways is evidence of our County Executive's commitment to obtain AZA accreditation and make Turtle Back Zoo an exciting attraction for children and families," he added.

The revamped petting zoo area was designed in-house by Turtle Back Zoo staff members and engineers from the Essex County Department of Public Works. A $427,233 contract was awarded to Zenith Construction Service, Inc., from East Newark to build the barn and make the site improvements. Construction started on February 17th and was completed in just four months. The project was funded by the Livable Communities grant and the Essex County Capital Budget.

Essex Farm petting zoo was established at Turtle Back Zoo in 1997 and immediately became a popular attraction. The old farm exhibit featured wooden shelter exhibits with split-rail and wire fencing, and required a great deal of maintenance. The petting zoo was only open during spring and summer.

Under DiVincenzo's leadership, major improvements to modernize and improve Essex County Turtle Back Zoo have been made. The County Executive also hired a full-time zoo director &endash; Dr. Jeremy Goodman &endash; in February 2004. These developments will help Essex County prepare for AZA accreditation.

The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system in the United States. The Park System has grown to include more than 6,000 acres of parkland, and has 17 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating facility, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, and a golf driving range and miniature golf course.