On Sunday, April 22, the Turtle Back Zoo partnered with Disneynature’s hot new movie Chimpanzee to host “Party of the Planet.” There were giveaways, crafts, and fun demonstrations at the Zoo Café. My girls compared their footprints to a chimp’s, planted seeds in a recycled container, and got some awesome Chimpanzee posters for our playroom. Did you celebrate Earth Day this weekend by seeing Chimpanzee? If you see this movie before April 26, Disneynature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute to help protect chimpanzees in the wild.

Even thought it was a rainy day, it was actually a perfect time to visit Turtle Back as we had our run of the zoo. The animals were enjoying the April showers and were actually pretty active despite the weather conditions. Plus, there are plenty of covered areas in the zoo to seek shelter from the storm, especially in the Reptile Room, the Barn, Big Cats and Mr. Bear’s house. Mr. Bear was actually putting on quite the show for us!

We had the opportunity to interview the Zoo Director, Dr. Jeremy Goodman. Besides being the best zoo in New Jersey, Turtle Back has a quite a few conservation initiatives. Zoo patrons are asked to donate quarters for conservation. The money raised is diverted to global animal efforts. They also perform sea creature counts for horseshoe crabs to educate people about the effect humans have on our oceans. The zoo recycles all newspaper, bottles and soda cans. Next time you visit, keep an eye out for their blue labeled receptacles.

Dr. Goodman informed us of some exciting news. Right now the center of the zoo is under construction for a new sea lion exhibit and sting ray touch tank for the zoo’s 50th anniversary next year. Also, From Memorial Day to Labor Day of this year, a new seasonal butterfly exhibit will open.

Finally, watch out for an exciting announcement on May 3rd from Turtle Back Zoo!

Website

Turtle Back Zoo's conservation initiatives