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Lemurs Find New Home in Transformed Zoo Exhibit
12 Jul
Summary
- Turtle Back Zoo opened a new lemur exhibit in West Orange.
- Exhibit houses endangered ring-tailed, red-ruffed, and brown-collared lemurs.
- The $4.9 million project converted the former sea lion pool into a habitat.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange has opened a significant new exhibit dedicated to lemurs, classifying them as the world's most endangered mammals. The $4.9 million project creatively repurposed the zoo's former sea lion pool, transforming it into a naturalistic jungle habitat. This new home accommodates three distinct lemur species: ring-tailed, red-ruffed, and brown-collared, alongside Aldabra tortoises.
The exhibit's design mirrors the natural rocky beach and forest landscapes found in lemur habitats. It features a mesh enclosure and upgraded interior holding areas to ensure the well-being of the animals. This initiative by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. aims to educate visitors about the critical vulnerability of lemurs, as up to 90% of species could face extinction in the wild within 20 to 25 years.
The zoo is operational daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $19 for seniors and children aged 2-12, with free admission for those under 2. Funding for this conservation effort was secured through $1 million from the Essex County Capital Budget and a $2.7 million grant from a dedicated trust fund.
