By: Richard L. Smith
A newly opened exhibit at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is already making an international impact, helping protect endangered lemurs thousands of miles away in Madagascar.
According to information released by Essex County officials, County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the zoo has awarded two grants totaling $10,900 to the Lemur Conservation Network to support wildlife protection and educational initiatives.
The funding comes just months after the zoo unveiled its new Lemur Habitat in July, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about some of the world’s most endangered mammals.
County officials said the grants will help provide conservation education materials, support World Lemur Festival activities and fund a six-month teacher training program near Madagascar’s Anja Community Reserve.
DiVincenzo said the initiative reflects the county’s commitment to making Turtle Back Zoo more than a recreational attraction by encouraging visitors, particularly children, to understand the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
The zoo’s new habitat features three lemur species: ring-tailed lemurs, red ruffed lemurs and brown collared lemurs.
Native exclusively to Madagascar, lemurs face increasing threats from habitat destruction and hunting. According to conservation estimates cited by county officials, as many as 90 percent of lemur species could face extinction in the wild within the next 20 to 25 years.
Turtle Back Zoo Director Dr. Jilian Fazio emphasized that the facility’s conservation efforts extend beyond the animals housed at the West Orange attraction, with partnerships supporting endangered species around the world.
The grants were made possible through the Turtle Back Biodiversity Fund in partnership with the Zoological Society of New Jersey.
The Lemur Conservation Network brings together more than 60 organizations working to protect lemurs and their habitats while providing educational resources, professional development and financial assistance to conservation programs.
In addition to lemurs, the zoo’s newest habitat includes Aldabra giant tortoises, one of the world’s largest tortoise species, native to islands in the Indian Ocean.
Essex County officials said the initiative demonstrates how local support for Turtle Back Zoo can contribute to wildlife preservation efforts far beyond New Jersey.
Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors ages 62 and older and children ages 2 through 12. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
For additional information, visitors can contact the zoo at 973-731-5800.