Essex County unveils plans to develop the Ronald J. Mount Lion and Hyena Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The exhibit is named after the late Ronald J. Mount, who was a major supporter of the zoo and a member of the Zoological Society of New Jersey and the
volunteer docent organization.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The county unveiled plans to develop the Ronald J. Mount Lion and Hyena Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The exhibit is named after the late Ronald J. Mount, who was a major supporter of the zoo and a member of the Zoological Society of New Jersey and the volunteer docent organization. In addition, the county announced that a new condor exhibit is being developed, enhancements to the cattle exhibit are being made, new fencing is being installed at the Essex Farm Petting Zoo, and shade structures are being installed at the Sea Lion Sound Exhibit, amphitheater and Dinosaur Playground.
“We are very excited about bringing lions and hyenas to Turtle Back Zoo because they are the animals that people most identify with the African Savanna. In addition, a lion is the central figure on our Essex County seal, so we are pleased about bringing the real-life version of our iconic seal here,” County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said in a press release. “We are always looking for new ways to attract new visitors and enhance their experience. Bringing new animal exhibits, upgrading exhibits to improve viewing areas for the public and introducing amenities create new things for people see and learn about and makes their visits more enjoyable.”
“The exhibit is going to be an amazing addition to Turtle Back Zoo. I thank the county executive and the Freeholders for the deep respect you’ve shown my father and my family,” Ronald Mount’s son, Ian Mount, said in the release. “When I think of lions, I think about pride, and that reminds me of my father. I’m proud of him when I think of all the lives he has touched.”
The lion and hyena exhibit will be located in the African Adventure Exhibit adjacent to the Giraffe House. The half-acre exhibit will be heavily landscaped and have a 2-foot pool and exposed rock formation. There will be three viewing stations for the public. Inside the exhibit, near one of the viewing stations, will be a heated stone patio to attract the lions so they can be easily seen by the public. At the rear of the exhibit will be a heated one-story building that is designed to resemble a North African fortress that has been returned to the wild.
French and Parrello from Wall received a $350,000 contract to design the exhibit. Shauger Property Services from East Orange was awarded a publicly bid contract for $3,660,214 to perform the construction work. The exhibit is being funded with a donation from Ian Mount, Ronald Mount’s son, and support from the Pooled Government Loan Program from the Essex County Improvement Authority. Construction started earlier this month and is scheduled to be complete by the spring of 2017.
“The addition of the lion exhibit and all the other improvements that are being done definitely will enhance our visitors’ experience when they come to Turtle Back Zoo and assist with our mission to promote conservation and educate the public about the importance of animals,” zoo Director Brint Spencer said in the release. “It’s exciting to see Turtle Back grow and expand.”
“Over the last five years, the zoo has grown immensely and become an incredible resource for families,” Zoological Society of New Jersey Executive Director Adam Kerins said in the release. “Ronald Mount had an incredible impact on Turtle Back and associating his name with the exhibit in perpetuity is an incredible honor.”
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