Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular returns

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 10th annual Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has begun and free admission is being offered. During each show, approximately 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and the surrounding South Mountain Recreation Complex. More than 100,000 […]

First ‘BARKtoberfest’ a success

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The first “BARKtoberfest” pet adoption event recently took place in the Berson Learning Center parking lot at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Oct. 29. The event raised more than $3,300 for participating animal shelters and rescue groups, including The Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter, part of the Healthy […]

Essex, Turtle Back Zoo partner with Sea Turtle Recovery Group

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County recently announced a partnership with the nonprofit Sea Turtle Recovery from Northfield, N.J., to operate the Prudential Sea Turtle Recovery Center at Turtle Back Zoo. Currently under construction, the Sea Turtle Recovery Center is the first facility of its kind in New Jersey and will enable Turtle Back to […]

‘BARKtoberfest’ pet adoption event coming to Turtle Back Zoo

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Meet adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens while supporting local animal shelters and rescue groups during “BARKtoberfest,” scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. The event will take place in the zoo’s Berson Learning Center, located directly off Northfield […]

County honors two exceptional Italian-Americans

County honors two exceptional Italian-Americans

NEWARK, NJ — The 2016 Essex County Italian-American Heritage Month observance was held Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the lobby of the Essex County Hall of Records. Decorated in the festive Italian colors of red, white and green, the lobby was a standing-room-only backdrop for the cultural festivities. During the cultural event, Essex County Executive Joseph […]

County announces eight winners in photography contest

ROSELAND, NJ — Eight local residents received awards in the annual Essex County Parks Photography Contest. Winners were awarded in adult and youth categories and were recognized on Saturday, Sept. 24, during the annual Fall Family Festival at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. “We congratulate the winners of the Essex County Parks Photography […]

Craft beer tasting event to benefit the nonprofit Parks Foundation

WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Essex County Parks Department invites the public to participate in “Ales N’ Tails Oktoberfest” at the Turtle Back Zoo. Visitors will be able to sample more than 50 craft beers during a festive evening benefiting the Essex County Parks Foundation. “Ales N’ Tails Oktoberfest” will be Saturday, Oct. 1, from […]

Senior Wellness Day for county seniors

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County invites senior citizens to the 11th annual Essex County Senior Wellness Day on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Codey Arena, 560 Northfield Ave. in West Orange. The event will include health screenings, musical entertainment, dancing, food, exercise demonstrations and free admission to Turtle […]

Turtle Back Zoo receives third consecutive 5-year accreditation from AZA

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission, according to a recent press release. Accreditation recognizes an institution’s commitment to providing quality animal care, education programs and promoting conservation. AZA made the announcement during its annual convention on Wednesday, Sept. […]