Flamingos off Exhibit April 20 - 22

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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
May 2026

Sensory-Friendly Morning

The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo can be an energetic, noisy place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. In 2026, we are excited to host a Sensory-Friendly Morning! Start your day on Saturday, May 2 from 8 – 10am for a modified zoo experience including limited […]
May 02 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
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Prairie Dogs and Pastries

Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! TBZ is proud to offer this education program where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 […]
May 03 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Lifelong Learners

Conservation Exploration for ages 13 to 103! Lifelong Learners programs are conservation conversations for teens and adults. Programs run throughout the year and span topics such as animal anatomy, habitats & conservation, animal careers, and more. These events are perfect for individuals interested in animals, science, conservation, and nature who want to learn something new […]
May 03 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes at the Animal Wellness Center

Take a look behind the scenes! TBZ is proud to offer this education program where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 […]
May 03 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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Educator Professional Development

Calling all Teachers! Earn Professional Development Hours at the Zoo. Whether you teach upper level science or cross-curricular elementary, TBZ has some exciting PD opportunities for you! Join experienced Educators for NGSS aligned professional development programs leveraging the resources of Turtle Back Zoo. Each session will cover relevant scientific background as well as provide advice […]
May 08 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Member Mornings

Member Mornings are back at the Zoo! Member Mornings(Zoo opens at 9AM) Friday, March 27 Friday, April 24 Friday, May 8 (Stroller Walk Add-On Available – Information Coming Soon!) Sunday, July 26 Sunday, August 30 Saturday, October 24 (Stroller Walk Add-On Available – Information Coming Soon!) Admission to this event is free. You must have […]
May 08 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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World Series of Birding 2026

Have you heard of the World Series of Birding? This competition, created by the New Jersey Audubon Society, is a race to see who can identify the greatest number of bird species in 24 hours (May 9th, 2026) throughout the great Garden State. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is once again teaming up with our conservation partners at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird […]
May 09 2026
All Day
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Family Nature Club

Where we grow and learn together Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature.  Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to […]
May 10 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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Turtle Back Hatchlings

Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required.  Zoo admission is not included with registration. Turtle Back Hatchlings […]
May 10 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes at the Animal Wellness Center

Take a look behind the scenes! TBZ is proud to offer this education program where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 […]
May 10 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

Educator Professional Development

Calling all Teachers! Earn Professional Development Hours at the Zoo. Whether you teach upper level science or cross-curricular elementary, TBZ has some exciting PD opportunities for you! Join experienced Educators for NGSS aligned professional development programs leveraging the resources of Turtle Back Zoo. Each session will cover relevant scientific background as well as provide advice […]
May 12 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Stroller Safari

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo offers a monthly stroller safaris monthly for children 1-4 and a caregiver. Each safari features a unique discussion topic while exploring an area of the zoo. This 30-40 minute guided tour, led by one of our educators, focuses on the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of children. […]
May 13 2026
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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MORE INFOMATION

Call us for more information on events, bookings, or zoo visits! To book a group reservation or party, call and ask for Group Sales. Our Group Sales Department phones can be busy at times, so you many need to leave a message. Teachers, please include a preferred callback time if needed, so we can try to connect. Please allow at least 48 hours for a return call before trying again.

Call - (973) 731-5800