Sloth Social
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.
- Animal Encounters
Animal Encounter Programs are hour-long conservation education programs that feature one of our animals and includes an animal encounter, either in the classroom or out in the zoo. Your ticket includes admission to the zoo, an education presentation, and bagels and coffee for the remainder of 2025. Beginning in 2026, zoo admission will no longer be included. Program guests do not enter the exhibits or touch the animals. Programs are held at the Berson Family Center on the east side of the zoo complex (the building next to the TreeTop Adventure Course), outside the zoo proper. Attendees must be at least 6 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are $50/person; discount available for zoo members.
All Winter Dates
Saturday, December 6 @10-11am
Saturday, January 10 @10-11am
Sunday, February 22 @10-11am
Meet at the Berson Family Center between 9:50-10am. Please bring your confirmation email to gate 2 after your program in order to enter the zoo. Please be aware, this only applies to the December date. Zoo admission will no longer be included in 2026.
Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All members of the party must purchase a ticket.
If purchasing a 2025 ticket, Your Animal Encounter ticket gives you Zoo admission and/or after the tour. If we cancel a program due to weather we will notify you as soon as possible and will reschedule a date and time. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions and for walking around the zoo. Program guests do not enter the exhibits or touch the animals.
Cancellations or Rescheduling: Cancellations may be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled program date and time; no refunds will be offered less than 7 days prior to the scheduled date. Cancellations or rescheduling may be made by contacting the Education Department at 973-731-5800 ext.103 or [email protected].
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