Turtle Back Zoo Unveils $5.7M Lemur Habitat Featuring Three Endangered Species

Turtle Back Zoo opened a lemur exhibit on Tuesday, July 7. Three species arrived — all among the planet’s most at-risk mammals. The $5.7 million project in West Orange replaced what once housed sea lions with something different: a space built to spark concern about survival.

Ring-tailed lemurs live there now. So do red ruffed lemurs and brown collared lemurs. Aldabra tortoises, the biggest tortoises anywhere, also call it home.

“I’m excited about this exhibit because it is the first conservation-focused exhibit that we have in the zoo,” said Turtle Back Director Jilian Fazio, according to Village Green NJ. “This is important because lemurs are one of the most endangered species on the planet.”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers lemurs the world’s most at-risk mammals. Madagascar is the only place they live. Over 100 different species exist there, each adapted to a specific environment. Within 20 to 25 years, up to 90% may vanish from the wild.

Habitat loss threatens them most. Hunting does too. Most lemurs stay small, with a pointed snout, large eyes, and a tail that stretches long. Fruit makes up much of what they eat, along with leaves.

Workers transformed the old sea lion pool. Rockwork and plants now mimic the rocky beach and forest where lemurs roam free. A mesh enclosure covers everything. Interior holding areas were redesigned for the new animals. Visitors can see more from expanded viewing spots.

“Bringing lemurs to our backyard is an opportunity to raise awareness among our visitors about their vulnerability and gain an appreciation for their uniqueness,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr.

French and Parrello from Wall received a contract worth $199,500 to design it. AB Contracting from Wharton won the construction bid at $3,707,974. The Essex County Department of Public Works watched over everything, making sure the timeline held.

Funding came from two sources: $1 million from the Essex County Capital Budget and $2.7 million from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board. The indoor touch tank with sharks and sting rays stays put.

The county runs the zoo. It opens seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults pay $22. Senior citizens over 62 and children ages 2 to 12 pay $19. Children under 2 get in free.

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