Sea Lions To Lemurs: Turtle Back Zoo Is Building A $4M New Animal Habitat

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A plan is in the works to turn the former Sea Lion Sound exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo into a habitat for lemurs, county officials recently announced.

The nearly $4 million project will mark a bittersweet transition for the zoo, which transported its single remaining sea lion to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility last summer.

“With ever-increasing standards and guidelines for animal welfare of marine mammals, it was determined the existing sea lion habitat was no longer adequate to meet the needs of this species,” officials explained.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but as an AZA facility, Turtle Back has an extensive network of experts and other zoos and aquariums to help ensure we are providing the best care for all animals,” the statement continued. “We feel strongly that we must exceed the needs of each species in our care, so each individual animal can live their best life.”

That will be the case when a new exhibit takes its place: lemurs.

What is a lemur? According to a news release from the county:

“The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers lemurs as the world’s most endangered mammals. Found only on the island of Madagascar, there are over 100 different species that have evolved to fit every habitat and niche. Similar to primates, most lemurs are small, with a pointed snout, large eyes and a long tail, and eat primarily fruit and leaves. Primary threats to lemurs include habitat destruction and hunting; it is estimated that up to 90 percent of all lemur species will face extinction in the wild within the next 20 to 25 years.”

Plans are in place to turn the former sea lion habitat into a worthy home for the zoo’s lemurs.

According to the county, the existing pool will be transformed with rockwork and landscaping to resemble the rocky beach to forest landscape where lemurs are naturally found. A mesh enclosure will cover the exhibit and interior animal holding areas will be adapted for the exhibit’s new residents.

Viewing areas for the public will also be expanded. The existing touch tank with sharks and sting rays will remain, officials said.

French and Parrello from Wall received a professional services contract for $199,500 to design the new exhibit. AB Contracting from Wharton was awarded a publicly bid contract for $3,707,974 to perform the construction.

The project is being funded with $1 million from the Essex County capital budget and a $2.7 million grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board.

The new exhibit will continue Essex County’s commitment to working with the AZA to advance their Species Survival Program, officials said.

“While we were disappointed to close the Sea Lion Sound, we do believe the lemurs will become the new dynamic centerpiece at Turtle Back Zoo and are sure to captivate our visitors’ attention,” Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo Jr. said.

Zoo Director Jillian Fazio said the new habitat will provide an opportunity to highlight partnerships that Turtle Back has created over the past several years to support efforts to save these species and prevent their extinction in the wild.

“We hope to connect, educate and inspire our guests to join us in these efforts to conserve some of the most precious species on the planet,” Fazio said.

“This will showcase our commitment to wild species around the globe and to our promoting conservation locally,” Zoological Society of New Jersey Executive Director Adam Kerins agreed.

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