Turtle Back Zoo Closing Again Due To COVID-19 Case Rise In NJ

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County will be temporarily closing for the second time in a year to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The zoo offered the following statement about the closure on Sunday:

“As a precaution to help to contain the spread of COVID, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo will be temporarily closed from January 1 to January 31. With the Division of Health anticipating cases to increase in January, we are once again acting in the best interest of the safety of our animals, staff and visitors.”

Zoo memberships will be extended for a length of time reflective of the closure, officials said.

Essex County closed the zoo at the onset of the pandemic to slow the spread of the virus. It reopened with restrictions and COVID-19 safety precautions in June.

• See related article: Essex County To Close Zoo, Stop Evictions As Coronavirus Spreads

The popular holiday lights celebration at the Turtle Back Zoo was canceled for 2020 due to a local spike in coronavirus cases.

• See related article: Holiday Lights At Turtle Back Zoo Canceled: 'New Wave Of Virus'

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