ESSEXCOUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO LAYS OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR BLACK BEAR CUBS AT TURTLE BACK ZOO
Public is Invited to Participate in Contest to Name Essex County’s Newest Furry Residents
West Orange, NJ – Thursday, June 16th was moving in day for two female black bear cubs as Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. welcomed EssexCounty’s newest furry residents to their home in the new Black Bear Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.
“The addition of new natural habitat animal exhibits and the comprehensive upgrades we are making has turned Essex County Turtle Back Zoo into an education and recreation destination that people of all ages can enjoy,” DiVincenzo said. “Our Black Bear Exhibit sets a new standard for Turtle Back Zoo. Visitors can feel like they are part of the exhibit while observing the bears from a viewing station that makes them feel like they are in their own house,” he added. The CountyExecutive noted that his administration remains committed to earning accreditation from the American Zoological and Aquarium Association.
The two 6-month-old female black bears were born in January at Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. They were separated from their mother when she could no longer nurse them and brought to Turtle Back Zoo about three weeks ago. Since arriving in EssexCounty, the sister bears have been quarantined according to regulations set forth by the AZA and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. When the bears were born, they weighed 8 ounces and were 9 inches in size. Now, at 6 months old, they are 20 pounds and 20 inches in size. They could reach 250 pounds and 6 feet tall when they are fully grown.
DiVincenzo announced EssexCounty is hosting a contest to name the bears and encouraged families and children to submit their suggestions. Those entering the contest must submit their name, address and phone number. Children submitting suggestions must have the permission of their parents or guardians. Nominations forms are available at Turtle Back Zoo and should be returned to the admission window at Turtle Back Zoo or mailed to the zoo at 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ07052. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2005. Those entering the contest have the option to make a suggested donation of $1; all proceeds will be used to maintain the Bear Exhibit.
The natural habitat exhibit provides the bears with 18,000 square feet of open space to roam and a 375-square-foot pool for swimming. A state-of-the-art steel cage is included in the sheltered area for the bears. The main viewing area for visitors is uniquely designed to replicate a living room and kitchen, giving visitors the unique perspective that they are watching the bears from their own home. The main viewing area also can be used to stage educational programs or show videos about the bears. In addition, there are two smaller viewing stations so the public can see the bears no matter where the animals are in the exhibit. A set of bear tracks on the exhibits’ pathway guides visitors through the exhibit to various educational areas highlighting foxes, ground hogs and a replica bear den.
“Our new exhibit offers more than just a look at Black Bears. There are surprises around every corner, face to face encounters with the bears and multi-species exhibits are worked into the site,” Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Director of Turtle Back Zoo, said. “The attention to detail and effort that went into designing and building our bear exhibit is an example of the CountyExecutive’s commitment to obtain AZA accreditation,” the Director added, noting that the bear exhibit is the first new exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo to be constructed in accordance with AZA standards.
The engineering firm of French & Parrello Associates, P.A. of Holmdel was awarded a $145,432 contract to design the Black Bear Exhibit. Diana Weinhardt of Houston, an expert in the design of bear exhibits, was hired by French & Parrello as a consultant on the project. NAVKA Construction Co. of Newark submitted a low bid of $1,203,706 to construct the exhibit and completed their work in December 2004. The exhibit remained unoccupied while EssexCounty waited for two bears to become available.
“Creating the bear exhibit has been a team effort that was accomplished with the help of the Zoological Society and our generous donors. Their support is evidence of the renewed confidence and enjoyment our residents have in Turtle Back Zoo,” the CountyExecutive said.
Creation of the exhibit was funded with a $500,000 Green Acres grant that the Zoological Society of New Jersey received through a successful partnership with DiVincenzo. EssexCounty is providing the matching funds for the grant through its capital budget, and the Essex County Open Space Trust Fund is paying half the debt service. The Zoological Society donated $100,000 and secured two $100,000 donations from the Goldring Family Foundation and Short Hills resident Ronald J. Mount. Much of the Society’s donation – $75,000 – was raised by Society member Jim Garahan. Known as the “Bag Man,” Garahan has been selling $2 grab bags at the zoo for the last 10 years.
“I am grateful that we are opening our bear exhibit today. It is really like a dream come true,” said Connie Williams, former President of the Zoological Society. “I am grateful for the vision and leadership from County Executive DiVincenzo and the support from Freeholder Vice President Pat Sebold,” she noted.
“The Goldring Family Foundation has funded environmental and educational programs around the world, and this has been one of the easiest projects to work with. This is a unique project that was completed on time and within budget. Congratulations on a great job,” said Gary Goldring.
“Congratulations on the bear exhibit. This is the culmination of many years of hard work and I know this will be an outstanding improvement to the zoo and great addition to the community,” said Mount.
DiVincenzo presented each donor with a sculpture of a bear, and he surprised Garahan by announcing the main exhibit area will be named in Garahan’s honor. “Welcome to Jim’s Place” states the sign that hangs on the exhibit’s front door. “I’m so happy now that this is a reality,” said Garahan, who added he will continue to sell the $2 grab bags and donate the money to help build a new Reptile and EducationCenter.
Under DiVincenzo’s leadership, a great deal of work has been undertaken to modernize and improve Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. EssexCounty spent almost $400,000 to upgrade fencing and pathways, work is continuing on the new $1.6 million AnimalHospital and the $427,233 Animal Barn in the Essex Farm petting zoo, and the 477-space Public Parking Facility next to South Mountain Arena was opened in September 2004. DiVincenzo also hired a full-time zoo director with AZA experience – Dr. Jeremy Goodman – in February 2004.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system in the United States. The Park System has grown to include more than 6,000 acres of parkland, and has 17 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating facility, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, and a golf driving range and miniature golf course.