Turtle Back Zoo Education Center

County of Essex, New Jersey

The Zoo’s continued popularity as a major tourist destination was the thrust behind the development of a new Education Center.  The zoo receives 10 to 15,000 visitors during peak weekends so the Center was designed to provide flexible classroom space for hands on animal exhibits and summer camp programming.

Additionally, the Center as a second zoo entrance is a key component of the design. The new parking surface in front of the facility serves as a safer and more efficient alternative entry when arriving by bus or when using the adjacent parking garage.

Among the facility’s most interesting features is a new rooftop plaza. The plaza can accommodate 150 people and has direct views of the TreeTop Adventure Course. During summer months the plaza serves as an outdoor classroom.

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