Discover the History of Turtle Back Zoo

Dec. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Turtle Back Zoo from local author Brint Spencer and Caitlin A. Sharp. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories from this New Jersey zoo.

With 140 animals of 40 species, the Turtle Back Zoo opened in 1963 as a seasonal children’s zoo. The community and county government brought the zoo to life, while the Essex County Park Commission administered its daily functions. With funds generated from the sale of land for highway development, architects and builders selected a fairy tale, Hans Christian Andersen aesthetic for their theme. The Turtle Back Zoo was an instant success and its popularity led to it becoming a year-round attraction that appealed to all ages. The family recreation experience came to include wildlife conservation education as well.

In the early 2000s, the zoo was renovated and a first-class animal hospital was built to serve the growing animal collection. The site is now recognized as a first-rate, modern zoo and is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Images of America: Turtle Back Zoo helps share the story of this legendary zoo through vintage images chronicling the zoo’s growth and development. The book walks readers through the transformations of each decade the Turtle Back Zoo has been in operation and sheds light on the zoo’s goals for the future.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.