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March 1, 2020
350NJ-Rockland joined an important Essex County, NJ coalition to oppose the expansion of Turtle Back Zoo into the South Mountain Reservation.
We are against the county spending $8.6 million in taxpayer money to further expand the Turtle Back Zoo & destroy the reservation.
Despite widespread community opposition, Joe DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders has requested a $4 million state grant to start a project to expand the Turtle Back Zoo by building a 500 seat stadium which would involve cutting down 100 mature trees. The purpose would be to showcase animals like a giraffe and a buffalo 5 times a day with lights and video screens. A rally was held on March 1st, led by middle school and high school students, against shrinking the forest, exploiting the animals, and contributing to climate change. Hundreds of people representing many organizations, including 350NJ-R, attended. For more information click here.
