There is also the Popcorn park zoo which specializes in exotic animal rescues. Personally, I have never been there.

We tried to go last Sunday .... all the parking lots were full and local police were directing traffic. It was a wait to park and a wait to get inside as well. Reminded me of trying to get into the National Zoo in DC. We gave up on it.

I grew up around there and remember it as a great, small zoo that was always easy to visit.

I hope to be able to get back in there someday and check out the updates and additions.

They also just completed a walking/jogging paved path around the Orange Reservoir just around the corner.

http://essexnewsdaily.com/news/westor ... orange-reservoir-complete

It's a nice small zoo - and a great day away. You do feel very "out of Jersey" when you visit.

lol. i never even knew there were any zoos in nj...other than great adventue, which is really a safari park

http://thealternativepress.com/towns/ ... fer-free-admission-may-31

Admission is usually $11 for adults and $8 for kids. If you haven't been there in a while (or ever) it's a terrific place to spend a couple hours, with or without kids. It's a quick drive out RT7 to 280W. Bring some money if you want to play mini-golf, take the zipline course, or buy some food to feed to the animals.

http://turtlebackzoo.com/category/visit/