TripAdvisor: Turtle Back Zoo in Top 10 Percent of Businesses Worldwide

Turtle Back Zoo has consistently achieved rave reviews from its visitors and it's paid off.

One of the world's largest Internet travel sites TripAdvisor has given the West Orange zoo the 2013 Certificate of Excellence, Essex CountyExecutive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced.

The worldwide honor highlights travel destinations that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews for its hospitality excellence. 

“The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is the best kind of recognition to receive because it comes directly from our visitors’ comments and shows how memorable a time they have at the Zoo. This outpouring of support demonstrates that Turtle Back is a beloved institution and we thank our visitors for their kind words,” DiVincenzo said. 

The Zoo received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on travelers’ feedback posted on the TripAdvisory website. This rating places Turtle Back in the top 10 percent. 

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

DiVincenzo added, “The Zoo is a special place where an afternoon wildlife adventure can raise awareness about the importance of animals and conservation while creating family memories that will last a lifetime."

Current hours for the Zoo are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for children and senior citizens, and free for children younger than 2 years. For more information, please call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.