Hundreds of Birds Died From Abuse, Neglect at Turtle Back Zoo, Lawsuit Claims

PETA has implicated the Turtle Back Zoo in a lawsuit Thursday with the U.S. Department of Agriculture claiming several hundred birds have died at the West Orange zoo because of abuse and neglect.

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, demanded on its website, the USDA to “actually do its job to protect these animals.”

An investigation by the group reported more than 500 parakeets died in a two-year period from starvation or parasitic infestation at the West Orange zoo. It also claimed a penguin died after being featherless for two years.

“It is irresponsible on the part of PETA to claim our birds have been starved or kept in inferior conditions when we have built an on-site veterinarian hospital, and twice received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums," Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said in an email. 

The lawsuit claims the birds at the Essex County zoo were protected by the federal Animal Welfare Act.

DiVincenzo added, "While we respect PETA’s mission to protect animals, we are outraged that they would characterize Turtle Back Zoo as a ‘roadside’ attraction and frivolously tarnish our reputation with their inaccurate accusations."

In early May, Gov. Chris Christie declared the Essex County zoo was the “best zoo in the state.”

Turtle Back Zoo did not immediately respond Thursday for comment.