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WEST ORANGE -- New Jersey's Turtle Back Zoo is embracing its namesake animal.

Essex County officials gathered at the zoo Friday to announce the creation of a Sea Turtle Recovery Center at the attraction. The 15,000 square foot rescue will rehabilitate sick or injured turtles, county officials said in a release about the project.

"We are always looking for new opportunities to expand our preservation and education programs and heighten our visitors' awareness about the importance of animals and the environment," County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said in the statement.

"To be able to develop a Sea Turtle Rescue center here in Essex County and help the very animals after which our zoo is named will provide a great resource to the animal rescue community and fill a great need."

The new facility, which is set to open by the end of this year, will have five recovery tanks, a display for cold-stunned turtles, life support systems, and rehab areas for sick turtles, officials said.

According to officials, all six species of sea turtles found in the U.S. are threatened or endangered. Zoo visitors will be able to see the vulnerable animals as they are rehabilitated, officials said. Once the turtles are healthy, they will be released back into the wild.

The center will also be stocked with information about challenges the turtles face, and how people can help.

"The addition of the Sea Turtle Recovery will allow Turtle Back Zoo to take the lead on a conservation initiative that is important for our turtles," said Zoological Society Executive Director Adam Kerins. "The Sea Turtle Program gives us the opportunity to participate in an important conservation effort and make a difference with the turtles."

The recovery center replaces what officials called an "antiquated tortoisry building" that was demolished earlier this year. Design and construction of the new facility tops $2 million, which is being funded by the Essex County Capital Improvement Budget, along with donations from Prudential Insurance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, PSE&G and the Matrix Development Group.

Zoo officials said they anticipate the educational exhibit will be popular among the park's about 750,000 annual visitors.

"Turtle Back Zoo already is a special place where children and families can learn to appreciate animals. Introducing the Sea Turtle Recovery Center helps take our educational programming to the next level and gives us an active role in protecting and preserving wild animals," Turtle Back Zoo Director Brint Spencer said in the release.

"Having the rehabilitation center on site fits into our mission of conservation and expands the potential for animal awareness."

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at

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