Social Media Talk About Turtle Back Zoo Was ‘Hoax’ Says Essex County Executive

During Wednesday’s tropical storm, there was some fake news circulating about Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo and therefore the safety of animals. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. released this statement Thursday morning, dispelling the false rumors:

“The social media message stating that animals have left Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is unequivocally false. Turtle Back is an accredited facility that takes the care and welfare of our animals very seriously. beforehand of Hurricane Ida, our animal care team secured all the animals indoors and staff remained on the grounds to watch things. There was no loss of power and every one of our animals and animal areas weathered the storm well and remain safe and secure within the power .”