Construction has begun to convert the former Sea Lion Sound Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo into a new island habitat for endangered lemurs.

The $3.9 million project aims to create a “dynamic centerpiece exhibit” that will help protect one of the world’s most endangered mammals, county officials said.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, lemurs face a critical threat, with up to 90% of all species potentially facing extinction in the wild within 20 to 25 years.

“While we were disappointed to close the Sea Lion Sound, we do believe the lemurs will become the new dynamic centerpiece at Turtle Back Zoo,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said in a statement.

The existing pool will be transformed with rockwork and landscaping to resemble the rocky beach to forest landscape where lemurs are naturally found.

A mesh enclosure will cover the exhibit and interior animal holding areas will be adapted for the exhibit’s new residents. Viewing areas for the public will be expanded.

Jillian Fazio, director of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, emphasized the project’s alignment with the zoo’s conservation mission.

“As an AZA accredited zoo, preserving the biodiversity of our natural world is one of our primary missions,” she said in a statement. “This new habitat will provide an opportunity to highlight partnerships we have created over the past several years to support efforts to save these species.”

The project’s funding comes from a $1 million allocation from the Essex County Capital Budget and a $2.7 million grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board.

French and Parrello from Wall will design the exhibit for $199,500, while AB Contracting from Wharton will handle construction for $3,707,974.

The zoo relocated its remaining sea lion to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility last summer after determining the existing habitat no longer met current standards for marine mammal care.

Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $22, with reduced rates for seniors and children.

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Submit Essex County community news to essex@njadvancemedia.com.

Questions about this post may be directed to Linda O’Brien at lobrien@njadvancemedia.com.

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