OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anthony Puglisi (Essex)
August 3, 2007 973-621-2542
Rebecca Acevedo (Commerce)
856-470-3201
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND COMMERCE BANK
ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO BENEFIT ESSEX COUNTY TURTLE BACK ZOO
Popular Animal Story Boxes and Collector Keys Return after 15-Year Hiatus
West Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. was joined by Commerce Bank representatives on Friday, August 3rd to announce a new corporate partnership to benefit Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Commerce will sponsor Story Boxes that contain music and information about animals at the zoo – which will be the first time these educational devices have been available at Turtle Back in over 15 years.
“The Story Boxes were a popular attraction when they were at Turtle Back years ago, and we still have people who bring in their old keys. The Story Boxes add another educational dimension to our Zoo and will help our visitors get a better understanding of our animals,” DiVincenzo said. “We are proud to be partnering with Commerce Bank on this exciting addition. The Collector Keys will generate excitement about Turtle Back Zoo and gives children a special token to remind them of their visit,” he added.
Beginning this weekend, visitors arriving at the Zoo will be able to purchase gold collector keys to operate the new “Story Boxes.” When the key is inserted into the box, a song about the featured animal will play. When the key is inserted upside down, interesting facts about the animal will be heard. There currently are 14 boxes randomly placed throughout the Zoo, featuring the Otters, Alligators, Red Panda, Bobcat, Cougar, Penguins, Essex Farm and others. The Story Box located near the entrances features information about Turtle Back Zoo and the historic Essex County Park System. The boxes are solar powered and the messages were recorded by animal keepers, educators and Docents from Turtle Back Zoo.
Collector keys are shaped like elephants and can be purchased at the front entrance of the Zoo. Each key can be purchased for $3 and all proceeds will benefit the Zoological Society of New Jersey. The collector keys can be used until December 2008. The cost of the key is not included in the regular Zoo admission price and the key cannot be used for admission to the Zoo.
“Commerce is committed to providing those we serve with the tools and resources to help communities and people thrive,” said Commerce Bank Central New Jersey Market Manager D. Nick Miceli. “We are proud to partner with the Zoo to access the technology that will help children learn and grow,” he added.
As part of a multi-year deal, Commerce Bank will contribute a total of $45,000 to support the Story Boxes. In addition, the bank will help promote Turtle Back Zoo in its nine Essex County stores.
A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the Commerce philosophy. Commerce Bank’s overall Corporate Giving Program has contributed more than $56 million to nonprofit organizations, helping improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. Commerce Bank provides financial and other support to educational, community, human service, arts and health-related programs, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
Revitalizing Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
In September 2006, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is among only 217 facilities worldwide that are accredited. Earning accreditation is a clear indication that an institution is committed to the highest standards in animal care, ethics, conservation and education. In addition, new attendance records have been set in each of the last two years. A 20-year-old record was broken in 2005 when 211,449 visitors came to Turtle Back Zoo. Last year, a new record was set with 258,406 visitors.
Since taking office in 2003, DiVincenzo has spearheaded over $13 million in upgrades to Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, including $7 million for the Reptile and Education Center, $1.2 million for the open air dining pavilion and playground, $125,000 for the Otter Exhibit, $100,000 for the Wolf Exhibit, $50,000 for the Alligator Exhibit, $850,000 for the Red Panda Exhibit and entrance enhancements; $100,000 for the North American Animal Exhibit, $1.2 million for the 18,000-square-foot Black Bear Exhibit featuring Jelly and Jam, $2 million for the 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Animal Hospital, $500,000 for the 3,360-square-foot Essex Farm Petting Zoo, $10,000 for the 15,000-square-foot South American Animal Exhibit and $500,000 to upgrade fencing and infrastructure to meet AZA requirements. All funding has been provided through Green Acres grants, existing capital improvement bonds, or donations from the Zoological Society, Essex County Parks Foundation, corporations or private foundations. Corporations that have provided support include Prudential Financial, Inc., Wachovia Bank, PNC Bank, PSE&G, Verizon, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Pepsi Bottling Company, North Fork Bank and Commerce Bank.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system in the United States. It has been expanded to include about 6,000 acres of land. There are 17 parks, five reservations, a zoo, ice skating rink, environmental center, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, miniature golf course, two off-leash dog facilities and a castle. Turtle Back Zoo is located in Essex County’s South Mountain Reservation and was opened to the public in 1963. There are 100 different species of native and exotic animals from five continents featured at Turtle Back Zoo.
# # #