528050 Lemar Exhibit 003

November 15, 2024 TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE 66 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052 Re: Lemur Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Ave West Orange NJ 08086 To Whom It May Concern, Essex County is proposing to renovate the existing Sealion exhibit. The exterior pool area will be renovated to house lemurs and tortoises. The newly renovated exhibit is designed to create a natural, immersive environment where lemurs can swing freely and interact with their surroundings. This new space will allow the lemurs to move and explore in a way that closely mirrors their natural habitat, with expansive climbing tree structures, Rocky out crops, and open areas where they can roam and exhibit their natural behaviors. The lemur area will be enclosed with a black oxidized stainless steel netting system. The existing observation areas will allow guests to enjoy the playful antics of the lemurs. Visitors will be able to watch them interact with the environment, whether they are leaping from faux vine to faux vine, lounging in the faux Madagascar themed tree, or engaging with other members of their troop. The zoo is also excited to introduce the tortoises to this exhibit, offering visitors a chance to get up close with these fascinating, slow-moving reptiles at the lower portion of the exhibit. Guests can watch them explore their naturalistic habitat and learn about the important role tortoises play in their ecosystems through the educational signage shown around the exhibit area. The existing faux thatch canopy area with raised planters will enhance the exhibit’s aesthetic, while providing a relaxing space for visitors to rest and take in the scene. Ornamental benches and trash receptacles will strategically be placed to keep the area clean and comfortable for zoo-goers. The main building will have the façade renovated with new faux huts and a change in the aluminum siding color. The interior will require minimal renovations to accommodate the Lemurs and the tortoise, such as a new doors to the exhibit, fresh paint and reconfiguration of the den spaces. We hope this brief narrative provides pertinent information to properly inform the public about the Lemur Exhibit renovations proposed at the Turtle Back Zoo. Very truly yours, FRENCH & PARRELLO ASSOCIATES, P.A. Michael J. Piga LLA Manager of Landscape Architecture