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Jelly the Bear Escapes Enclosure at Turtle Back Zoo

Incident Date:
05/29/2025
Location:
West Orange, NJ - USA
Facility Name:
Turtle Back Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Bears
Animal:
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

WEST ORANGE, NJ – A 20-year-old black bear briefly escaped her enclosure at Turtle Back Zoo on May 29, prompting a swift response from zoo staff that resolved the situation within minutes, officials said. The bear, named Jelly, wandered through an unlocked gate around the enclosure and was found less than five minutes later in a non-public area just a few feet from where she had gotten out, according to Essex County officials. “She was never near visitors or in a location accessible to the public,” said a county spokesperson. “At no time were visitors or staff in any immediate danger.”

The incident occurred before the zoo opened to the public. Zoo personnel followed established safety protocols to contain the bear, who is considered geriatric at 20 years old. An investigation determined the gate had been left unlocked due to human error. County officials said they are reviewing protocols and launching extensive retraining efforts to prevent a similar occurrence.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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