Unplanned Bear Escape at Zoo in New Jersey
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May 29, 2025Unplanned Bear Escape at Zoo in New Jersey
Unplanned Bear Escape at Zoo in New Jersey
At the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, a bear briefly escaped its cage on Thursday but was quickly caught, according to authorities.
The event happened prior to the zoo's daily public opening, according to county officials. According to authorities, neither guests nor employees were in any immediate risk.
The elderly bear, a 20-year-old black bear named Jelly, entered through an unguarded gate and was found by zoo employees less than five minutes later, only a short distance from her cage in a section that is closed to the public.
The bear was contained by zoo employees according to established procedures and put back in its habitat.
The county operates the Turtle Back Zoo, which is situated in West Orange. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has granted it accreditation.
