Free admissions offered to those who get vaccinated at N.J. zoo – NJ.com

Those who get a coronavirus vaccine at Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo on June 5 will also get free admission to see the animals.

Only visitors who get their first dose that Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be eligible for free admission to the zoo in West Orange. Those who already have been vaccinated will not be eligible for the voucher, a county spokesman said.

“Offering visitors to Turtle Back free admission may be an incentive for some people who are hesitant to get vaccinated,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “Turtle Back Zoo is a popular family destination and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our loved ones from contracting the virus.”

State officials have also started separate vaccine incentives for New Jersey residents.

Those who get vaccinated against the coronavirus can get free season state park passes and wine at nine vineyards across New Jersey. Residents can also have a chance to win dinner with Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife.

The Pfizer and Johnson&Johnson vaccines will be administered at the zoo. People ages 18 and older will be eligible to receive either vaccine, and children between the ages of 12-17 will only be eligible for the Pfizer shot.

There are no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine. The county is allowed to bill medical insurance $40 if someone has health insurance, but those without a carrier will be covered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

The free admissions zoo voucher may be used through Sept. 1, 2021.

Turtle Back Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for senior citizens over 62 and children ages 2 to 12. Children under 2 go in for free.

Those without a voucher for free admission must purchase tickets online ahead of visiting to promote social distancing. For more information, visit the zoo’s website or call 973-731-5800.

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Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.