The public is invited to enjoy summer evenings at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. On Wednesdays and Thursdays during the months of July and August, Turtle Back will have Family Nights with extended evening hours to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission to the zoo at 8 p.m. In addition, on Wednesday evenings during July and August, Zoo-vies, featuring animal-related movies, will be shown on the top floor of the Turtle Back Zoo Parking Deck.

“Join us for Family Night when the Zoo has extended hours until 8:30 p.m.,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “Take advantage of the late hours when temperatures are cooler and the workday is over. In addition, come out for a family-friendly evening under the stars watching great movies on the top deck of our Zoo parking garage. It’s a great way to spend a summer night and experience Turtle Back in a completely different way.”

During Family Nights, there will be special dinner packages offered at the newly-opened Savanna Café. Family nights will be held on Wed., July 27 and Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Thurs., July 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Families coming to Zoo-vies should bring their own chair or blanket on which to sit. Films will begin at dusk. Admission to the movies is free, and movies will be cancelled in the event of rain. The schedule for Zoo-vies every Wednesday is as follows:  Zookeeper; July 27: Kung Fu Panda 3; Aug. 3: Muppets Most Wanted; Aug.10: Aladdin; Aug. 17: Finding Nemo; Aug. 24: Babe the Gallant Pig; Aug. 31: Zootopia.

Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Regular admission is $11 for children and senior citizens, $14 for adults and free for children under 2 years. For additional information, call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org/turtlebackzoo.