A veterinary exam at the Turtle Back Zoo in northern New Jersey brought visitors to the new treatment room. A young sulcata tortoise received a health check, and guests watched through a window. During the examination, the tortoise had measurements, X-rays, microchipping, and a blood test. Zoo officials said that only a few zoos in the United States let the public watch animal medical care. This system is used to show transparency about animal welfare. The zoo opened in 1963 and now has about 150 species. It built a USD 17 million hospital in April to improve care and learning.

During the checkup, staff showed that the tortoise was difficult to handle because it pulled its legs inside its shell. Zoo representatives said the tortoise had been found on a local street and may have been released after becoming too large for a home enclosure. Zoos in Nashville and Oklahoma City use similar viewing rooms to build trust and show medical work. The Turtle Back Zoo plans to use this system to help people learn about animals and understand conservation.