Zoo Announces its May Events

4/17/2006

BRIDGEPORT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces its May events, which take place at the Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children 3-11 and seniors, and free to members of the Connecticut Zoological Society. Call 203-394-6565 or visit beardsleyzoo.org for directions and other Zoo information.

May 6 (1 to 4 p.m.) – Zoo Crew. This monthly hands-on educational program held May through November offers teens ages 13-16 an in-depth exploration of animals, conservation and environmental careers. In this session, teens will hear about “Amazing Adaptations” as they learn how animals’ form, function and adaptations help them survive in the wild. Teens will “discover” their very own “new species” and describe it for a scientific journal. Cost is $35. Pre-register and pre-pay at least one week in advance by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.

May 7 (noon to 3 p.m.) – International Migratory Bird Day. Learn about these amazing creatures that cross two continents every year. There will be talks, presentations, crafts and demonstrations to teach you how to make your backyard a haven for these beautiful birds.

May 9 (10:30 – 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.) – Zoo Tots. This program for children ages 18 months to three years (who are accompanied by an adult) may include stories, games, crafts and a live animal presentation. This session is entitled “Big & Little.” The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.

May 13 (2 to 3 p.m.) – The Zoo’s Adult Lecture Series presents “Connecticut Farms and Wildlife Habitats” by Jane Slupecki, Agricultural Marketing and Inspection Representative of the Department of Agriculture. In the Zoo’s Hanson Exploration Station. Free. Sponsored by Aquarion Water Company.

May 14 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – Mother’s Day. Free admission to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo for all those hard-working moms who are accompanied by their (paying) families.

May 20 – 21 (noon to 3 p.m.) – Bear Awareness Weekend. Sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife, the weekend will feature talks and crafts about bears, including Beardsley's two Andean bears.

May 27 (12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) – Farmin' Fever. The Zoo partners with the Fairfield County Farm Bureau to present an afternoon of learning about farm animals and farming with former Connecticut resident Chris Rowlands, an entertainer whose audience participation program will get everyone involved. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self-penned songs such as "Cud Chewing," a tribute to cows.

May 27 (2 to 3 p.m.) – The Zoo’s Adult Lecture Series presents “Houseplants 101” by Jacqueline Granata, Greenhouse staff at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. In the Zoo’s Hanson Exploration Station. Free. Sponsored by Aquarion Water Company.


ABOUT CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open year-round and exhibits primarily North and South American animals, including many endangered and threatened species. Highlights include a Tropical Rainforest, New England Farmyard, Alligator Alley aviary, Carousel, and Victorian Greenhouse.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit aza.org.

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