March Comes in Like a...Tiger? at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

2/20/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—February 20, 2009—Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, is pleased to release their March 2009 programming calendar. Special new animal exhibits such as the new male tiger, Booskin, and the male ocelot "Miracle Kitten" will highlight an exciting and informative month of events at the Zoo. Most events are free with admission to the Zoo, unless otherwise noted.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $9.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Members of the Connecticut Zoological Society are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.

March 10: Zoo Tots, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
This monthly program for children 18 months to three years, who are accompanied by an adult, may includes stories, activities, crafts and live animals. This session, entitled "The Eyes Have It," will focus on animal eyes. Pre-registration is required by calling 203-394-6563. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child.

March 17: St. Patrick's Day

A little short on green these days? No problem! Kids wearing anything green clothing today will have the luck 'o the Irish on their side and get in free when accompanied by a paying adult!

March 18: Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project, 7:30 pm
Get involved in helping wildlife in Connecticut! The Great Hill Block of the Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project (CAMP) is recruiting volunteers to help determine the status of Connecticut's frogs, toads and salamanders. Interested families and individuals will learn how they can become involved in this important statewide conservation program. Live amphibians will be on-hand to assist with amphibian identification training in the Zoo's Hanson Building. Volunteers may sign-up for search dates directly following each session; please bring a calendar. For more information and to register for a workshop, please contact Linda Tomas at 203-332-4249 or ltomas@beardsleyzoo.org.

March 21: Urban Ecology Conference -
Citizen Science: What is it? 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Environmental field scientists and researchers bring their discoveries to our world in a number of ways. However, they cannot do it alone. They rely on the volunteerism of interest and committed citizens to work alongside them. The conference will feature a number of scientists who are doing important environmental research. Whether they are restoring habitat, working as educators, community gardeners, observing, measuring, and recording various species of plant or animal kingdoms, they will be explaining their projects, inviting your questions, and extending an opportunity to participate in their work. Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, will the keynote speaker for this full day information sharing session, co-sponsored by the Zoo and the Bridgeport Community Land Trust. Registration fee is $30 for adults and $20 for youth, students, seniors, Zoo and Bridgeport Community Land Trust members. Lunch is included. Pre-registration is recommended by contacting Jeanne at (203) 394-6576 or jyuckienuz@beardsleyzoo.org.

March 24: Tiny Adventurers, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Children age three to five (and one caregiver) will learn about an animal or area of the Zoo by visiting a Zookeeper and having a special talk. We will also create a craft and meet one of our education animals up close. March's topic is "The Wonders of Wolves." There are two sessions -- 10:30 am and 1:00 pm. Participants must call the Education Department at 203-394-6563 for reservations. The fee is $10 for members (one adult and one child) and $15 for non-members (one adult and one child).

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About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org