You Can Be A Zookeeper for a Day!

5/19/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – May 19, 2009 — If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a Zookeeper, this is your big chance. One lucky bidder will have a chance to experience this unique prize as part of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's annual "Bidding Green for the Zoo" auction. This year, the auction will be even "greener" than ever because it is completely online! Items on the auction block include everything from the once in a lifetime chance to be a Zookeeper for a day to week-long vacation getaways to coveted sports tickets, and more.

"Everyone wants to see what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes, so here's their chance," said Zoo director Gregg Dancho. "Now, more than ever, we are counting on the community to bid on great prizes to support Connecticut's only zoo."

The Zookeeper for a day package includes a three hour adventure for two - behind the scenes at the Zoo - with your choice of area: Predator, Rainforest or Farmyard. "Keepers" under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum eligibility for winners is age 6. Tour runs from 8:00 am - 11:00 am, with lunch from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm in our Café!
Cape Cod house for a week: Get away for three to seven days with up to 10 people! This classic and charming Cape Cod house in North Eastham has two double beds and six twin beds - perfect for your closest friends or family! Walk to the beach or drive a few blocks to the panoramic National Seashore.

A close up encounter with a beluga whale: Experience the Beluga Contact Program at the Mystic Aquarium! Spend time in the water with the whales and their trainer. You'll get to touch this majestic animal and even pat its tongue. You'll also see first-hand how these amazing mammals are trained. The Beluga Contact Program is an once in a lifetime opportunity!

Nantucket cottage for a week: Enjoy this charming cottage that sleeps six. It's near town and has brand new everything! This space getaway features a living room with a cathedral ceiling, kitchen, two bedrooms and bath on the first floor, with a spiral staircase leading to a second floor master bedroom.

Guided family hike at the Nature Conservancy's Devil's Den Nature Preserve: Explore the undisturbed wilderness at the 1756-acre Nature Conservancy's Devil's Den Preserve in Weston, CT. Five members of a single family (ages 7 and up) can enjoy the three hour hike with Zoo Educator Jim Knox, with picnic style lunch and snacks included. Don't forget your camera and binoculars!!!

Private chef for a night: Brian Malcarney, chef and owner of Blue Lemon in Westport, will cook and provide a scrumptious dinner for six in your home!

Yankee tickets for 4: (July 1st game) vs. Seattle Marniers. Fabulous field level seats!

Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey tickets for 4: for "Over the Top" at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport!

Bidding opens on Friday, May 22 and runs through Monday, June 22, 2009. To view, donate or bid on items go to http://www.ctbeardsleyzoo.cmarket.com/bidgreenforthezoo.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 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.
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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