Upcoming Events
May 10
Dinosaur Day Learn More

May 11
Mother’s Day Learn More

We Are Open...
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Directions and Info

Contact Info:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610

Main Number: (203) 394-6565

Events

The talented staff and contributors to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo design special events and programs throughout the year. Our beautiful grounds also provide the perfect setting for a variety of musical concerts. Visit this portion of our site often to see what’s coming up!

Featured Event

Dinosaur Day
Date: 5/10/2008  -  5/10/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Stomp around in the Zoo’s life-size dinosaur footprints that are placed throughout the Zoo for children to explore. Staff from Dinosaur State Park and Nature's Art & Dinosaur Crossing will bring information and artifacts. The day includes a dinosaur children's craft and related storytime.
All Events

May 2008

Dinosaur Day

Date: 5/10/2008  -  5/10/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Stomp around in the Zoo’s life-size dinosaur footprints that are placed throughout the Zoo for children to explore. Staff from Dinosaur State Park and Nature's Art & Dinosaur Crossing will bring information and artifacts. The day includes a dinosaur children's craft and related storytime.

Mother’s Day

Date: 5/11/2008  -  5/11/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
Free admission to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo for all those hard-working moms who are accompanied by their (paying) families.

Zoo Tots

Date: 5/13/2008  -  5/13/2008  ( 10:30 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. )
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, entitled “Hop To It,” will focus on animals that hop, jump and even bounce. 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.

Zoo Tots

Date: 5/13/2008  -  5/13/2008  ( 1 p.m.  to 2 p.m. )
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, entitled “Hop To It,” will focus on animals that hop, jump and even bounce. 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.

Project WET

Date: 5/16/2008  -  5/16/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 3 p.m. )
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) teacher training. Project WET is a collection of multidisciplinary water-related activities for ages 5 through 18 that are hands-on, easy to use, and fun! The lessons incorporate a variety of formats, such as large and small group learning, whole-body activities, laboratory investigations, discussion of local and global topics, and community service projects. The guide also features cross-reference and planning charts, a glossary, and background material on activity development and field-testing. Cost is $35 per participant. Call CT DEP at 203-734-2513 to register.

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands teacher workshop.

Date: 5/17/2008  -  5/17/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands teacher workshop. Teachers are invited to join the Zoo for this day-long workshop that introduces basic wetland ecology, including soil, water and plants, as well as wetland functions and values through fun and interactive activities in lesson plan format. WOW! is a recommended resource by the National Science Teacher’s Association. Cost is $5 per participant and includes curriculum guide. Call Environmental Concern at (410)-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org to register. Cost is $45 per participant, with a $5 discount if you register before 4/17/08.

Bear Awareness Weekend

Date: 5/17/2008  -  5/17/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife, the weekend will feature talks and crafts about bears.

Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 5/21/2008  -  5/21/2008  ( 7 p.m.  to 9 p.m. )
A representative from the Zoo’s “Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show will discuss the upcoming summer program. The summer program includes free flight birds and combines their natural behaviors with a conservation message. Lecture takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

Farmin’ Fever

Date: 5/24/2008  -  5/24/2008  ( 12 p.m.  to 3 p.m. )
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.

“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show

Date: 5/24/2008  -  9/1/2008  ( various )
“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show. THIS SUMMER ONLY the Zoo will host a free-flight bird show. This wildly entertaining and educational show uses non-traditional, free flight birds (such as raptors, hornbills and parrots) and combines their natural behaviors with a conservation message which will engage, inspire and empower people of all ages. A number of routines use volunteers from the audience! Presented by Steve Martin’s “Natural Encounters,” this one-of-a-kind, live performance exhibit showcases birds from around the world exhibiting their natural behaviors. These colorful and intriguing birds will give zoo visitors a close encounter experience they will always remember. The shows will take place in the Zoo’s “Learning Circle” outdoor theater. Martin, who previously worked at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and also presented “The World of Birds Show” at zoos nationwide, is one of the best-known trainers in the world. The show was recently hosted at the Philadelphia Zoo and at the Texas State Aquarium.

Show times are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

All show times are subject to chance and may be cancelled due to bad weather.

Stratford BioBlitz

Date: 5/31/2008  -  5/31/2008  ( 10 a.m.  to 3:30 p.m. )
Watch scientists identify wonderful and interesting animal and plant species that are collected in open space areas of Stratford during this 24-hour bioblitz. Researchers and biological surveyors will collect data on the diversity of species that occur within Stratford’s open spaces. Habitats available for the Stratford survey include two beaches, a salt marsh, a cranberry bog, rivers, streams, ponds and a mixed hardwood forest. See live animals that represent the identified species and learn about conservation through fun activities, displays and educational programs. Attend the Closing Ceremony hear how many species were found. Held in the Zoo’s Hanson Exploration Station. Zoo admission not required.

June 2008

Wildflower Safari

Date: 6/1/2008  -  6/1/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Join us for crafts and other flower-related activities as we plant the seeds of knowledge about beautiful flora.

Members’ Night

Date: 6/5/2008  -  6/5/2008  ( 6:00 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m. )
Zoo Members are invited to one of the Zoo’s most anticipated and enjoyed events. The evening features music, face painting, kiddie rides, clowns, performers, kettle corn, snow cones, and, of course, the Zoo’s wonderful animals. Current Zoo membership is required, and the fee is $25 per family, although members may bring guests for an additional $10 per person. For membership information, call 203-394-6574.

Zoo Tots

Date: 6/10/2008  -  6/10/2008  ( 10:30 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. )
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, entitled “Where Do I Live?” will focus on animal habitats. 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.

Zoo Tots

Date: 6/10/2008  -  6/10/2008  ( 1 p.m.  to 2 p.m. )
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, entitled “Where Do I Live?” will focus on animal habitats. 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.

Father’s Day

Date: 6/15/2008  -  6/15/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
Free admission to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo for all those
dedicated dads who are accompanied by their (paying) families.


Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 6/18/2008  -  6/18/2008  ( 7 p.m.  to 9 p.m. )
Zoo Keeper and Registrar Linda Tomas will present a talk/workshop on the Zoo’s environmental enrichment program. Come learn about how we keep our animals mentally and physically fit! Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

Animal Enrichment Day

Date: 6/28/2008  -  6/28/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Visit the Zoo and see how the staff enriches the lives of the animals in its care. Staff and volunteers will be stationed around the Zoo at selected animal areas talking about "toys" and activities provided for the Zoo’s animals. Animal environmental enrichment helps keep animals active mentally and physically. Information will also be available to take home explaining ways people can enrich the lives of their pets at home. A variety of animal enrichment items will be available for visitors to see, and they may even go home with a prize for themselves! This event is sponsored by the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo American Association of Zoo Keepers Chapter.


Animal Tales storytelling program

Date: 6/30/2008  -  8/22/2008  ( 2 p.m.  to 3 p.m. )
Stories and live animal presentations for children. Weekdays only.

July 2008

Zoo Patrol Session I

Date: 7/7/2008  -  7/11/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

Big Truck Day

Date: 7/13/2008  -  7/13/2008  ( 12:00 p.m.  to 3 p.m. )
Local companies will display trucks such as an excavator, articulated loader, backhoe, dump truck, cement truck, ditch witch, crane, Bobcat, and amphibious vehicle. A local fire department will also showcase a fire truck.

Zoo Patrol Session I.

Date: 7/14/2008  -  7/18/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 7/16/2008  -  7/16/2008  ( 7 p.m.  to 9 p.m. )
Master Wildlife Conservationist Dave Wright will discuss "Backyard Wildlife Habitats: Or, Build It and They Will Come." The presentation focuses on the following: How backyards can assist in the preservation of habitat for wildlife; What can be learned from these backyard wildlife habitats; The pros of cons of a backyard dedicated to wildlife; The downsides of a yard made more appealing to wildlife; The four elements of a backyard wildlife habitat; How to begin a backyard habitat; and What to avoid in a backyard habitat. Wright is president of the Trumbull Land Trust, serves on the Board of Directors for Connecticut Audubon's Milford Coastal Center, leads nature walks for the Town of Stratford's Recreation Department, and is a member of the Connecticut Outdoor Environmental Educators Association. His yard has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, and Trumbull Land Trust. The lecture takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

Day of the Ocean

Date: 7/20/2008  -  7/20/2008  ( noon  to 3 p.m. )
Celebrate International Day of The Ocean by exploring the wonders of ocean life. Highlights include live marine creatures, marine biology experts and oceans of fun with crafts.

Zoo Patrol Session II.

Date: 7/21/2008  -  7/25/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This intensive, hands-on, summer program is offered for youth between the ages of 12 and 15 years. This session provides an in-depth view of life at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. Each day's activities vary and may include Animal Care talks by staff members, animal diet preparation, hands-on lab activities, and much more. Participants must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

Zoo Patrol Session III

Date: 7/28/2008  -  8/1/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 10-12 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

August 2008

Zoo Patrol Session II

Date: 8/4/2008  -  8/8/2008  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This intensive, hands-on, summer program is offered for youth between the ages of 12 and 15 years. This session provides an in-depth view of life at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. Each day's activities vary and may include Animal Care talks by staff members, animal diet preparation, hands-on lab activities, and much more. Participants must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

Zoo Patrol Session I

Date: 8/11/2008  -  8/15/2008  ( 9:00 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Date: 8/17/2008  -  8/17/2008  ( 12:00 p.m.  to 3 p.m. )
Free admission for children under age 12 who bring their teddy bear to the "Teddy Bear Clinic" and are accompanied by a paying adult. The day will also feature children's crafts and storytelling.

Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 8/20/2008  -  8/20/2008  ( 7:00 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m. )
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

Zoo Patrol Session I

Date: 8/20/2008  -  8/24/2008  ( 9:00 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.

September 2008

Wild Wine Safari

Date: 9/5/2008  -  9/5/2008  ( 6:30 p.m.  to 10:00 p.m. )
The Zoo’s annual adults-only Wine and Food Tasting features approximately 80 fine wines, beers, cordials, exotic hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, music and more. “Jungle safari” attire is encouraged. Ticket prices to be determined. For event sponsorship and ticket information, call the Zoo’s Development Department at 203-394-6573.

Zoo Tots

Date: 9/9/2008  -  9/9/2008  ( 10:30 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. )
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, entitled “Night and Day,” will focus on differences between the animals that move during the night and those that move during the day. 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.

Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 9/17/2008  -  9/17/2008  ( 7:00 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m. )
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

October 2008

Zoo Tots

Date: 10/7/2008  -  10/7/2008  ( 10:30 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. )
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, entitled “Not So Scary,” will focus on animals associated with Halloween. 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.

Adult Evening Lecture Series

Date: 10/15/2008  -  10/15/2008  ( 7:00 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m. )
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.

Wolf Awareness Day

Date: 10/19/2008  -  10/19/2008  ( 12:00 p.m.  to 3:00 p.m. )
Learn about wolves, including the Zoo's three species: timber wolves, endangered red wolves and endangered maned wolves.

Boo at the Zoo

Date: 10/26/2008  -  10/26/2008  ( 12:00 p.m.  to 3:00 p.m. )
Free admission for children under 12 in costume accompanied by their (paying) families. The event will feature a magician, music, candy, games and crafts.

November 2008

America Recycles Day

Date: 11/9/2008  -  11/9/2008  ( 12:00 p.m.  to 3:00 p.m. )
Enjoy the "Recycle Relay Game," learn fun and fascinating environmental facts about recycling, and make crafts from recycled materials.

Zoo Tots

Date: 11/11/2008  -  11/11/2008  ( 10:30 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. )
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, entitled “What’s For Dinner?” will focus on what animals eat. 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.


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