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Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

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OPEN DAILY FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. LAST TICKET SOLD AT 3 P.M.

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Conservation Efforts

Beardsley Zoo’s conservation initiatives reach local streams, national habitats, and global ecosystems. Through research, hands-on programs, and citizen science, we empower staff, volunteers, and visitors to make a measurable impact.

Support the Zoo

Your contributions—of time, resources, or expertise—help Beardsley Zoo protect wildlife, expand educational programs, and strengthen conservation efforts, ensuring a thriving future for animals and visitors alike.

Upcoming Events

African Spur-Thighed Tortoises on Habitat
AUG16

Multi-DayMay 22 – Sep 7

African Spur-Thighed Tortoises on Habitat

Date
May 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM – September 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Beginning May 22 and running through Labor Day weekend, guests can explore a special outdoor habitat located just in front of the greenhouse, featuring African spurred tortoises up close. This unique exhibit offers visitors a chance to observe these incredible reptiles in a thoughtfully designed environment that highlights their natural behaviors.

9:00 AM
Monarch Watch Training
AUG19

Monarch Watch Training

Date
August 19, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Category
Monarch Watch

MonarchWatch is a Citizen Science program that teaches volunteers to tag and record Monarch Butterflies. Your contribution will help scientists collect very valuable data to study the population and its migration patterns down to Mexico for the winter season.

Click here to register for the August 19th session at 7pm via Zoom.

7:00 PM
AUG19

Evening Lecture Series: Cognitive Tails - Memory and Object Permanence in Canines

Date
August 19, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Recent research in canine cognition has provided valuable insight into how dogs perceive, remember, and interact with their environment. This talk will focus on research studies related to long-term canine memory, highlighting the role of individual personality differences in problem-solving performance, and the understanding of object permanence abilities in dogs. Register to attend here.

7:00 PM
Sky Hunters in Flight
AUG22

Multi-DayAug 22–23

Sky Hunters in Flight

Date
August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM – August 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM

2 shows per day         
11:00am, 2:00pm
Location:  Red Barn, Amphitheater  

Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action as Skyhunters in Flight returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a limited summer engagement!

Presented by expert handlers Brian and Teddy Bradley, this dynamic show brings you face-to-face with majestic raptors as they soar, glide, and demonstrate their incredible natural abilities. From powerful wingspans to precise hunting skills, each presentation offers a fascinating look at these remarkable birds and the important role they play in our ecosystems.

Shows take place daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Red Barn Amphitheater, giving guests multiple opportunities to catch this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to see these awe-inspiring birds up close - only here for a limited time this summer!

11:00 AM
Monarch Watch Training
AUG27

Monarch Watch Training

Date
August 27, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Category
Monarch Watch

MonarchWatch is a Citizen Science program that teaches volunteers to tag and record Monarch Butterflies. Your contribution will help scientists collect very valuable data to study the population and its migration patterns down to Mexico for the winter season.

Click here to register for the August 27th session at 7pm via Zoom.

7:00 PM
Sky Hunters in Flight
AUG29

Multi-DayAug 29–31

Sky Hunters in Flight

Date
August 29–31, 2026

2 shows per day         
11:00am, 2:00pm
Location:  Red Barn, Amphitheater  

Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action as Skyhunters in Flight returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a limited summer engagement!

Presented by expert handlers Brian and Teddy Bradley, this dynamic show brings you face-to-face with majestic raptors as they soar, glide, and demonstrate their incredible natural abilities. From powerful wingspans to precise hunting skills, each presentation offers a fascinating look at these remarkable birds and the important role they play in our ecosystems.

Shows take place daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Red Barn Amphitheater, giving guests multiple opportunities to catch this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to see these awe-inspiring birds up close - only here for a limited time this summer!

What You're Saying

"Bigger enclosures, the zoo sits on a huge park, utilize some of that park to create more realistic bigger enclosures. No reasons why an animal should be enclosed in a small cage while ppl golf, picnic and smoke using half of that space! Also hire more employees to make sure water is available to each animal. I watch the andean bear pace back and fourth hot with water bowls flipped over. I am happy they have options to stay inside a cooled enclosure. Went on 8/16/2026"

jazz shan

"Beardsley zoo is just a mini zoo, but it's beautiful with various animals plus the beardsley park is also beside it. It's beautiful to take your family there ❤️"

Luke Brissett

"Fun place for a kid. Small zoo. Clean, friendly. Fun for the carousel."

Matthew Recore

"Amazing zoo. Loved it"

joe berg

"Was a little busy but evened out as we went along but it was the weekend. Staff were very courteous. Animals looked very happy and content. Perfect place for my my 5-year-old's birthday"

Ashley Lenart