Calendar

AT THE ZOO

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm.
We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. We close at 12pm on the days before these holidays.
Hours are subject to change due to weather and operational capacity.

AT THE ZOO

See Below for What's Happening Around the Zoo!

SEPTEMBER

Sept 2, 3, 4, Sky Hunters in Flight, 11 & 2
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to bring Master Falconer Brian Bradley back to the Adventure Amphitheater this summer. Bradley is among the nation’s premiere wildlife presenters and will be presenting two shows each Saturday and Sunday at 11 am. and 2 p.m. through September 3. Guests will be amazed as they watch birds of prey in free flight as Bradley demonstrates their special powers. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world, and learn how these beautiful birds play an important role in our environment at the top of the food chain. Discover their amazing adaptations for survival in the wild and hear about the ancient sport of falconry and its training techniques.

September 4, National Wildlife Day
This National Day is an opportunity to learn more about endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries, and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.

September 9, Fairy Tails Day
On Saturday, September 9, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, performances and animal presentations! The day of fun and fantasy is sponsored by the Connecticut Children's Pediatric Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.

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September 10-16, Red Wolf Week
The American red wolf is the rarest wild animal in the US and the most endangered wolf in our nation and the world. Red wolves have the incredible power to shape the landscape in a way that benefits plants, animals and people. Their presence has a domino effect on their surroundings, leading to a balanced ecosystem. Follow our Facebook page for information about their critically endangered status and join us for a Facebook and Instagram Live event that week.

September 11, 17th Annual Golf Tournament
Gather three coworkers, friends or family members and join us on Monday, September 11 at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for fun and fundraising! This year's tournament will feature a traditional shotgun start, grill lunch, and buffet dinner.

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Wednesday, September 13, Red Panda Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.

Sept 14 through December 2, Glow Wild Lantern Festival
Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Donuts, pretzels, and beverages will be available at the café’s side window. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent.

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Sept 16, International Red Panda Day, 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas.

Sept 20, Evening Lecture Series: Vampire Bats, Miranda Dunbar, 7 p.m.
Southern Connecticut State University Biology Professor Miranda Dunbar will present a lecture on vampire bats. According to Professor Dunbar, bats are especially important because they provide more ecosystem services than many other vertebrate species. Among bats, vampire bats (not found in Connecticut, although Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo does house a captive colony!) are particularly unique. From their interesting social behaviors and dietary preferences to the medicinal properties of their saliva, we’ll dig into the fascinating biology of vampire bats. With plenty of beautiful imagery, tales from the field, and neat biological specimens that you’ll have the opportunity to hold if you wish, you’ll leave having a better understanding and appreciation for this special group of animals.
“What we can’t see scares us, and bats, being nocturnal animals, aren’t often seen,” Dunbar says. “There are so many tall tales built around these animals, and so few of us who study bats to correct these myths. Let’s amend that.” The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html

September 22, AARP FREE Day; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you’re an AARP cardholder, preregister at the link below to receive free admission for you and one guest to receive free admission to the Zoo on September 22! Pre-Registration required. Register with AARP here

Sept 30, End of Season FrogWatch Party, 11:00 a.m.
If you’re a Citizen Scientist who helped with FrogWatch this year, you’re invited to our end-of-season celebration of all things froggy!

October

Glow Wild/Lantern Festival, continues through December 2
Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Donuts, pretzels and beverages will be available at the café’s side window. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. NOTE: there will not be a Glow Wild Lantern Festival on Thanksgiving night, Thurs, Nov. 23.

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October 20, International Sloth Day
This holiday raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of sloths, native South and Central American animals. Come find our two Two-toed sloths, Rhubarb and Hope, hiding in our Rainforest Building. The two-toed sloth is a mid-size animal with brownish-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage. Hint: look up!

October 21, National Reptile Awareness Day
Each year on October 21, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing.

October 24-31, Bat Week
Each year Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature. Bat Week is organized by conservation organizations from across the United States and Canada. Learning opportunities for guests will be held all week,
with crafts and fun activities at the Kathy Brady Education Center. Come visit our Vampire bats and participate in special activities all week long! Crafts, games and displays will be offered on grounds on Sat Oct 28 and Sun Oct 29. There will be virtual activities posted to the Zoo’s website from Oct .24 to Oct. 31.

October 26, Zoo Tots: Not So Scary, 10:30am
It’s Creepy…It’s Crawly… It’s Cute! Come meet all our critters that crawl, hiss & fly while celebrating spooky season with the Zoo!

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October 29, Boo at the Zoo, Noon-3:00pm (Rain or Shine!)
A spooktacular afternoon that’s a longstanding family tradition! Enjoy a DJ and music, special Halloween activities in the Kathy Brady Education Center, story-times, cool critters, and seasonal treats for sale! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through. Costumes encouraged!

November

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November 5, National Bison Day
Join us at the Kathy Brady Education Center and learn more about America’s largest mammal. These giants weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds and eat up to 50 pounds of grasses a day. Vast herds once roamed our prairies and open woodlands but were driven to near extinction by early settlers and bison hunters. The last few animals kept in zoos formed the basis for the entire new (and protected) population.

November 11, Zoo Gala at the Inn at Longshore, Westport
An elegant evening affair will be held at the Inn at Longshore, Westport. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will celebrate 101 years of educating guests about the importance of wild animals and wild places while providing the community with a wonderful place for families to enjoy time together. Join us for dinner, cocktails, musical entertainment, animal encounters, and silent & live auctions at a
spectacular venue. All funds raised this evening directly support the Zoo’s mission of conserving critically endangered species and educating the public about their plight. Interested supporters can contact Ashley Volkens, Director, Development and Marketing, at 203-394-6569, or at avolkens@beardsleyzoo.org.

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November 11, Veteran's Day
Veterans get in free, with a 20% discount for their families.

November 15, Zoo Tots: Harvest Time, 10:30am
There is a lot to be thankful for in November! Come learn about what the animals like to eat, and where we collect some of these foods right here at the zoo.

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November 22, Zoo Closes Early
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.

November 23, Thanksgiving/Zoo Closed

December

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December 9 and 10, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person.

December 14, National Monkey Day
Every year on December 14 this National Day celebrates around the world recognize the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Monkeys live all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent animals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too.

December 14, Zoo Tots: Long Winters Nap, 10:30am
It may be getting colder, but there are many furry friends that love the winter! Come have a bear-y fun time at the zoo.

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December 16 and 17, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person.

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December 23, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person.

December 24/ Christmas Eve, Zoo Closes Early
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.

December 25/Christmas, Zoo Closed

January

January 1, 2023/New Year’s Day, Zoo closed.

Visit our Tropical Greenhouse
Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, you can see several plant species flowering, and feed our colorful Koi fish in their pond. It’s a short walk through another world. Free with Zoo admission.