Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a listing of questions regarding the Zoo's reopening. If you do not see your question answered, or need further information, please complete the form at the bottom of the page and a member of our staff will reach out to you. Thank you! 

Please note: Your ticket is rain or shine. In case of an electrical storm, we will move guests to an indoor location but keep people socially distanced. We do not offer refunds due to weather.

1. Do I need to wear a mask?

Beginning May 1st, the Zoo will follow the state of Connecticut’s and Governor Lamont’s recommendations and guidelines in regards to mask wearing. Although we strongly recommend that guests continue to wear masks while visiting the Zoo, when you are outside and are maintaining social distancing, you may remove your masks.
 
Please note that if social distancing cannot be maintained –for instance, in lines at the front gate, at the café, or gift shop kiosk outdoors—you should wear your mask. In addition, in any indoor area, masks are required. 
 
OUTDOORS: Masks can be removed if you can maintain social distancing.
 
INDOORS OR WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING IS DIFFICULT: Masks must be worn. 

2. Will you be selling masks?

​No, we ask that you come with your own masks (face covering, bandana, scarf, face mask, etc.).

3. Will there be food for sale?

The Peacock Cafe is reopened with the following guidelines: 

1. 10 guests will be permitted in the building at one time and is for ordering only. ( no dining room or bathroom access.)
2. 1 person per household will be permitted in the building for ordering.
3. Please adhere to the social distance 6 ft markers are both inside and outside.
4. There  will be a Pick-up zone outside café for both online and indoor ordering.
5. Credit cards only accepted.
6. ATM has no accessibility.
7. There will be plexi-glass hanging between cashier and guest for safety.
8. A limited menu with combos will be available for purchase.
9. Food will be available for purchase from 9:00am-4:00pm (Grill closes at 3:30pm). 

​You may bring your own food to the Zoo.

There is bottled water available for sale at the Gift Shop kiosk. 

4. Can I bring my own food to the zoo?​

​Yes, you can bring your own food and refreshments.
 
We recognize that eating on our grounds will require our guests to temporarily remove their masks. Please practice social distancing in our Picnic Grove and stay at least 6 feet away from other guests who may also be eating. Please dispose of your trash in our trash cans. 

5. Can I bring a stroller, wagon or wheelchair?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own.

6. Will there be strollers or wheelchairs for rental?

Not at this time. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own. 

7. Will the gift shop be open?

​No. All buildings on-grounds will be closed. Limited purchases will be available from an outside kiosk.

8. How will parking be handled?

You should park 6 feet apart if possible to encourage social distancing. There should be plenty of spaces available as number of guests is limited.

9. Will there be hand sanitizer stations?

​Yes, but we can’t guarantee quantities will be available all day, depending on demand. Please bring sufficient quantities for your own use. 

10. Are restrooms open?

​Restrooms at the Café and Front Gate area will be open. Restrooms will be checked and cleaned frequently through during the periods of time when the zoo is open.

11. How do I purchase a ticket? Will there be discounts available?

All tickets must be purchased online prior to your Zoo visit. Click here to purchase. When you arrive at the Zoo, please have your confirmation email (phone or printed) ready for check-in.
 
Tickets:
​Adult Admission (ages 12 & older) = $16.00
Child Admission (ages 3 -11) = $13.00
Senior Admission (62 & older) = $13.00
Under 3 years = FREE

If you are unable to purchase tickets for a specific day and time, that means that day has sold out.
Because of this, we are unable to accept in-person discounts (AARP, Military Discount, etc.) at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

12. What is happening to my membership?

​All memberships that were current at the time the Zoo closed will have three months added to the membership to cover the period of time the Zoo was closed. New memberships purchased during the Zoo closure will start June 1st and will also have three months added to the membership. 

Members should have received an email from the Zoo with their discount code for reserving tickets. If you did not, please contact us at membership@beardsleyzoo.org.

13. I purchased a Zoo membership while you were closed. How will I get my membership card?

If you purchased or renewed a membership while the Zoo was closed, it has been processed. Our Membership Department has begun printing and mailing membership cards and they should arrive shortly.  You are welcome to use the receipt you received by email when you joined or renewed online until your cards arrive. 

14. How often is the Zoo being cleaned?

​The Zoo will be thoroughly cleaned before our 9am opening and mid-day from noon-1pm. Restrooms will be cleaned multiple times throughout the day. 

15. Will you be using our information for contact tracing?

​Only if required by the state.

16. Are members still able to bring guests?

Yes, if you have a higher level membership that includes guests as long as there is no more than five in a group.  Unfortunately, we are not able to redeem “Bring-a-friend” passes at this time.

17. What happens in the event of rain?

Your ticket is rain or shine. In case of an electrical storm, we will move guests to an indoor location but keep people socially distanced. We do not offer refunds due to weather.

18. How can I make sure our separate family groups will be admitted at the same time?

​We cannot guarantee how groups enter. Please plan your visit accordingly. 

19. What buildings are open?

Some indoor buildings are currently closed. They include the Gift Shop, Canteen, Welcome Center, and the Research Station.