Bridgeport, CT- (April 21, 2025) Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo turns up the heat for this year’s Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari on Saturday June 7th , with a next-level, local celebrity twist.

​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce that Chef Cathy Cann, the culinary queen behind Cat’s Kitchen of Connecticut, will be featured during VIP Hour at this year’s must-attend fundraising event! Cathy Cann was recently a participant on FOX’s hit show "Next Level Chef" with Gordon Ramsay, where her bold flavors and creative cooking took the stage.

Guests at the VIP Hour on Saturday, June 7th will get a chance to taste Cat’s creations in person—before the gates open. With early entry, special animal encounters, and exclusive pours from Foolproof Brewing, Sound Coffee and Bites Company, this experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Tickets for VIP hour are limited and almost sold out, click here for your tickets https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html.

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce its annual Party for the Planet, a vibrant Earth Day celebration dedicated to wildlife, conservation, and environmental education. Saturday, April 19th, from 9am-3pm, is a day designated for engaging activities designed to inspire and empower individuals to make a positive impact on our planet. 

Event Highlights: Beardsley Park Community Cleanup: Volunteers kickstart the day in a community cleanup from 9am to 12pm. Participants will help beautify Beardsley Park and the waterfront, contributing directly to the health of our local environment. Due to popular demand, this activity is at capacity.

Bridgeport, CT – (March 18, 2025) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CBZ), the state’s only accredited zoo and a leader in wildlife conservation, is thrilled to announce a grant of $40,000 from the Avangrid Foundation’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. This funding will be used to acquire vital veterinary equipment that will enhance the Zoo’s ability to provide exceptional medical care for its animals, support wildlife rehabilitation, and contribute to global conservation efforts.

“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of wildlife care and conservation,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “We are grateful to the Avangrid Foundation for their commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting animal welfare.”

The Zoo’s veterinary team plays a critical role in caring for animals from one hundred species, including several that are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program. These programs are vital for the conservation of endangered species such as the Amur leopard, red wolf, and Andean condor.​

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce a spectacular lineup of events from March through June 2025, offering fun-filled activities for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and community members of all ages. From celebrating World Wildlife Day to enjoying the Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari, there’s something for everyone. With warmer days ahead, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo offers the perfect family escape, with activities that inspire wildlife conservation and provide fun for visitors of all ages. So, mark your calendars and join the adventure at Connecticut's only zoo. 

MARCH 2025

March 13: Featuring FrogWatch Training and the opportunity to become a citizen scientist! Learn about the vital role amphibians play in the ecosystem and how to identify various species of frogs in Connecticut. Find out how to become a certified FrogWatch Volunteer. Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/frog-watch.html 

March 13: The first of the season and a family favorite, this Zoo Tots program Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring runs 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM. Children aged 22 months to 4 years old will enjoy this fun-filled, 30- minute session featuring stories, songs, crafts, and live animals, all focused on seasonal changes and how animals adapt. Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html.

March 20 is the First Day of Spring. Welcome the new season with a visit to the Zoo and witness the awakening of nature as animals and plants embrace spring