​BRIDGEPORT, CT (April 1, 2026) Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites guests to experience one of the region’s most anticipated events of the season as the Wild Wine, Food & Beverage Safari returns this summer. This 21+ event is celebrating 20 years and will take place on Saturday, June 6th, offering an evening of food, drink, and entertainment in a unique zoo setting. Guests will enjoy tastings from more than 50 restaurants, caterers, and beverage vendors while exploring the Zoo after hours. The evening will feature live music, interactive games, a premium silent auction, and opportunities to encounter some of the Zoo’s animals up close. Tickets go on sale TODAY so don’t miss your chance to eat, drink, and go wild for a great cause!
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Click here for tickets and more details https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html 

What: Beardsley Zoo is excited to announce that its newest Black-handed Spider Monkey baby is a female! To celebrate this new addition, the Zoo is inviting the public to select her name by voting in an online poll.

Who: Baby Girl Spider Monkey - Born on December 18, 2025 and thriving under Janet’s care Janet (Mother Monkey) – Arrived at Beardsley Zoo in 2022, experienced and attentive mother

Why: Black-handed Spider Monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they play an important role in maintaining healthy rainforest ecosystems. The species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, making births like this especially significant. This arrival reflects Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s continued commitment to conservation, education, and cooperative breeding efforts.

Vote: The Zoo is asking the public to choose the baby’s name! Animal Care Specialists selected three beautiful name options, each inspired by the spider monkey’s natural range.

Voting is open until Thursday, March 5th, at 11:59 PM. Name Choices:
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• Esperanza (hope)
• Mirabel (wonderful)
• Reyna (queen)

Only votes submitted through this link form will count: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/yvWxLTE/spidermonkey

Name Reveal: The winning name will be announced to the public on Friday, March 6th at 10am via the Bearsley Zoo social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctbeardsleyzoo/?hl=en

Media Opps: Call or text 203-257-0031 for footage / photos of Janet & baby spider monkey.

FAMILIES CAN NOW REGISTER FOR A WILD SUMMER ADVENTURE

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Families can now secure their spot for a wild summer at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo as registration opens for Zoo Patrol. The zoo’s immersive, hands-on youth program invites children and young teens to explore wildlife up close and experience Beardsley in a whole new way.

Each week is packed with outdoor exploration, interactive learning, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Participants spend much of the week outside, with each day focused on a different area through custom guided adventures, animal encounters, and engaging staff-led presentations that introduce kids to enrichment, veterinary care, and real-world conservation.

Families can also add an extra dose of wildlife magic with a special Zoo Patrol add-on: an Animal Adoption Box. Kids can take home their box to remember their week and stay connected to their favorite species long after camp ends. Adoption boxes are distributed every Friday at the conclusion of that day’s session and proceeds directly support the Zoo’s conservation and education efforts. Boxes can be added during registration and include:

• Three mini stuffed animals
• Adoption certificate 
• Animal fact card 
• Animal bookmark 
• “Proud to Be Saving Species” sticker 
• Four-pack of crayons 

 
Zoo Patrol is offered for children ages 7–10 and 11–13, with sessions running throughout the summer. 

2026 Zoo Patrol Session Dates 

• June 29 – July 3 (Ages 11–13) 
• July 6 – July 10 (Ages 7–10) 
• July 13 – July 17 (Ages 11–13) 
• July 20 – July 24 (Ages 7–10) 
• July 27 – July 31 (Ages 11–13) 
• August 3 – August 7 (Ages 7–10) 
• August 10 – August 14 (Ages 7–10) 

 
Program Details:  
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m (Drop-off: 8:50–9:10am | Pick-up 12:30pm) 
Cost (per week): $295 for Zoo members | $320 for non-members 
Location: Hanson Building / Kathy Brady Education Center 

Children should bring a nut-free snack, water bottle, sunscreen, and anything else they may need for a fun outdoor adventure. 

Space is limited and sessions fill quickly. To learn more or register, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and prairie dog exhibit. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org

BRIDGEPORT, CT – 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 support the purchase and implementation of a Therapeutic 
(Cold) Laser unit, a non-invasive tool that will enhance medical care for the Zoo’s animals and support 
continued rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

The Therapeutic Laser unit will allow CBZ’s veterinary team to provide advanced treatment options for a 
wide range of species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, helping to address pain, inflammation, 
arthritis, and wound recovery. The technology supports healing through targeted light therapy and offers 
an effective, low-stress treatment option for animals in care.

“This grant is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the animals at Connecticut’s 
Beardsley Zoo,” said Dr. Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “We are grateful to the 
Avangrid Foundation for supporting innovative veterinary tools that allow our team to provide the highest 
standard of care and continue our work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.”
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CBZ’s veterinary department plays a critical role in caring for animals across the Zoo, including species 
involved in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Saving Animals 
From Extinction (SAFE) programs. These programs contribute to the long-term survival of endangered 
species through collaborative breeding, research, and conservation initiatives.

“Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has long been a vital part of our local community, providing education, 
inspiration, and hands-on conservation every day. The Avangrid Foundation’s grant will help expand the 
Zoo’s capacity to deliver advanced, compassionate care to animals in need, critical work that protects 
wildlife and strengthens the ecosystems we all depend on,” said Pablo Colón, Director of Corporate 
Citizenship and Executive Director of the Avangrid Foundation.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites the public to visit and learn more about the Zoo’s mission in 
conservation, education, and animal care. For tickets and additional information, please visit 
www.beardsleyzoo.org.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing 
primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean 
bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey 
Habitat, and new prairie dog exhibit. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and 
participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of 
endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.

About Avangrid Foundation: The Avangrid Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds 
philanthropic investments that primarily impact communities where Avangrid, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate. 
Since 2001, the Avangrid Foundation and its predecessors have invested more than $45 million in partnerships that 
focus on building sustainable, vital and healthy communities; preserving cultural and artistic heritage; advancing 
education; and improving people’s lives. The Avangrid Foundation is committed to advancing the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals in the United States. For more information, please 
visit https://www.avangrid.com/avangrid-foundation.