Twenty Participants Will Practice Chemical Immobilization of Domestic and Wildlife Species at Zoo’s Hanson Building
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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – April 13, 2023–Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will host the San Diego Global Safe Capture chemical immobilization course on April 19 and 20 at the Hanson Building. The session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. At times during the course, class participants will be outside the building training with delivery apparatus that look similar to handguns and rifles. Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been notified of the training, as has the Bridgeport Police Department.
 
Developed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy, the training course provides the most complete, up-to-date instruction available on the chemical immobilization of animals. Taught by veterinarians and biologists who specialize in remotely delivered anesthetic agents, the program is considered to be the standard in chemical immobilization training and promotes humane capture and handling of animals. The objective is to handle an animal not acclimated to human contact in a manner that inflicts the least amount of stress and adds a safety factor for both the animal and human. The training will include zoo staff from a number of zoos in the region.

First Baby Otters Born at the Zoo in More than a Decade
 
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – April 6, 2023 – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is happy to announce the birth of four North American river otter pups (Lontra canadensis), born on March 23, 2023. After a two-month gestation period and a few days past her fourth birthday, Tahu gave birth to her litter of four. Freshwater river otters give birth on land, in dens, where the pups remain secluded with their mother for a period of about eight weeks. 
 
The pups underwent a quick neonatal exam on Wednesday, March 29 by the Zoo’s animal care staff, ensuring that all four pups were of adequate weight and healthy. The birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population for the long-term future. The Zoo allows animals to exhibit natural behaviors, so first-time mother Tahu is being given space to raise her litter without staff assistance. 

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – April 3, 2023 – Animal lovers, wine and beer aficionados, and food connoisseurs from near and far will gather in an exotic atmosphere for the annual “Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari” benefitting Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM (rain or shine). The evening will include live entertainment by The Navels on the stage at our Peacock Pavilion, our famous ‘Lucky Duck’ fountain game, as well as a fabulous 75+ item silent auction.
 
“This event sells out every year and it’s easy to understand why. What could be better than enjoying the Zoo on a beautiful early summer night while sampling food, wine, and beer, with live music and animals on exhibit?” asked Gregg Dancho, zoo director. “A special thank you to all of our sponsors who make this an unforgettable evening each year.”