Beardsley Zoo’s Rainforest Reopens with Debut of Evita the Ocelot and Scarlet Surprises

Bridgeport, CT – The wild beauty of the tropics can be found at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo with a new look and new animal species. The zoo is thrilled to announce the soft opening of its refreshed Rainforest Building, where vibrant greenery, and a variety of bird and animal species will once again greet visitors. The refresh started this past winter and is now alive with new sights, sounds, and species, including some striking new residents ready to steal the spotlight.
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Guests will notice the revitalized atmosphere with new tropical plantings, beautifully redone exhibit walls, and improved pathways that breathe new life into the experience. The rainforest is humming with energy, and this is just phase one! Renovations will continue into the fall, including additional upgrades to elevate the visitor’s journey and support the care and wellbeing of the animals that call the Zoo home.

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With the return of the rainforest comes a warm welcome for some remarkable new animals:​

Meet Evita, a captivating 14-year-old ocelot who now calls the Rainforest Building home. Evita brings her sleek beauty and quiet mystery to the jungle floor. With her expressive eyes and dappled coat, she embodies the spirit of the rainforest. Evita is currently adjusting to her surroundings and has access to her behind-the-scenes space as she settles in. Visitors may need a keen eye to catch a glimpse of this shy feline, but the reward is well worth the wait.

Soaring into the rainforest canopy are two new 10-year-old Scarlet Ibises, who join the Zoo’s existing male ibis to form a vibrant bachelor trio. These elegant, flame-red birds bring movement, color, and charisma to the exhibit. As they explore their surroundings and settle into their new social flock, guests can enjoy the visual spectacle of their stunning plumage.
Together, Evita and the ibis mark the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Rainforest Building that celebrates the stunning beauty of our animals, the lush nature of the tropics, and the Zoo’s commitment to growth, conservation, and wonder. And with more improvements on the horizon, this is just the start. The Rainforest Building has reopened, and it’s never been more alive.
 
For more information and tickets, please visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features over 300 animals representing 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 a 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 must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.
 

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