“Beary” Big News: Beloved Teddy Bear Festival Returns to Beardsley Zoo with a Real Bear Reunion

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to welcome families to the beloved Teddy Bear Festival on Saturday, July 19, from 10 am to 2pm. This cherished tradition brings joy and education together on a fun-filled day designed especially for children and their favorite stuffed plush. This year, the event also celebrates the exciting arrival of Nicole, a 13-year-old Andean Bear, and new member of the Zoo’s animal family!

The featured highlight of the day is the Teddy Bear Clinic, hosted in partnership with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and sponsored by State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program offering children the chance to bring their plush companions for gentle pretend medical care. Pediatric specialists will be there to greet children through engaging check-ups and bandaging - helping to demystify the healthcare experience in a nurturing and playful setting.

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Credit: Queen's Zoo

“We believe in nurturing both the health and imagination of every child,” said Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at the Bridgeport Campus of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “The Teddy Bear Clinic offers an interactive way to help children feel more comfortable with medical care, encouraging empathy and curiosity. We’re proud to partner with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a day that’s not only filled with fun, but also supports growth, family bonds, and a passion for learning.”

Adding to the festival’s excitement is the arrival of Nicole, the mother of Nuna, one of the Zoo’s existing Andean Bears, making this a heartwarming family reunion with mother and her offspring. As she acclimates to her new habitat, guests may spot Nicole exploring her surroundings. With Nicole’s arrival, the Zoo is now home to three female Andean Bears and continues its critical work as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to protect and conserve this vulnerable species.

“This year’s Teddy Bear Festival is a wonderful tradition and celebration of family in every sense,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “While children care for their plush companions at the Teddy Bear Clinic, we’re also excited to share this day to welcome Nicole.   Nicole is a real mother bear reunited with daughter Nuna. We can’t wait to share this ‘beary’ special day with visitors of all ages.”

In addition to the clinic, the festival will include activities and educational opportunities around grounds. Families can enjoy outdoor exploration, learning more about wildlife care and the importance of conservation through interactive fun.

Admission to the festival is included with regular Zoo entry, and advance ticket purchases are encouraged to ensure a full day of adventure, learning, and unforgettable encounters.

For more information and tickets, please visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.

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