Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Welcomes Historic Birth of Five Baby Cotton Patch Geese

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce a joyous first in its history – the birth of five baby Cotton Patch Geese on March 21st. This momentous occasion marks the first time this threatened heritage breed has been born on zoo grounds, underlining the zoo’s dedication to the conservation of rare and endangered species. 

​The Cotton Patch Goose, once a staple on Southeastern farms for their ability to weed cotton and corn fields, faced decline in numbers by the mid-20th century. The birth of these goslings not only represents a significant achievement in heritage breed conservation but also adds a new chapter to the zoo’s ongoing efforts to educate and connect the public with the importance of biodiversity and species preservation.

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The proud parents, an adult pair of Cotton Patch Geese who are just over a year old, successfully hatched their goslings after a 33-day incubation period. The zoo staff closely monitored the development and were thrilled to welcome the new additions. With females typically showcasing grey plumage and males white, these goslings display the distinct characteristics of their breed.
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“We are overjoyed to witness the successful breeding and birth of these Cotton Patch Geese,” said Gregg Dancho, Zoo Director. “It’s a significant step forward in our mission to protect and preserve wildlife, offering an incredible opportunity for our visitors to learn about the importance of agricultural heritage and watch the babies grow right here at the zoo.”
The goslings will spend their summer at the zoo, allowing guests to observe their growth and development. The zoo encourages visitors to come and meet these charming new members of the zoo family, highlighting the role that each species, no matter how big or small, plays in the ecosystem.

In addition to being a cause for celebration, the arrival of the Cotton Patch Geese goslings serves as a reminder of the zoo’s commitment to educational programming and conservation initiatives. Through events like these, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo continues to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world among its visitors. The zoo looks forward to sharing the progress of these goslings with the public and remains dedicated to its role as a conservation leader in the community.

For more information about the Cotton Patch Geese, visiting hours, and other zoo attractions, 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 Andean bear, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and a new prairie dog exhibit that we’ll cut the ribbon on soon! 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 can be purchased on the Zoo’s website.

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