BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – August 31, 2023 - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is pleased to release its calendar for September through December 2023. Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo, so make plans to get outside with the family for fresh air while the beautiful weather lasts! The Zoo plans fun and educational special events and seasonal programs for the entire family, most of which are free with the cost of admission. Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook for the most up to date information. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for all the latest event information at www.beardsleyzoo.org! Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please register online at www.beardsleyzoo.org. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $19.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $15.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $15.00 and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. It’s Always a ZOO-PER Day
at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – August 31, 2023 - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is pleased to release its calendar for September through December 2023. Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo, so make plans to get outside with the family for fresh air while the beautiful weather lasts! The Zoo plans fun and educational special events and seasonal programs for the entire family, most of which are free with the cost of admission. Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook for the most up to date information. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for all the latest event information at www.beardsleyzoo.org! Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please register online at www.beardsleyzoo.org. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $19.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $15.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $15.00 and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and parking at the zoo is free of charge. DAILY HOURS The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9-4, year-round. Peacock Café: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grill closes 30 minutes before closing. Carousel: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Final ride at 3:45 p.m. September 2023 Skyhunters in Flight, Sept 2, 3, 4, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Master Falconer Brian Bradley presents his birds of prey educational program, Skyhunters in Flight, at the Adventure Amphitheater for the last time this summer. Bradley is among the nation’s premiere wildlife presenters. Don’t miss his final shows on Sept 2, 3, and 4 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world, and learn how these beautiful birds play an important role in our environment at the top of the food chain. Discover their amazing adaptations for survival in the wild and hear about the ancient sport of falconry and its training techniques. Sept 4, National Wildlife Day This National Day is an opportunity to learn more about endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries, and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved. Sept 9, Fairy Tales Day: A Magical Day with Storybook Characters, 10-2 Once upon a time in a zoo not so far away, there was a day for all children to dress up like their favorite storybook characters! On Saturday, September 9, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, glitter tattoos, and animal presentations! Seven different costumed storybook characters will be on Zoo grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Performances of “A Princess Tea” by Legacy Theater will take place on the Peacock Pavilion Stage at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sponsored by Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare. September 10-16, Red Wolf Week The American red wolf is the rarest wild animal in the US and the most endangered wolf in our nation and the world. Red wolves have the incredible power to shape the landscape in a way that benefits plants, animals and people. Their presence has a domino effect on their surroundings, leading to a balanced ecosystem. Follow our Facebook page for information about their critically endangered status and join us for a Facebook and Instagram Live event that week. Sept 11, 17th Annual Golf Tournament\ Gather three coworkers, friends or family members and join us at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for fun and fundraising! One of the oldest country clubs in America, this course will challenge and exhilarate even a seasoned golfer with a rating of 72.5 and a slope of 135. Enjoy an open bar, exciting silent auction, and raffle. Can’t attend? There are unique sponsorship opportunities including Tee Sponsors, Contest Sponsors, and more. Register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/golf.html or contact the Zoo at (203) 394-5522. Weds, September 13, Red Panda Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m. Sept 14 through December 2, Glow Wild Lantern Festival Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 50 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Donuts, pretzels, and beverages will be available at the café’s side window. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. NOTE: there will not be a Glow Wild Lantern Festival on Thanksgiving night, Thurs, Nov. 23. Sept 16, International Red Panda Day, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas. Sept 20, Evening Lecture Series: Vampire Bats, Miranda Dunbar, 7 p.m. Southern Connecticut State University Biology Professor Miranda Dunbar will present a lecture on vampire bats. According to Professor Dunbar, bats are especially important because they provide more ecosystem services than many other vertebrate species. Among bats, vampire bats (not found in Connecticut, although Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo does house a captive colony!) are particularly unique. From their interesting social behaviors and dietary preferences to the medicinal properties of their saliva, we’ll dig into the fascinating biology of vampire bats. With plenty of beautiful imagery, tales from the field, and neat biological specimens that you’ll have the opportunity to hold if you wish, you’ll leave having a better understanding and appreciation for this special group of animals. “What we can’t see scares us, and bats, being nocturnal animals, aren’t often seen,” Dunbar says. “There are so many tall tales built around these animals, and so few of us who study bats to correct these myths. Let’s amend that.” The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html September 22, AARP FREE Day; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you’re an AARP cardholder, preregister at the link below to receive free admission for you and one guest to receive free admission to the Zoo on September 22! Pre-Registration required. Register with AARP here Sept 30, End of Season FrogWatch Party, 1:00 p.m. If you’re a Citizen Scientist who helped with FrogWatch this year, you’re invited to our end-of-season celebration of all things froggy! October 2023 Glow Wild/Lantern Festival, continues through December 2 Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Donuts, pretzels and beverages will be available at the café’s side window. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. NOTE: there will not be a Glow Wild Lantern Festival on Thanksgiving night, Thurs, Nov. 23. October 20: International Sloth Day This holiday raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of sloths, native South and Central American animals. Come find our two Two-toed sloths, Rhubarb and Hope, hiding in our Rainforest Building. The two-toed sloth is a mid-size animal with brownish-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage. Hint: look up! October 21, National Reptile Awareness Day Each year on October 21, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing. October 24-31 Bat Week Each year Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature. Bat Week is organized by conservation organizations from across the United States and Canada. Learning opportunities for guests will be held all week, with crafts and fun activities at the Kathy Brady Education Center. Come visit our Vampire bats and participate in special activities all week long! Crafts, games and displays will be offered on grounds on Sat Oct 28 and Sun Oct 29. There will be virtual activities posted to the Zoo’s website from Oct .24 to Oct. 31. October 29: Boo at the Zoo, Noon - 3:00 pm (Rain or Shine!) A spooktacular afternoon that’s a longstanding family tradition! Enjoy a DJ and music, special Halloween activities in the Kathy Brady Education Center, story-times, cool critters, and seasonal treats for sale! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through. Costumes encouraged! November 2023 Glow Wild/Lantern Festival, continues through December 2 Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Donuts, pretzels and beverages will be available at the café’s side window. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. NOTE: there will not be a Glow Wild Lantern Festival on Thanksgiving night, Thurs, Nov. 23. November 5: National Bison Day Join us at the Kathy Brady Education Center and learn more about America’s largest mammal. These giants weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds and eat up to 50 pounds of grasses a day. Vast herds once roamed our prairies and open woodlands but were driven to near extinction by early settlers and bison hunters. The last few animals kept in zoos formed the basis for the entire new (and protected) population. November 11, Zoo Gala at the Inn at Longshore, Westport An elegant evening affair will be held at the Inn at Longshore, Westport. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will celebrate 101 years of educating guests about the importance of wild animals and wild places while providing the community with a wonderful place for families to enjoy time together. Join us for dinner, cocktails, musical entertainment, animal encounters, and silent & live auctions at a spectacular venue. All funds raised this evening directly support the Zoo’s mission of conserving critically endangered species and educating the public about their plight. Interested supporters can contact Ashley Volkens, Director, Development and Marketing, at 203-394-6569, or at [email protected]. November 11: Veteran’s Day Veterans get in free, with a 20% discount for their families. November 22: Zoo Closes Early Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m. November 23: Thanksgiving/Zoo Closed December 2023 December 9 and 10, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person. Information here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/frosty.html December 14, National Monkey Day Every year on December 14 this National Day celebrates around the world recognize the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Monkeys live all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent animals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too. December 16 and 17, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person. Information here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/frosty.html December 23, Breakfast with Frosty, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A full buffet breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit with Santa and his elf, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person. Information here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/frosty.html December 24/Christmas Eve: Zoo closes early Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m. December 25/Christmas: Zoo closed December 31/New Year’s Eve: Zoo closes early Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m. January 1, 2023/New Year’s Day: Zoo closed. Visit our Tropical Greenhouse Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, you can see several plant species flowering, and feed our colorful Koi fish in their pond. It’s a short walk through another world. Free with Zoo admission. # # # About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our new Andean Bear Habitat, Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. 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. Comments are closed.
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ContactConnecticut’s Beardsley Zoo appreciates the support it receives from local, regional and national media outlets. Media representatives are invited to tour Archives
October 2024
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