(Bridgeport, CT) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of seven playful Guinea hog piglets to the farmyard family. Proud parents Ethel and Harry Plopper welcomed their piglets on Sunday, August 31st with little ones who are already stealing hearts and giving the Zoo a joyful last gift of summer.
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Guinea hog piglets are known for their quite amazing early development, being born with their eyes open and the ability to move around immediately. Our newest additions are already full of energy and exploring their surroundings with curiosity.

"We are thrilled to welcome these piglets to our Zoo family," said CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Dr. Jim Wharton. "Guinea hogs are a heritage breed at risk of becoming an endangered domestic species, so we are proud to play a role in ensuring their survival. Watching the piglets grow and interact is a fun experience that we’re excited to share with our visitors."​

The public is invited to visit the farmyard and see the piglets alongside their mother, where their playful antics are sure to charm guests of all ages.​

(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its wildly popular Glow Wild Lantern Festival, kicking off September 25th through December 14th, every Thursday through Sunday evening from 5:30-9:30 p.m. This year, guests can expect all new lanterns and offerings to become part of the glow in the zoo’s illuminating after-hours adventure.

​This year’s lanterns will take guests on a glowing journey through time with prehistoric Dinosaurs and under the sea fun with fish. Over 50 large-scale, lighted sculptures will transform the Zoo’s pathways into a world of wonder. Returning favorites like the breathtaking 100-foot dragon and expanded interactive themed areas offer more glowing moments for guests of all ages.

​(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Something bold is brewing at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. In a new partnership with Sound Coffee, the Zoo is proud to introduce Beardsley Blend, encouraging guests to stay wild and stay grounded. This small-batch coffee debuted earlier this summer at the Zoo’s highly anticipated Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari and is now pouring in the Peacock Café and available for purchase in the gift shop.
Blended locally and roasted with purpose, Beardsley Blend isn’t just a great cup of coffee, it’s a commitment to conservation. A portion of every bag sold supports the Zoo’s mission to educate, engage, and inspire conservation action.
“This collaboration brings together two local organizations passionate about community, sustainability, and great flavor,” said Jeff Roy, Founder of Sound Coffee. “Beardsley Blend is more than a coffee, it’s a way to bring people together around something meaningful.”
Taste the flavor of Sound Coffee and plan your next visit to the zoo, click here for tickets https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/.
 
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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 Red Pandas, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and 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 may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org
About Sound Coffee Co. Sound Coffee Co. is an independent coffee roaster based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, crafting small-batch coffee that reflects a love of place, music, and sustainability. From its café locations to pop-up events and wholesale partnerships, Sound Coffee is dedicated to roasting with care and connecting people through great coffee. Learn more at www.soundcoffees.com.

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of Pilatus, a one-year-old male red panda traveling from Chattanooga Zoo to join us here in Bridgeport.
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Pilatus, born in June 2024, made the journey north as part of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP) a nationwide conservation effort to ensure a healthy and genetically diverse red panda population in human care. Pilatus will be paired with Beardsley Zoo’s own female red panda, Ponya, in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat with the hope that their future together contributes to this important mission.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Pilatus to our Zoo family,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Red pandas are an endangered species, and his arrival represents not only an exciting addition to our animal residents, but also our continued commitment to wildlife conservation and education.”