ZOO PATROL RETURNS TO CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO

FAMILIES CAN NOW REGISTER FOR A WILD SUMMER ADVENTURE

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Families can now secure their spot for a wild summer at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo as registration opens for Zoo Patrol. The zoo’s immersive, hands-on youth program invites children and young teens to explore wildlife up close and experience Beardsley in a whole new way.

Each week is packed with outdoor exploration, interactive learning, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Participants spend much of the week outside, with each day focused on a different area through custom guided adventures, animal encounters, and engaging staff-led presentations that introduce kids to enrichment, veterinary care, and real-world conservation.

Families can also add an extra dose of wildlife magic with a special Zoo Patrol add-on: an Animal Adoption Box. Kids can take home their box to remember their week and stay connected to their favorite species long after camp ends. Adoption boxes are distributed every Friday at the conclusion of that day’s session and proceeds directly support the Zoo’s conservation and education efforts. Boxes can be added during registration and include:

• Three mini stuffed animals
• Adoption certificate 
• Animal fact card 
• Animal bookmark 
• “Proud to Be Saving Species” sticker 
• Four-pack of crayons 

 
Zoo Patrol is offered for children ages 7–10 and 11–13, with sessions running throughout the summer. 

2026 Zoo Patrol Session Dates 

• June 29 – July 3 (Ages 11–13) 
• July 6 – July 10 (Ages 7–10) 
• July 13 – July 17 (Ages 11–13) 
• July 20 – July 24 (Ages 7–10) 
• July 27 – July 31 (Ages 11–13) 
• August 3 – August 7 (Ages 7–10) 
• August 10 – August 14 (Ages 7–10) 

 
Program Details:  
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m (Drop-off: 8:50–9:10am | Pick-up 12:30pm) 
Cost (per week): $295 for Zoo members | $320 for non-members 
Location: Hanson Building / Kathy Brady Education Center 

Children should bring a nut-free snack, water bottle, sunscreen, and anything else they may need for a fun outdoor adventure. 

Space is limited and sessions fill quickly. To learn more or register, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.

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 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

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