To our Zoo Patrol Families,

After a very long and thorough review, we have made the difficult decision to forgo our perennially popular Zoo Patrol program for 2021. We value your support, and we look forward to seeing you this summer for our on-grounds critter chats throughout the Zoo. Please look for details on our website in the weeks ahead.

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Meet the Experts

Jen Farrell

Zoo Educator

Jen joined Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo as an adult volunteer in the Winter of 2014. Having completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology of the same year, Jen wanted to put her people skills to a more focused use by pairing her natural love of animals and nature into teaching. Jen began her education career by working as an outdoor trail and science educator for Nature's Classroom for 4 years. Jen was brought on as a seasonal staff member of the Zoo as a coordinator of the Zoo's award-winning CDC program in 2016. In 2018, Jen was made a full-time educator at the Zoo, teaching all ages in the Zoo's on and off grounds programs, while also coordinating backyard conservation projects such as: Trout in the Classroom, FrogWatchUSA, and Monarch Watch.

Jen is also a part of the Distance Learning and video production team with the hopes to connect with many people from all around the world with a shared passion for science, nature, and the conservation of our planet. 

Justin Vaughan

Zoo Educator

Curious by nature, Justin first came to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo as an intern in the summer of 2013. With a background in reptile care and theater, he became passionately dedicated to teaching conservation through the Zoo's student outreach programs; taking a lead role in the summer Zoo Patrol program the following year. Since becoming a full time employee, Justin has visited countless schools, libraries, and summer camps on Zoomobiles. He has pursued the opportunity to join the Distance Learning Initiative at the Zoo, and now oversees a majority of the Zoo's video production. Justin has a BS in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University. 

He is proud to encourage stewardship of the planet and stands in awe of the many students who have shown their dedication to making the world a better place!