Things are a little cooler this summer with the opening of Penguin Plaza until September 30th
Four African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)have moved into their new summer home at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo with the much-anticipated opening of the Penguin Plaza exhibit. Three males, Tubbs, Sal, and South, and one female, Squirt, will be zoo guests until September 30.. The birds will splash and play in a new temporary exhibit featuring a 30,000-gallon pool located next to the Peacock Café. Visitors will enjoy wild adventure animal shows, Animal Bytes storytelling, and scavenger hunts designed to help visitors learn and care about penguins.
"This is the first time Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo has featured penguins," explained Gregg Dancho, zoo director. "It's an incredible opportunity for our guests to see these adorable and fascinating animals up close and personal."
The zoo is taking part in a Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) conservation project benefitting penguins through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The birds live at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida in the off season. Penguin Plaza is sponsored by Durant's Party Rentals, Rita's Italian Ice, and Aquarion Water Company. WTNH News 8 is the Official TV Station and WEBE 108-FM is the Official Radio Partner of Penguin Plaza.
• The penguin diet includes small fish, such as anchovies, sardines, squids, and crustaceans and they eat about one pound per day.
• They are 60 cm tall (less than two feet!) and average 8 pounds
• Tubbs, Sal, South, and Squirt range in age from 12-13 years old
• Penguins are true love birds that mate for life
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $15.00, children (ages 3 -11) is $12 and senior admission (62 and older) is just $11.00, 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.