Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce a spectacular lineup of events from March through June 2025, offering fun-filled activities for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and community members of all ages. From celebrating World Wildlife Day to enjoying the Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari, there’s something for everyone. With warmer days ahead, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo offers the perfect family escape, with activities that inspire wildlife conservation and provide fun for visitors of all ages. So, mark your calendars and join the adventure at Connecticut's only zoo.
MARCH 2025
March 13: Featuring FrogWatch Training and the opportunity to become a citizen scientist! Learn about the vital role amphibians play in the ecosystem and how to identify various species of frogs in Connecticut. Find out how to become a certified FrogWatch Volunteer. Click here to register: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/frog-watch.html
- March 13 (Hybrid: In-person at the Zoo or via Zoom): 7:00– 8:30 PM
March 13: The first of the season and a family favorite, this Zoo Tots program Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring runs 10:30 AM till 11:00 AM. Children aged 22 months to 4 years old will enjoy this fun-filled, 30-minute session featuring stories, songs, crafts, and live animals, all focused on seasonal changes and how animals adapt. Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html.
March 20 is the First Day of Spring. Welcome the new season with a visit to the Zoo and witness the awakening of nature as animals and plants embrace spring.
APRIL 2025
April 8: It’s National Zoo Lovers Day and what better way to celebrate your love for wildlife than by exploring the diverse animal residents, educational programs, and unique events happening at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
April 17: Special for the young ones, Zoo Tots will feature "We Protect the Planet!" from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, for children ages 22 months to 4 years, accompanied by an adult. This interactive event teaches children about the impact of climate change on animals and the role pollinators play in supporting plant growth. Through fun and engaging activities, children will develop an early understanding of environmental conservation while connecting with nature. Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html.
April 19: Join the annual Earth Day celebration at Party for the Planet. Roam through our tents and tables that feature information on the Zoo's conservation initiatives and citizen science programs. Create wildlife inspired artwork with One River School of Art and Design. Visit our DIY table where you can make seed balls using soil, seeds, and clay mixtures. Experience Energize CT’sEnergy In Action Mobile Interactive Exhibit, a fun, entertaining and interactive experience for people of all ages. Plus sign up now for our community cleanup in Beardsley Park. Volunteers welcomed! Details about Party for the Planet and volunteer registration for the cleanup here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html
April 20: Spend Easter Sunday surrounded by the blooms of nature with family and friends at the Zoo.
April 25: As a Level 1 Arboretum, the Zoo celebrates Arbor Day by educating visitors about its diverse tree collection and ongoing efforts to achieve Level 2 Arboretum status. Each tree planted is a step towards a healthier planet.
MAY 2025
May 3: International Leopard Day - Amur leopards are the rarest big cat species in the world. Come see Orion and Kallisto, our Amur leopard siblings and learn from Zoo Educators about this magnificent, rare East Asian species.
May 11: Celebrate Mother's Day with a memorable experience for the whole family, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Treat Mom to a special experience she'll never forget.
May 16: Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. Visit the Zoo to hear from Zoo Educators about Species Survival Plans (SSP) and Saving Animal From Extinction (SAFE). Tables with confiscated items from U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be on display, demonstrating the threat to wild animals and presentations will be held at the habitats of some of the Zoo’s most endangered animals.
May 22: Do your little ones love reptiles? We sure do! Join us on May 22nd from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM for our Zoo Tots program, "Reptile Extravaganza!". Children aged 22 months to 4 years old will have fun with stories, crafts and songs as they learn all about reptiles and what makes them extraordinary! Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html
May 23: Celebrate World Turtle Day at the Zoo with several species of turtles including the Eastern Box Turtle, Eastern Mud Turtle, Yellow Spotted Amazon River Turtle, and more! Visit the Zoo and learn more about these turtles and the role they pay in our environment.
May 31: Make a splash at the Zoo on World Otter Day. World Otter Day is May 28th, but we will celebrate World Otter Day at the Zoo on Saturday May 31st, where you can stop by to see our river otters in action and learn from Zoo Educators how these mustelids thrive both on land and in water.JUNE 2025
June 7: Kick off the month with Wild Wine Beer & Food Safari. Sample offerings from restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries from the region while enjoying live music, games, a silent auction, and animal encounters. Taste a craft beer while watching the wolves or sip a chardonnay with the Amur Leopards. As one of the Zoo's largest fundraisers, Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari supports the care of endangered species, exhibit expansions, and educational programming. For early bird ticket and sponsor information visit https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html.
June 14: Join us as we kick off Pollinator Week at the Zoo! Stop by our tabletop presentations, where Zoo Educators will share fascinating facts about pollinators and why they are essential to our ecosystems. Learn how you can support these vital creatures—right in your own backyard!
June 15: Celebrate Father’s Day with dad, grandpa, your fatherly figures or bring the whole family!
June 20: Visit Kodiak and celebrate national Bald Eagle Day. On this day in 1782 the Bald Eagle was designated as our nation’s symbol.
June 22: Mark your calendar for World Rainforest Day and celebrate the importance of healthy rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods, and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them. Visit our rainforest building and learn more about the different species that call the rainforest home!
June 26: The popular Zoo Tots returns, offering engaging educational sessions for our youngest visitors. "Are They Insects?" runs from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM with a fun and educational program designed for children aged 22 months to 4 years, accompanied by an adult. Children will learn to distinguish between insects and arachnids through activities that foster curiosity and learning about the animal kingdom. Click here to register https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html.
SAVE THESE DATES!
September 8: Tee off for conservation at the 19th Annual Zoo Golf Tournament! Gather your coworkers, friends, and family to join us at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for fun and fundraising! Click Here for more info about sponsorships and early registration.
GLOW Wild Will Return! Stay tuned for the 2025 date announcement. You will not want to miss the wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world at the zoo.
The Zoo Gala takes place on Saturday, October 18th at the Inn at Longshore in Westport! The 6th Annual Zoo Gala is a memorable evening that supports vital conservation initiatives and educational programs. All proceeds will go directly towards the care of endangered species, expanding exhibits, and enhancing educational outreach. Guests will enjoy a VIP hour, live music, delicious cocktails, and dinner, thrilling silent and live auctions, and exclusive animal encounters. It promises to be an unforgettable night in support of wildlife preservation! Click here for more info.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, offering a unique blend of education and fun. Every event and program is crafted to strengthen and encourage our visitor’s connection to the natural world, while advancing our commitment to conservation and education.
For more information about events or to purchase tickets, please visit the website at beardsleyzoo.org. Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and announcements.