Bridgeport, Conn. — To celebrate the opening of the new Andean bear habitat, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has proclaimed that this spring and summer’s theme is “Be Bear Aware!” The Zoo has planned a number of events that focus on educating the public and Zoo guests about bears, including the Zoo’s new Andean bear, and the black bears that can increasingly be found throughout the state. The “Be Bear Aware “events include:
May 10, Be Bear Aware Panel, 7:00-8:30 pm., Carousel Building
The Zoo has assembled a cadre of bear experts to answer all your questions on living safely with black bears, and more! This very informative evening will address concerns about wild bears, share information on what bears are really like, what they need, and discuss how we can help to promote bear conservation and habitat protection. Plus, learn about our new Andean bear habitat opening in just 10 days. Free, but we ask that guests register in advance. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
May 17, Evening Lecture Series: The Bear Reality, 7 p.m.
Bears have become victims of misunderstandings, fueled by media, literature, and word of mouth. The population of black bears has increased in Connecticut over the last four decades and will continue to grow. This program will share information on the American black bear, the state’s only resident species in the wild, to improve our understanding and tolerance and reduce conflicts with our wild bear neighbors. The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
May 20, Grand Opening Andean Bear Habitat, 11:00 a.m.
Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our newest habitat for Andean bears! We’ll bring the refreshments and beverages along with special presentations on these beautiful and endangered South American bears, returning to the Zoo after an absence of several years. This large and beautiful habitat for the arboreal (tree-climbing) bears features a very special guest viewing area. Zoo Educators will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with exciting information about these “spectacled” bears. The first 100 guests to arrive will receive an Andean bear water bottle!
June 17, Paw through Books on Bears to Find Hidden Prizes
Libraries participating in the Zoo’s third “Wild About Reading” contest are in the following towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, all six library branches in Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Derby, Easton, two branches in Fairfield, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Canaan, Newtown, Seymour, branch 41 in Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull.
July 15, Teddy Bear Clinic
Children are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear, or any special pal, to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This “beary” fun day will feature children’s activities and storytelling focusing on bear awareness. Plus, bring your teddy bear to the “Teddy Bear Clinic” and get a free health checkup for your friend. The Teddy Bear Clinic will include story time and the opportunity to ask all your bear questions to our bear experts. Teddy Bear Clinic is free with paid admission to the Zoo.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our new Andean bear habitat, Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. 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 must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.