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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is pleased to release its calendar for June through September 2023. Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo with special live animal programs Thursdays through Sundays, so make plans to get outside with the family for fresh air! The Zoo plans fun and educational special events and seasonal programs for the entire family, most of which are free with the cost of admission. Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook for the most up to date information. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for all the latest event information at www.beardsleyzoo.org! 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 $19.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $15.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $15.00 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. DAILY HOURS The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9-4, year-round. Peacock Café: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grill closes 30 minutes before closing. Carousel: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Final ride at 3:45 p.m. |
May 2023
May 31, World Otter Day, Facebook and Instagram Live, 1 p.m.
The Zoo is excited to have otter pups this year, with four babies born to mother Tahu on March 23. They haven’t ventured out of the den yet, but we could see them any day now! World Otter Day also brings all otter species to our attention, focusing on raising awareness about how important otters are and highlighting the threats they face.
June 2023
Saturdays, Cool Blue Bridgeport, Bridgeport residents get in FREE!
This special program runs every Saturday through June 24. “Cool Blue Bridgeport” is an on-grounds educational program on climate change in combination with free admission to the Zoo every Saturday for Bridgeport residents. Awarded as a grant from the City of Bridgeport through the American Rescue Plan, the Zoo provides free admission every Saturday to Bridgeport residents, through June 24, 2023, limited by ticket availability. Bridgeport residents must register for free tickets online at beardsleyzoo.org, using the code “COOLBLUE.” A photo ID with proof of residence will be required at the gate, either a driver’s license or a Park City ID.
June 1, Photography Goes Wild Photo Contest Begins
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its fifth annual photography contest is open for submissions, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing. The contest is sponsored by Milford Photo. Judging will take place mid-July, with an in-person show held on Thursday, July 27 in the Zoo’s Hanson Building. Submit photos here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/photography-exhibition.html
June 10, Milford Photo Day at the Zoo, 10 am. to 2 p.m.
Join the photography professionals from Milford Photo at the Zoo as they demonstrate new cameras, lenses, and techniques for the best animal photos.
June 14, Zoo Tots: Farmyard Fun! 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
This monthly 30-minute program for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. This session is “Farmyard Fun!” Cultivate a sense of wonder in our fabulous farmyard! Tots will explore domestic breeds, enjoy stories on the family farm, and enjoy a craft near our big red barn in the Adventure Amphitheater. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. To reserve a space in the program, register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html
June 17, Wild About Reading, Area Libraries
The Zoo has teamed up with 25 area libraries to help put the ‘bear” in Bear-dsley Zoo, while supporting literacy and reading. To celebrate the opening of the Zoo’s new Andean bear habitat and a summer of Be Bear Aware, the Zoo is sponsoring 500 prizes hidden in books at participating libraries. Children are invited to paw through books on bears to find prizes on Saturday, June 17. Libraries in 18 towns throughout the area are participating in the giveaways.
Five hundred prizes hidden in children’s books include:
- Three GRAND PRIZES: A Zoomobile Classroom Visit (1) and a Birthday Party at the Zoo (2)
- Zoo Family Membership (2)
- 10 Pack of Carousel Rides (4)
- Individual Carousel Rides (100)
- Zoo Water Bottles (10)
- Bear Zoo Water Bottles (50)
- Centennial TO GO Thermoses/Mugs (10)
- Plush Prairie Dogs (15)
- Soft Serve Ice Cream (100)
- Family Four Pack of Zoo admission (50)
- Individual Zoo Admission (100)
- Animal Adoption Kits (6)
- 20% off gift shop (100)
On Saturday, June 17, children and their families are invited to the libraries to search through books on bears, both fiction and non-fiction, in the children’s book departments. The Monroe library will hold their event on Friday, June 16, due to a scheduling conflict.
Libraries participating in the search are in the following towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, all six 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.
June 18, Father’s Day
Come spend the day at the Zoo with your family!
June 21, Evening Lecture Series: Horseshoe Crab Monitoring, Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S., 7 p.m.Sacred Heart University Biology Professor Jo-Marie Kasinak will present Project Limulus: a community-based research study examining the ecology of the Long Island Sound horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) population. “Horseshoe crabs are a foundational species for their ecosystem. They are invaluable to human health, because their blood is used to make Limulus amebocyte lysate, which tests vaccines and other medical devices to ensure they are not contaminated with bacteria. Anyone who has received a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine can thank horseshoe crabs,” says Kasinak. 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. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html
June 22, World Rainforest Day, Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.
World Rainforest Day celebrates the importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods, and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them.
June 23, AARP Fourth Fridays FREE; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you’re an AARP cardholder, show your card or invitation and you get free admission to the Zoo for you and one guest.
July 2022
Every Saturday and Sunday, Beginning July 1, Sky Hunters in Flight, 11 & 2
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to bring Master Falconer Brian Bradley back to the Adventure Amphitheater this summer—now with umbrellas for partial shading. Bradley is among the nation’s premiere wildlife presenters and will be presenting two shows each Saturday and Sunday at 11 am. and 2 p.m. through August 27. Guests will be amazed as they watch birds of prey in free flight as Bradley demonstrates their special powers. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world. Discover their amazing adaptations for survival in the wild and hear about the ancient sport of falconry and its training techniques.
Summer Animal Shows, Every Thurs and Fri, Beginning July 6, 11 & 2
This summer, special education programs will be found in multiple sites around the Zoo. For everyone from toddlers to teens, these learning opportunities are designed to spark a connection with wildlife and encourage everyone to care about conservation. Meet select Zoo animal ambassadors and their expert caregivers, along with other engaging animal experiences. Ask at the front gate for the daily schedule to find out where they'll be appearing that day. Times and locations subject to change.
July 3, Last Day to Submit Photos for Photography Goes Wild
Submit photos here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/photography-exhibition.html
July 3-7, Zoo Patrol, Week 1
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 11-13 the opportunity to explore a different area of the Zoo each day and have a custom guided experience. They’ll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, habitat care, and more. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $225/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.html
July 10-14, Zoo Patrol, Week 2
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 7-11 the opportunity to explore a different area of the Zoo each day and have a custom guided experience. They’ll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, habitat care, and more. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $225/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to
https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.html
Saturday, July 15, Teddy Bear Fest, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring your favorite teddy bear friend or any special plush pal to the Zoo! This “beary” fun day will feature children’s activities and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and the facts about real bears. Bring your teddy bear to the “Teddy Bear Clinic” and get a free health checkup for your friend. The Clinic is sponsored by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. They’ll be giving away free Teddy Bear Hot/Cold Boo Boo Buddies!
July 16, World Snake Day, 1-3 p.m.
Educators will be at tables throughout the Zoo, sharing information on this misunderstood species.
July 17-21, Zoo Patrol, Week 3
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 11-13 the opportunity to explore a different area of the Zoo each day and have a custom guided experience. They’ll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, habitat care, and more. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $225/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to
https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.html
July 18-24, National Zookeeper Week
National Zookeeper Week focuses on the need to protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats via conservation messages. The animal care specialists at the Zoo are animal caretakers, educators for the public and wildlife ambassadors. We celebrate Zookeeper Week by giving both animal care staff and the animals professional recognition. Join us for Animal Care Chats at the habitats: schedules will vary by day.
July 19, Evening Lecture Series, Hooked on Killifish! Andre Carletto, Marine Biologist
Killifish are a group of small, colorful freshwater fish that are native to various regions around the world. These fish have several interesting characteristics that make them unique in the animal world, but also are very vulnerable to changes in their habitat. Several species are critically endangered or already extinct in the wild. Join us in learning more about this amazing group of fish. 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. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html
July 24-28, Zoo Patrol, Week 4
July 25, National Merry Go Round Day
Get a free ticket for a carousel ride with paid admission at the gate.
Weds, July 26, Facebook and Instagram Live, 1 p.m.
International Tiger Day is on July 29. Join us online for everything you wanted to know about this critically endangered species.
July 27, Photography Goes Wild Photo Exhibition, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Come to the Hanson Building to see hundreds of photos taken by the Zoo’s many amateur and professional photographers. This is the fifth year for the non-juried photography competition, sponsored by Milford Photo. The exhibition is a festive evening for the public, to view the photos and for the photographers to meet and mingle with each other. Refreshments offered and prizes awarded. Free to the public.
July 28, AARP Fourth Fridays FREE; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you’re an AARP cardholder, show your card or invitation and you get free admission to the Zoo for you and one guest.
July 29, International Tiger Day
Zoo docents and tabletop displays will celebrate this iconic animal.
July 29-30-31 (and through Aug 13); Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE, 11, 1 and 3
Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. Shown at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm. daily. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long.
July 31-Aug 4, Zoo Patrol, Week 5
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 11-13 the opportunity to explore a different area of the Zoo each day and have a custom guided experience. They’ll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, habitat care, and more. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $225/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.html
August 2023
Sky Hunters in Flight, Every Saturday and Sunday, Sky Hunters in Flight, 11 & 2
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to bring Master Falconer Brian Bradley back to the Adventure Amphitheater this summer. Bradley is among the nation’s premiere wildlife presenters and will be presenting two shows each Saturday and Sunday at 11 am. and 2 p.m. through September 3. Guests will be amazed as they watch birds of prey in free flight as Bradley demonstrates their special powers. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world, and learn how these beautiful birds play an important role in our environment at the top of the food chain. Discover their amazing adaptations for survival in the wild and hear about the ancient sport of falconry and its training techniques.
Summer Animal Shows, Every Thursday and Friday, 11 & 2
This summer, special education programs will be found in multiple sites around the Zoo. For everyone from toddlers to teens, these learning opportunities are designed to spark a connection with wildlife and encourage everyone to care about conservation. Meet select Zoo animal ambassadors and their expert caregivers, along with other engaging animal experiences. Ask at the front gate for the daily schedule to find out where they'll be appearing that day. Times and locations subject to change.
August 1-13, Chris Rowlands LIVE, 11, 1 and 3
Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. Shown at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm. daily. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long.
August 7-11, Zoo Patrol, Week 6
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 7-11 the opportunity to explore a different area of the Zoo each day and have a custom guided experience. They’ll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, habitat care, and more. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $225/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to
https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-patrol.html
Aug 16, Monarch Watch/Pollinators Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.
Aug 16, Evening Lecture Series, Olympic Cougar Project, Kurt Zias, Panthera Field Technician, 7 p.m. (VIRTUAL ONLY)
Cougars on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State may be threatened by genetic isolation as highways and housing developments rapidly expand in the region. Panthera, a non-profit research organization, is collaborating with several tribal partners to better understand the risk of population fragmentation to cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas. Since 2018, this group has led a large-scale effort to track cougar dispersal, identify potential blockages in wildlife corridors and recommend future policy changes to make highways more friendly to wildlife. Join Kurt Zias as he shares his experiences working with the Olympic Cougar Project, including close-up encounters with the cats themselves. The cost is $10 for each lecture. Sponsored by the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html
Saturday, August 19, Bee Community Kind Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sponsored by Liberty Bank
Our Zoo Career Explorers and Conservation Discovery Corps members are teaming up with Liberty Bank and meeting at the beehives with an event celebrating the important role of pollinators in our eco-systems. It’s National Honeybee Day, and since these small pollinators are critical to our food supply, the decline of the honeybee is concerning to scientists worldwide. Find out how you can help and enjoy some honey-based treats. This “Bee Community Kind” event is sponsored by Liberty Bank. Liberty Bank will be giving away Bee drawstring bags and Bee lunchboxes, along with Bee bookmarks!
September 2023
Sept 4, National Wildlife Day
This National Day is an opportunity to learn more about endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries, and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.
Sept 9, Fairy Tales Day: A Magical Day with Storybook Characters
Once upon a time in a zoo not so far away, there was a day for all children to dress up like their favorite storybook characters! On Saturday, September 9, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, glitter tattoos, bubbles, and animal presentations! Seven different costumed storybook characters will be on Zoo grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sponsored by Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.
Sept 11, 16th Annual Golf Tournament\
Gather three coworkers, friends or family members and join us at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for fun and fundraising! One of the oldest country clubs in America, this course will challenge and exhilarate even a seasoned golfer with a rating of 72.5 and a slope of 135. Enjoy an open bar, exciting silent auction, and raffle. Can’t attend? There are unique sponsorship opportunities including Tee Sponsors, Contest Sponsors, and more. Register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/golf-tournament or contact the Zoo at (203) 394-5522.
Weds, September 13, Red Pandas Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.
Sept 15 through December 2, Glow Wild Lantern Festival
Continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 40 large scale illuminated sculptures. The festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Timed tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on capacity. Adult tickets (12+) are $22., and children (11 and under) are $20. Children under three and adults over 75 are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent.
Sept 16, International Red Panda Day, 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. What is a Red Panda Ranger? A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas.
Sept 20, Evening Lecture Series: Vampire Bats, Miranda Dunbar, 7 p.m.
Southern Connecticut State University Biology Professor Miranda Dunbar will present a lecture on vampire bats. According to Professor Dunbar, bats are especially important because they provide more ecosystem services than many other vertebrate species. Among bats, vampire bats (not found in Connecticut, although Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo does house a captive colony!) are particularly unique. From their interesting social behaviors and dietary preferences to the medicinal properties of their saliva, we’ll dig into the fascinating biology of vampire bats. With plenty of beautiful imagery, tales from the field, and neat biological specimens that you’ll have the opportunity to hold if you wish, you’ll leave having a better understanding and appreciation for this special group of animals.
“What we can’t see scares us, and bats, being nocturnal animals, aren’t often seen,” Dunbar says. “There are so many tall tales built around these animals, and so few of us who study bats to correct these myths. Let’s amend that.” The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html
Sept 23, End of Season FrogWatch Party, 1:00 p.m.
If you’re a Citizen Scientist who helped with FrogWatch this year, you’re invited to our end-of-season celebration of all things froggy!
Visit our Tropical Greenhouse
Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, you can see several plant species flowering, and feed our colorful Koi fish in their pond. It’s a short walk through another world. Free with Zoo admission.
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About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Let Your Curiosity Run Wild! 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 the new Andean bear habitat, the 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 should be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.