Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo with our multiple gardens in full bloom, so make plans to get outside with the family!
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 for up to date information.
May 2022
May 7, Photography Walkabout with Jack Bradley, 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoo Volunteer Jack Bradley will lead a group of 12 intermediate photographers in a hands-on morning session at the Zoo. You must have a basic working knowledge of cameras to join the group. Join Jack for tips on photographing animals from birds to bison, and tigers to trout. Class size is limited; sign up is required. $50 fee, payable in advance, plus $17 Zoo admission. Members pay only the $50 fee. Register here
May 8, Mother’s Day
Enjoy this special day by visiting animals and then having lunch together in the Peacock Pavilion.
May 14, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
What’s better than a day with the family at the Zoo? A day at the Zoo with a performance by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet! There will be five brass musicians: two trumpets, a trombone, a horn, and a tuba, performing from 2 to 3 p.m. The Quintet will perform Flight of the Bumblebee, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, excerpts from Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals, and The Race by Gwyneth Walker. The concert is free, but Zoo admission is required.
May 17, Birding at the Zoo, Gina Nichol of Sunrise Birding, 7:30 a.m.
Join Gina Nichol of Sunrise Birding LLC to discover the variety of wild birds that enjoy the habitats around Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! We'll start at Beardsley Park, check Bunnell's
Pond, and scan the landscapes and exhibits of the Zoo to look for some of the 130 species of wild birds of prey, warblers, thrushes, and other species that have been recorded in this area (eBird, April 2022). This program, timed for the middle of spring migration, offers the chance to see the wild birds that are taking advantage of the zoo's environment and perhaps some surprises. Participants should bring binoculars for their personal use, dress for the weather and plan to be outdoors for about two hours. Though not particularly strenuous, this program is intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain. Terrain may be muddy or wet and footwear should be sturdy and appropriate for such conditions. Be sure to bring any personal necessities such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and drinking water. Space is limited to 15 people. Register here
May 18, Evening Lecture Series, Anteaters and Highways, Dr. Arnaud Desbiez
The giant anteater is an iconic South American mammal listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The scrub forests and grasslands of the
Brazilian Cerrado biome have been traditional strongholds for giant anteaters. However, during the last 35 years, more than half of the Cerrado has been converted into pasture or agricultural lands. Worse still, remaining habitat is becoming fragmented and dissected by an ever-increasing network of roads and highways—and these roadways are inflicting significant damage
on local animal populations, including the giant anteater. The giant anteater is now among the species most killed on roadways in the Cerrado. Dr. Arnaud Desbiez has launched Anteaters & Highways, a four-year effort to collect anteater road interaction data and help
protect the species in the wild. Research findings will be used to develop landscape and road management guidelines and mitigate the impact of road mortality on anteater populations in the Cerrado. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. Click here
May 20, Endangered Species Day
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 on May 20 and hear talks from animal experts. Tables with confiscated items from U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be on display, demonstrating the threat to wild animals, and Species Survival Plan (SSP) presentations will be held at the habitats of some of the Zoo’s most endangered animals.
May 22, Birding at the Zoo, Gina Nichol of Sunrise Birding, 8:00 a.m.
Join Gina Nichol of Sunrise Birding LLC to discover the variety of wild birds that enjoy the habitats around Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! We'll start at Beardsley Park, check Bunnell's Pond, and scan the landscapes and exhibits of the Zoo to look for some of the 130 species of wild birds of prey, warblers, thrushes, and other species that have been recorded in this area (eBird, April 2022). This program, timed for the middle of spring migration, offers the chance to see the wild birds that are taking advantage of the zoo's environment and perhaps some surprises. Participants should bring binoculars for their personal use, dress for the weather and plan to be outdoors for about two hours. Though not particularly strenuous, this program is intended for persons in reasonably good health and physical condition. Participants must be capable of walking over uneven terrain. Terrain may be muddy or wet and footwear should be sturdy and appropriate for such conditions. Be sure to bring any personal necessities such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and drinking water. Space is limited to 15 people. Register here
May 28, 29, 30, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE; 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Chris Rowlands is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Chris 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.
June 2022
Sunday Serenades at the Zoo, every Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Music on the Peacock Pavilion stage every Sunday from June 26 through September 4.
Centennial Summer Animal Shows, Thursdays and Fridays, Adventure Amphitheater
This summer, special education programs will be held on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For every one of every age, 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. Times may be subject to change; ask at the Front Gate for the day’s schedule.
June 4, Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari
Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari returns in person! Zoo closes at 2:00 p.m. Join us for a fabulous night of great fare from local vendors and tastings of 100 different wines and more than 60 different beers from around the world and close to home. More information here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine-beer--food-safari.html
June 6, Photography Goes Wild Photo Contest Begins
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its fourth 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, sponsored by Milford Photo, will combine digital submissions with an in-person exhibition. Photographers selected for the in-person exhibit will be asked to print and mat their photo (size 8 x 10). Submissions must be in by July 5. An in-person exhibition will be held on Thursday, July 28 in the Zoo’s Hanson Building.
June 15, Evening Lecture Series, Red Panda Network, Terrance Fleming, 7 p.m.
Learn about how the Red Panda Network is saving this adorable, charismatic endangered animal. Terrance will explain their integrated, landscape-level approach to conservation that is built on the support and participation of local communities. Their conservation programs extend to over one million acres of forest and 50% of Nepal’s red panda range! The Red Panda Network involves community partners in 10 districts in Nepal with over 75 Community Forest User Groups in adopting sustainable forest management practices. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html
June 18, Photography Walkabout with Jack Bradley, 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoo Volunteer Jack Bradley will lead a group of 12 intermediate photographers in a hands-on morning session at the Zoo. You must have a basic working knowledge of cameras to join the group. Join Jack for tips on photographing animals from birds to bison, and tigers to trout. Class size is limited; sign up is required. $50 fee, payable in advance, plus $17 Zoo admission. Members pay only the $50 fee.
June 18, Wild About Reading, at Area Libraries
On Saturday, June 18, children and their families are invited to selected area libraries to search through books on bears, both fiction and non-fiction, in the children’s book departments. Five hundred “pots of honey” tickets will be hidden in books, offering Zoo prizes from free admissions, memberships, carousel rides, discounts, and two grand prizes: a free child’s birthday party, and a Zoomobile visit to a child’s classroom. Participating libraries include Milford, New Canaan, Monroe, Stratford, Easton, two branches in Fairfield, Danbury, Cheshire, Seymour, both branches in Shelton, Hamden, and all branches in Bridgeport.
June 19, Father’s Day
Come spend a wonderful day with dad or granddad at the Zoo!
June 25, 100th Birthday Celebration
We’re having a party to celebrate our 100th Birthday! Join us for:
- A birthday cake bake-off
- A Sneak Peek at this summer’s Education Animal Shows
- Proclamations from the city of Bridgeport and the state
- Visits from area dignitaries
- “Win a Free Birthday Party” Contest
- Entertainment on the Peacock Pavilion stage: Lost Rebel, a four-piece classic rock band
- Time capsule/Tree Planting
June 25, Lost Rebel (Fun Classic Rock), Peacock Pavilion, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Lost Rebel is a CT-based classic rock band consisting of Greg Johnston (Lead Vocals/Percussion), Laura Webb (Lead and Background Vocals/Guitar), Tom Taggart (Lead Guitar/Background Vocals), Mark Gradoia (Lead/Rhythm Guitar/Background Vocals/Harmonica) and Mike Mastrianno (Bass Guitar/Background Vocals). Lost Rebels plays 70s favorites from bands including Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Credence Clearwater Revival and more.
July 2022
Sunday Serenades at the Zoo, every Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Music on the Peacock Pavilion stage every Sunday from June 26 through September 4.
Centennial Summer Animal Shows, Thursdays and Fridays, Adventure Amphitheater
This summer, special education programs will be held on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For every one of every age, 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. Times may be subject to change; ask at the Front Gate for the day’s schedule.
July 1, Evening Lecture, “Under the Stars,” with Gina Nichol, 7:00 p.m.
Join us on Friday, July 1st at 7:00pm in the Zoo's Adventure Amphitheater for an evening of exploration and wonder "Under the Stars" as you meet world-renown birder and adventurer, Gina Nichol of Sunrise Birding. Learn about Gina's global adventures firsthand as she inspires us with tales of her travels in search of the world's "Feathered Gems.” With more than 330 species known in the world, hummingbirds are the second largest family of birds after flycatchers. These tiny aeronautic marvels can hover, fly backward, and migrate long distances. The physiological capacity of hummingbirds to raise and lower their heart rate and body temperature to survive cold nights is unmatched in the animal world. This program illustrates the amazing adaptations of these glittering gems and describes their fascinating life histories. Vivid photographs of hummingbirds in the United States, Costa Rica, and Ecuador tell the story of how these birds survive in habitats that range from tropical forests to the forests of the Andes Mountains. Register here
July 3, Lara Herscovitch (Folk/Americana) Peacock Pavilion, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A singer/songwriter/poet/performer/author and policy social worker, Lara writes masterful modern folk-americana music, sings, and leads with authenticity, integrity, humor and heart, and delivers performances that inspire, uplift and entertain. Lara’s songs are soulful, poetic treasure maps that point to the wisdom, grit and joy of underdogs and misfits, connection and courage, love and loss, hardship and hope, and resilience and transformation. Lara served as the CT State Troubadour from 2009-2010.
July 4-8, Zoo Patrol, Week 1, Ages 8-10
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 8-10 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 $220/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
July 10, Liz McNicholl (Celtic/Folk/Americana) Peacock Pavilion, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Liz McNicholl performs as a soloist and with the Liz McNicholl Band throughout Connecticut. Liz immigrated from Ireland at 18 and continues her musical journey in the States in the Folk/Irish scene with strong influences by the likes of Mary Black, Maura O’Connell, Christy Moore, Nanci Griffith, Gillian Welsh, Allison Krauss, Eva Cassidy, Bob Dylan and more. Liz has released three CDs: “Grand Central Station,” “Tiny Lights,” and a self-titled album by her band (formerly called “The Crickstones.)”
July 11-15, Zoo Patrol, Week 2, Ages 11-13
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 $220/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
July 18-22, Zoo Patrol, Week 3, Ages 8-10
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 8-10 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 $220/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
July 20, Evening Lecture Series, No Where is a Place –Travels in Chilean Patagonia, 7 p.m.
Take a virtual trip to the Chilean Patagonia with Gerrie Griswold as she shares breathtaking images from this ethereal travel destination tucked along the tail of the Andes near the bottom of the world. Meet the people, animals and numerous microclimates that define this mythical place.
The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. To purchase tickets, click here.
July 24, Vick & Barre (Piano/Vocal Duo), Peacock Pavilion, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Vick & Barre is comprised of vocalist Suzanne Vick and pianist Chris Barre. This duo takes songs you know and love from artists including The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morrisette, The Kings of Leon, and The Rolling Stones…and adds a twist to make the songs their own. Both accomplished performers, Vick & Barre bring a little extra sparkle to beloved favorites in this musical labor of love.
July 25-29, Zoo Patrol, Week 4, Ages 11-13
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 $220/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
July 28, 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 fourth 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. Prizes awarded. Free admission.
July 29, 30, 31, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE; 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Chris Rowlands is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Chris 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 2022
Sunday Serenades at the Zoo, every Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Music on the Peacock Pavilion stage every Sunday from June 26 through September 4.
Centennial Summer Animal Shows, Thursdays and Fridays, Adventure Amphitheater
This summer, special education programs will be held on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For everyone of every age, 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. Times may be subject to change; ask at the Front Gate for the day’s schedule.
Aug 1-5, Zoo Patrol, Week 5, Ages 8-10
This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 8-10 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 $220/child for Zoo members and $250/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
Aug 1-12, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE; 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Chris Rowlands is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Chris 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.
Aug 7, Stephen Peter Rodgers (Americana/Original Folk) Peacock Pavilion, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Stephen Peter /Rodgers is a nationally recognized singer, songwriter and visual artist who has spent more than a quarter of a century engrossed in the New /England music community. He has performed across the United States and overseas. Stephen is most well-known for his nearly 20-year stretch as leader and co-songwriter of the 90s/2000s alternative rock/folk band Mighty Purple, as well as for his 15-year adventure as the Founder/Director of The Space (an all-ages music venue) and of The Outer Space. Stephen released his most recent solo album, “Count It All Joy” in 2019. His new album, “Speck on a Clover,” will be released on May 13, 2022.
Aug 14, Dust Devil Heart (Harmony-driven Female Duo) Peacock Pavilion, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Dust Devil Heart is an indie folk singer-songwriter duo based in Branford, CT. At the core of DDH are two women--Holley Anderson and Elise Morrison—who both write songs, sing tight beautiful vocal harmonies, and play acoustic guitar and electric bass. They just recorded their first original album titled “Dwell Time,” which was produced by Steve Rodgers in Hamden, CT, and will be released this winter.
Aug 17, Evening Lecture Series, Right Under Our Noses, Working Dogs for Conservation, 7 p.m.
Obtaining crucial data on wild species can be extremely challenging, and a variety of problems may prevent finding cryptic animals in diverse environments. The unparalleled ability of canine olfaction offers a way to increase proficiency in non-invasively collecting information on endangered, rare, and hard to find species and detect and remove threats to wildlife. At the forefront of the conservation dog field, Working Dogs for Conservation (WDC) has been
selecting, training, and deploying dogs that ‘live to work’ for projects worldwideLectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. To purchase tickets, click here.
Aug 21, The George Lesiw Trio (Jazz/Blues/Guitar), Peacock Pavilion, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Recognized as one of the most prolific and versatile performers on the Connecticut music scene, guitarist George Lesiw has made his surge a topic of conversation and interest among the Northeast audience. Lewis combines the true improvisational essence and language of jazz, the daring electricity of rock-fusion, and the gritty fire of blues.
September 2022
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. Information on conservation efforts will be offered at the Frog Plaza in front of the Rainforest Building.
Sept 10, 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 10th, 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 the Pediatric Care Alliance, a partnership between Connecticut Children’s and Hartford HealthCare.
Sept 12, 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 or contact the Zoo at (203) 394-5522.
Sept 15, “Glow Wild” Asian Lantern Festival begins
Thursday through Sunday evenings at the Zoo, through November 27. For our 100th Birthday celebration, the Zoo is pulling out all the stops and hosting, for the first time in Connecticut, a larger-than-life Lantern Festival inspired by our wild world. This incredible evening festival will showcase more than 35 large scale illuminated displays that will amaze guests of all ages. Spanning the width and breadth of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 30 acres, guests are invited to walk through glowing corridors. Displays of flora and fauna will light up the night sky, dazzling guests of all ages! The Glow Wild Lantern Festival is designed for everyone to enjoy –whether a family outing, romantic date, or coworker get-together.
Sept 18-20, Get Wild with the Zoo at the Big E!
Join Connecticut’s only zoo at New England’s biggest celebration! Visit us in the Connecticut building. Location: Agawam, Mass.
Sept 18, International Red Panda Day
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 21, Evening Lecture Series, Loons Are Telling Us About a Changing Arctic, 7 p.m.
Join Tamara Zeller from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for a series of short youth-produced films about loon research in Alaska and the collaborative efforts of scientists to learn more about these iconic species. Films will touch upon loon migration, habitat changes, and challenges facing loons in an evolving arctic climate. We will also show a film about the loons of Connors Lake in Anchorage, and the story behind efforts to conserve them. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures. Link: to come.
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 $17.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $14.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $14.00 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.
HOURS
The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9-4, year-round.
Peacock Café: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; grill closes at 3:30 p.m.
Carousel: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mask Requirements
Because our animals remain susceptible to Covid-19 transmission, we require masks in our indoor animal habitats: the Research Station and the Rainforest Building. Elsewhere in the Zoo, indoors or out, we respect masking as a personal choice. Everyone over the age of two, except for those with a medical exemption, should have a mask to enter the animal buildings.
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Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo with our multiple gardens in full bloom, so make plans to get outside with the family! 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 for up to date information. |