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Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06610
USA
Animal Encounters are short (20 – 30 minute) on-grounds educational presentations aimed at enhancing your students’ field trip to the Zoo. Your students will meet one or two live animals, see biofacts and learn “insider” tips to help them enjoy their zoo visit even more. If you would like to enhance your students’ visit with an educational program please call (203) 394-6563. Our programs offer a unique opportunity for education through up-close observation and animal contact. Some suggested themes are listed below but we are always happy to discuss crafting a program around your curriculum needs.
Adaptations: Examine a variety of animal survival tactics. Discover how animals face the challenges of everyday life in the wild.
Animal Enrichment: Do animals play with toys? Of course! Discover the variety of ways our animal care staff enriches the lives of the Zoo’s animals every day.
Animal Myths: “Bats get caught in your hair... owls can turn their heads all the way around...all snakes are venomous.” Learn to separate animal facts from fiction.
Animal Tools: An eagle’s sharp talons and beak work like a knife and fork. Otters have built-in goggles and flippers. Look through our animal toolbox to learn more.
Colors of Nature: Have you ever wondered why animals come in all the colors of the rainbow? Explore how animals use color to hide, warn, attract and more.
Connecticut Critters: Black bear, moose and coyote. Learn about these and other fascinating animals that live right here in our own backyard.
Creatures of the Night: What are some of the special skills and adaptations these nocturnal animals possess? Come explore what goes on when the sun goes down!
Egg-ceptional Eggs: What do dinosaurs, platypus, and chickens have in common? Learn about the diversity of eggs and the animals that lay them.
Endangered Species: Animals and plants are becoming endangered at an alarming rate. Find out why and what we can do to help protect them.
Environmental Careers: Learn about the many careers available to students who are interested in animals, the outdoors and environmental issues. We’ll talk about careers in the zoo and in the field.
Habitats: While exploring our “mystery habitat boxes” students will learn what makes a habitat a home.
Hunters of the Sky: Silent flight, bone-crushing talons, and mile-high vision are just some of the topics we cover. Find out who is the “tiger of the sky”.
In a Class by Itself: Have your class take an in depth look at an animal “class”. Choose between reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, or invertebrates.
Life Cycles: Many animals such as butterflies, frogs, and beetles go through metamorphosis. Learn why this unique way of life makes sense for these creatures.
Movin’ & Groovin’: Explore the different ways animals locomote through their environment. We’ll dive into swimming, slithering, swinging and so much more.
Mystery Habitats: Discover the diversity of world biomes by exploring our mystery habitat boxes.
Rainforest Rendezvous: Over half the world’s species live in rainforests. These diverse habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. What secrets do they hold? Why are they so important?
Some like it Hot…!: What animals hibernate? Who migrates? What is torpor? Find
out what many creatures do to survive and thrive through changing seasons.
Survival Skills: It’s a jungle out there. Explore the various adaptations animals have that enable them to thrive in their environment.
Tropical Rainforest: Rainforests are the most diverse habitats on earth. Explore forest layers, living creatures, products and the global importance of tropical rainforests.
What Makes Animals Different: Compare the basic differences between birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians.
Wonderful Wetlands: Learn about these rich habitats, the diverse wildlife that make their homes there, and why wetlands are so important to humans.
Animal Encounter Fees: $60 for each presentation with up to 40 persons plus the Zoo visit fee.
Call the Education Department (203) 394-6563 to arrange your Animal Encounter and receive your Priority Pass to whisk you and your class through our Front Gate quickly and efficiently!
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Summer is Wild at Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the state’s only Zoo, is pleased to release their summer 2009 programming calendar. The schedule includes fun events for the entire family each month, most of which are free with the cost of admission.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $9.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Members of the Connecticut Zoological Society are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. The main information phone number is: (203) 394-6565.
June
June 2: Barnyard Maze Opens! Open during regular Zoo hours through Labor Day
Step into a life-sized, walk-through Maze! The 1,200 square foot maze challenges visitors of all ages. This is a truly unique space, where both mentally and physically - young and old are on equal footing. There is no telling who will make it through the maze first. While an adult's methodical strategy may work – there is equal and sometimes quicker success in a child's random and exuberant exploration. Families will enjoy this unique experience on many levels. Children and adults find themselves working together in a unique way - as teammates, discovering their way collaboratively through the maze. The adults will also experience a welcome rest while kids go through again and again. Exploration of the Barnyard Maze is free with Zoo admission.
June 6: Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
If you’ve enjoyed our Wild Wine Safari for the past few years, you’re going to love our updated adults-only event! We’ll have tents set up at the Zoo featuring food from local restaurants plus the latest in wine and beer selections. Tickets are $45 per person, with groups of four or more at $40 each. Enjoy a VIP experience that includes a behind-the-scenes tour at 4:00 p.m. for $100 per person. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance. The evening includes an online auction and amazing Basket Auction - try your luck to win multiple marvelous prizes while supporting Connecticut’s only Zoo! For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to donate an auction item, contact Aimee Marcella at 203-394-6569 or amarcella@beardsleyzoo.org. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE at www.beardsleyzoo.org
June 17: Evening Lecture Series: Puma Predation in Chile, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Professor Melissa Grigione of Pace University will discuss how ecological and manmade elements influence home range size and location for particular species. Her research emphasizes conservation biology due to her work with species whose populations have been seriously altered as a consequence of habitat degradation and fragmentation. In addition to wildlife biology, conserving these species requires an intimate knowledge of political and legislative systems as well as community-level human dimension practices. This lecture, taking place in the Hanson Exploration Station, is part of the Evening Lecture Series, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Volunteer Association. Admission is FREE with donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.
June 23-June 30: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Country Fair
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Country Fair to highlight Connecticut’s rich tradition of farming. The Zoo will highlight its Heritage Breed animals and inspire healthy life style choices by showcasing regional and sustainable agricultural practices. The Country Fair will occupy a section of the Zoo which includes both the farmyard exhibits and a main stage. The area that leads to these venues is where the Country Fair experience will begin. The Main stage will host multiple shows throughout the week. These shows will range from interactive, educational animal presentations and livelihood segments to environmental vaudeville and music reviews. A rotation of shows will be hosted daily with headlining acts marketed on the weekends. A variety of concessions will also be sold to enhance the “fair” experience.
June 23 – June 28 & June 30: A Day at the Farm at the Country Fair
Tuesday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Come on over and meet the fascinating characters found at the Country Fair “A Day at the Farm” Show, you will see and learn about amazing animals, including Heritage Breed farm animals and native wildlife. Explore New England farming and have fun along the way. Presented at the Zoo's Learning Circle, this summer-long event is free with Zoo admission.
June 27: Animal Enrichment Day, Noon – 3:00 pm
Animal enrichment provides animals with items and activities that enhance their mental and physical well-being. By utilizing different forms of enrichment such as sensory, mobility and dietary, we are able to promote natural behaviors such as scent marking, climbing and foraging. Animal Enrichment Day gives visitors an opportunity to learn about how Zoo staff enriches animal life. Join us for talks, demonstrations and a display of enrichment items used at the Zoo, and a raffle to win a behind-the-scenes tour at the Zoo!
June 29 - 30: Animal Tales, 1:00 pm
Visit us for story time, a special craft and even an animal encounter each day. All activities are free with the purchase of Zoo admission. Families with children under age 6 are welcome.
July
July 1 - 31: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Country Fair
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Country Fair to highlight Connecticut’s rich tradition of farming. The Zoo will highlight its Heritage Breed animals and inspire healthy life style choices by showcasing regional and sustainable agricultural practices. The Country Fair will occupy a section of the Zoo which includes both the farmyard exhibits and a main stage. The area that leads to these venues is where the Country Fair experience will begin. The Main stage will host multiple shows throughout the week. These shows will range from interactive, educational animal presentations and livelihood segments to environmental vaudeville and music reviews. A rotation of shows will be hosted daily with headlining acts marketed on the weekends. A variety of concessions will also be sold to enhance the “fair” experience.
July 1 - 31: A Day at the Farm at the Country Fair
Tuesday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Come on over and meet the fascinating characters found at the Country Fair “A Day at the Farm” Show, you will see and learn about amazing animals, including Heritage Breed farm animals and native wildlife. Explore New England farming and have fun along the way. Presented at the Zoo's Learning Circle, this summer-long event is free with Zoo admission.
July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26: Buck Howdy Performs at the Country Fair
Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm at the Learning Circle
Buck Howdy: he’s been called “the nexus of Roy Rogers, Will Rogers and Mr. Rogers,” described as “a cross between Roy Rogers and Shrek,” or “Gene Autry meets Dr. Demento!” And while there’s a nugget of truth in each of those depictions, they miss the obvious – Buck Howdy is simply an overgrown kid with an over-sized talent for entertaining. Buck has performed multiple times at The White House at the Grand Ole Opry, and in hundreds of concerts at schools, state fairs and performing arts centers from coast to coast and now he is here, in Bridgeport, performing for families at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! Free with Zoo admission.
July 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31: Animal Tales, 1:00 pm
Visit us for story time, a special craft and even an animal encounter each weekday. All activities are free with the purchase of Zoo admission. Families with children under age 6 are welcome.
July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31: Zoo Patrol, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Zoo Patrol is an exciting summer activities program offered for children. Situated on Zoo grounds, children participate in talks and activities with Zoo staff, play animal-related games and participate in arts and crafts. Each day’s activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. Sessions run Monday through Friday. Each week is $130/child for members and $150/child for non-members. Weeks one and two are for children ages 7 – 11; weeks three and four are for children ages 12 – 15. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
July 15: Evening Lecture Series: The Agave Plant, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Docent Melinda Karwon will discuss “The Colombian Exchange in Mexico: What Europe Brought, Took, and Disdained.” The talk will focus on Mexican/SouthWestern plants and landscape alteration. Attendees may sample fresh nopales and nopal-fruit jelly on corn tortillas from Arizona. Karwon has a Master’s degree in History from Columbia University and an enduring interest in the interaction between Indigenous and Western European culture. This lecture, taking place in the Hanson Exploration Station, is part of the Evening Lecture Series, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Volunteer Association. Admission is FREE with donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.
July 17- 19, 22 - 26:
Connecticut Free Shakespeare presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Performance at 8:00 pm, Zoo opens for picnics at 6:30 pm
Connecticut Free Shakespeare celebrates its 10th anniversary at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo by presenting William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” All shows at the Peacock Pavilion; rain location: the Carousel. FREE. For more information, call (203) 393-3213 or visit www.ctfreeshakespeare.org.
July 25: Exotic Animal Amnesty Day, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
At the Zoo’s Hanson Exploration Station
Sponsored in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Exotic Animal Amnesty Day provides a convenient and safe way for people to bring in exotic animals they may own legally or in possible violation of State law. Individuals may bring their exotic animals to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo with the knowledge that they will face no penalties, be asked no questions and that their animal will be taken care of properly. Reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates will be accepted. All animals must be brought to the Zoo in secure carriers. Animals that are turned in will become the property of DEP. All animals will be examined on site by experts and referred for any necessary veterinary care. Domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, will not be accepted on this Amnesty Day. Anyone with questions concerning this program may contact the Department of Environmental Conservation Police at (860) 424-3012 or DEP.EnConPolice@ct.gov.
July 31 – August 1: Stratford BioBlitz 3:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for our next BioBlitz, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, to be held in 2009 in Stratford, Connecticut. Watch scientists in the Hanson Building identify wonderful and interesting animal and plant species that are collected during the 24-hour BioBlitz. See live animals that represent the identified species and learn about conservation through fun activities.
BioBlitz BACKGROUND: During a BioBlitz researchers and biological surveyors collect data for 24 hours on the diversity of species that occur within a town’s open spaces. There are several BioBlitz events each year throughout Connecticut. One of the main goals of a BioBlitz is to collect data from a single town in multiple seasons to see how the species diversity of a place changes annually. Habitats available for the Stratford survey include 2 beaches, a salt marsh, a cranberry bog, rivers, streams, ponds, and a mixed hardwood forest.
August
August 1-31: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Country Fair
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Country Fair to highlight Connecticut’s rich tradition of farming. The Zoo will highlight its Heritage Breed animals and inspire healthy life style choices by showcasing regional and sustainable agricultural practices. The Country Fair will occupy a section of the Zoo which includes both the farmyard exhibits and a main stage. The area that leads to these venues is where the Country Fair experience will begin. The Main stage will host multiple shows throughout the week. These shows will range from interactive, educational animal presentations and livelihood segments to environmental vaudeville and music reviews. A rotation of shows will be hosted daily with headlining acts marketed on the weekends. A variety of concessions will also be sold to enhance the “fair” experience.
August 1-23, 29-30: A Day at the Farm at the Country Fair
Tuesday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Come on over and meet the fascinating characters found at the Country Fair “A Day at the Farm” Show, you will see and learn about amazing animals, including Heritage Breed farm animals and native wildlife. Explore New England farming and have fun along the way. Presented at the Zoo's Learning Circle, this summer-long event is free with Zoo admission.
August 1-2, 8-9: Chris Rowlands Farming Fever at the Country Fair
Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle
Take Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, James Taylor and sprinkle a little Robin Williams on top and you have Chris Rowlands! Chris travels around the country entertaining and teaching audiences about science and nature with his innovative and interactive programs. Chris creatively blends music, art, comedy and education into a high energy, exciting show that is loved by young and old alike! Chris makes all of his incredible puppets and his artwork has been featured in scientific journals, shows, prints and murals – and now he is performing LIVE at your Zoo! Free with Zoo admission.
August 1: Connecticut Free Shakespeare presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Performance at 8:00 pm, Zoo opens for picnics at 6:30 pm
Connecticut Free Shakespeare celebrates its 10th anniversary at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo by presenting William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” All shows at the Peacock Pavilion; rain location: the Carousel. FREE. For more information, call (203) 393-3213 or visit www.ctfreeshakespeare.org.
August 3-7, 10-14, 17-21: Zoo Patrol, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Zoo Patrol is an exciting summer activities program offered for children. Situated on Zoo grounds, children participate in talks and activities with Zoo staff, play animal-related games and participate in arts and crafts. Each day’s activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. Sessions run Monday through Friday. Each week is $130/child for members and $150/child for non-members. Weeks one and two are for children ages 12 – 15; weeks two and three are for children ages 7 – 11. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.
August 3-7, 10-14, 17-21: Animal Tales, 1:00 pm
Visit us for story time, a special craft and even an animal encounter each weekday. All activities are free with the purchase of Zoo admission. Families with children under age 6 are welcome.
August 15-16, 22 -23: Tropical Illusions Performs at the Country Fair
Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle
Tropical Illusions entertains using fantastical magic props while incorporating important messages about endangered species, animal habitats, extinction, rainforest destruction, our environment and what we all can do to save the planet. This program offers fun, educational entertainment for families of all ages. Free with Zoo admission.
August 16: Teddy Bear Fest, Noon to 3:00 pm
Free admission for children under age 12 who bring their teddy bear to the “Teddy Bear Clinic” and are accompanied by a paying adult. T he day also will feature children’s crafts and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and the facts about real bears.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won’t want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyZoo.org
© 2010 Zoo and Aquarium Visitor. All rights reserved.
