|
|
|
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Upcoming Events | |
|
May 24
- September 1
“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show
Learn More |
|
|
June 23
- August 26
"Awesome Amphibians and Rowdy Reptiles" Show
Learn More |
|
| We Are Open...
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Directions and Info | |
| Contact Info:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610
Main Number: (203) 394-6565 | |
|
|
  |
|
Events
The talented staff and contributors to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo design special events and programs throughout the year. Our beautiful grounds also provide the perfect setting for a variety of musical concerts. Visit this portion of our site often to see what’s coming up!
|
Featured Event“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show
Date: 5/24/2008 - 9/1/2008
( various
)
“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show. THIS SUMMER ONLY the Zoo will host a free-flight bird show. This wildly entertaining and educational show uses non-traditional, free flight birds (such as raptors, hornbills and parrots) and combines their natural behaviors with a conservation message which will engage, inspire and empower people of all ages. A number of routines use volunteers from the audience! Presented by Steve Martin’s “Natural Encounters,” this one-of-a-kind, live performance exhibit showcases birds from around the world exhibiting their natural behaviors. These colorful and intriguing birds will give zoo visitors a close encounter experience they will always remember. The shows will take place in the Zoo’s “Learning Circle” outdoor theater. Martin, who previously worked at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and also presented “The World of Birds Show” at zoos nationwide, is one of the best-known trainers in the world. The show was recently hosted at the Philadelphia Zoo and at the Texas State Aquarium.
Show times are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
All show times are subject to chance and may be cancelled due to bad weather.
Some of the birds you may see include: African Fish Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Black-legged Seriema, Blue-throated Macaw, Collared Raven, Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Green-winged Macaw, Hadada Ibis, Kea, Military Macaw, Palm Cockatoo, Pied Crow, Red-fronted Macaw, Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Scarlet Macaw, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spectacled Owl, and Trumpeter Hornbill.
|
 |
 |
May 2008 |
|
 |
“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show
Date: 5/24/2008 - 9/1/2008
( various
)
|
|
|
|
“Fly Me to the Zoo” Bird Show. THIS SUMMER ONLY the Zoo will host a free-flight bird show. This wildly entertaining and educational show uses non-traditional, free flight birds (such as raptors, hornbills and parrots) and combines their natural behaviors with a conservation message which will engage, inspire and empower people of all ages. A number of routines use volunteers from the audience! Presented by Steve Martin’s “Natural Encounters,” this one-of-a-kind, live performance exhibit showcases birds from around the world exhibiting their natural behaviors. These colorful and intriguing birds will give zoo visitors a close encounter experience they will always remember. The shows will take place in the Zoo’s “Learning Circle” outdoor theater. Martin, who previously worked at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and also presented “The World of Birds Show” at zoos nationwide, is one of the best-known trainers in the world. The show was recently hosted at the Philadelphia Zoo and at the Texas State Aquarium.
Show times are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
All show times are subject to chance and may be cancelled due to bad weather.
Some of the birds you may see include: African Fish Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Black-legged Seriema, Blue-throated Macaw, Collared Raven, Double Yellow-Headed Amazon, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Green-winged Macaw, Hadada Ibis, Kea, Military Macaw, Palm Cockatoo, Pied Crow, Red-fronted Macaw, Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Scarlet Macaw, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spectacled Owl, and Trumpeter Hornbill.
|  |
|
|
|
June 2008 |
|
|
"Awesome Amphibians and Rowdy Reptiles" Show
Date: 6/23/2008 - 8/26/2008
( 11: a.m.
to 2:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
On Mondays and Tuesdays from June 23 to Aug. 26, join us for an "Awesome Amphibians and Rowdy Reptiles" Show at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Have a close encounter with some of nature's most interesting and misunderstood animals. The amazing world of reptiles and amphibians will be introduced with cool artifacts, such models and skulls, and live animals that may include an alligator and snakes. Free with Zoo admission.
| |
|
|
|
|
Farmer's Market
Date: 6/27/2008 - 10/31/2008
( 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Beginning June 27, the Zoo will host a Farmer’s Market every Friday 10 to 3pm and Sunday 1 to 4pm through the late fall growing season. The market will be set up in the zoo's parking lot at 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport, and neither zoo nor Beardsley Park admission is required. Various farms from throughout the state will bring their fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables plus homemade baked goods, pesto sauce, pasta sauce, jellies, jams, preserves, Goat Boy soap, local Connecticut honey, home décor, and more. One of the participants is Plasko's Farm, a family owned and operated farm that was established in Trumbull in 1925 and is the town's last remaining farm. Items sold by Plasko's are WIC and Food Stamp certified, so the general public may purchase items from Plasko's at the zoo's Farmers' Market using those vouchers. Local restaurants are invited to shop at the Farmers' Market as part of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm-to-Chef program. The program helps connect Connecticut chefs and food service professionals with growers, producers and distributors of CT Grown products. It also helps the public locate restaurants, institutions, and other dining facilities that serve foods prepared with CT Grown ingredients.
| |
|
|
|
|
Animal Tales storytelling program
Date: 6/30/2008 - 8/22/2008
( 2 p.m.
to 3 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Stories and live animal presentations for children. Weekdays only.
| |
|
|
|
July 2008 |
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session I
Date: 7/7/2008 - 7/11/2008
( 9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session I.
Date: 7/14/2008 - 7/18/2008
( 9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Adult Evening Lecture Series
Date: 7/16/2008 - 7/16/2008
( 7 p.m.
to 9 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Master Wildlife Conservationist Dave Wright will discuss "Backyard Wildlife Habitats: Or, Build It and They Will Come." The presentation focuses on the following: How backyards can assist in the preservation of habitat for wildlife; What can be learned from these backyard wildlife habitats; The pros of cons of a backyard dedicated to wildlife; The downsides of a yard made more appealing to wildlife; The four elements of a backyard wildlife habitat; How to begin a backyard habitat; and What to avoid in a backyard habitat. Wright is president of the Trumbull Land Trust, serves on the Board of Directors for Connecticut Audubon's Milford Coastal Center, leads nature walks for the Town of Stratford's Recreation Department, and is a member of the Connecticut Outdoor Environmental Educators Association. His yard has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, and Trumbull Land Trust. The lecture takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.
| |
|
|
|
|
"Much Ado About Nothing" CT Free Shakespeare
Date: 7/18/2008 - 8/1/2008
( 8:00 p.m.
to 10 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
On July 18-20, 23-27, 30-31 and August 1-2, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo will host the 9th annual production of Connecticut Free Shakespeare, formerly Bridgeport Free Shakespeare. “Much Ado About Nothing” is set along the Connecticut Shoreline at Leo’s Inn & Eatery in July 1973. The Watergate scandal is the perfect backdrop for the web of conspiracy, and snooping that occur within this play. The Romantic Comedy with Music from the 1970’s revolves around soldiers returning from Viet Nam and their relationships with the people at Leo’s Inn & Eatery. It is delightful, funny and touching. It will have songs, music and dances of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The play was written by William Shakespeare and adapted by Ellen Lieberman. Admission is free. In case of inclement weather, the show will be postponed until the next performance. The Zoo's Picnic Grove opens at 6:30 p.m. for people to enjoy picnic dinners they bring or to purchase snacks from the Zoo's Jungle Canteen concession stand, which will close at the end of intermission. People may bring blankets and lawn chairs. The zoo itself is not open for touring during the evening.
| |
|
|
|
|
Day of the Ocean
Date: 7/20/2008 - 7/20/2008
( noon
to 3 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Celebrate International Day of The Ocean by exploring the wonders of ocean life. Highlights include live marine creatures, marine biology experts and oceans of fun with crafts.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session II.
Date: 7/21/2008 - 7/25/2008
( 9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This intensive, hands-on, summer program is offered for youth between the ages of 12 and 15 years. This session provides an in-depth view of life at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. Each day's activities vary and may include Animal Care talks by staff members, animal diet preparation, hands-on lab activities, and much more. Participants must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session III
Date: 7/28/2008 - 8/1/2008
( 9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 10-12 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
August 2008 |
|
|
Chris Rowlands Interactive Musical Performance
Date: 8/3/2008 - 8/3/2008
( noon
to 4 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Performer and naturalist Chris Rowlands returns to the Zoo on August 3 to present his popular “Farmin’ Fever” show as well as his “The Goods on the Woods” show at noon and 2 p.m. on our Farmyard stage.
Farmin Fever may have started with "Old McDonalds" but it didn't end there. Chris brings the farm to life through song dance and colorful props. Chris leads the audience in a bee-bopping chorus of "squeeze, squirt, right from the udder," that would make "the King" proud. Chris and Hamhock sing a pig polka, and you can’t miss the rest of the puppets sing and tell their jokes. Chris and his farm yard puppets will keep you singing until the cows come home.
The Goods on the Woods is an overview of the habitats we find in the woods around us. Through songs and puppets Chris will teach people about producers, consumers and decomposes. Chris explains how energy entering the ecosystem as sunlight supports the life of organisms through photosynthesis and the transfer of energy through the interactions of organisms and the environment. You can’t miss the skunk song and Bernard the turkey vulture sing a duet with Chris. Lots of facts and lots of fun.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session II
Date: 8/4/2008 - 8/8/2008
( 9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This intensive, hands-on, summer program is offered for youth between the ages of 12 and 15 years. This session provides an in-depth view of life at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. Each day's activities vary and may include Animal Care talks by staff members, animal diet preparation, hands-on lab activities, and much more. Participants must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Spider Day
Date: 8/9/2008 - 8/9/2008
( 12:00 p.m.
to 3 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Learn about these eight-legged wonders when Frank Somma from Crawling Wonders brings a dozen amazing critters to the zoo for a visit.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session I
Date: 8/11/2008 - 8/15/2008
( 9:00 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Teddy Bear Picnic
Date: 8/17/2008 - 8/17/2008
( 12:00 p.m.
to 3 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Free admission for children under age 12 who bring their teddy bear to the "Teddy Bear Clinic" and are accompanied by a paying adult. The day will also feature children's crafts and storytelling.
| |
|
|
|
|
Adult Evening Lecture Series
Date: 8/20/2008 - 8/20/2008
( 7:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Patrol Session I
Date: 8/20/2008 - 8/24/2008
( 9:00 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This exciting summer program is offered for children ages 7-11 years. Children participate in talks and activities with zoo staff, animal-related games and arts and crafts. Each day's activities vary and may include preparing an animal enrichment item (such as a food-filled treat), a nature walk, or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo. Children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2008. The cost of each weekly session is $130 for Connecticut Zoological Society members and $155 for non-members. For more information and registration forms go to our Zoo Patrol page.
| |
|
|
|
|
Arlo Guthrie Concert
Date: 8/22/2008 - 8/22/2008
( 8 p.m.
to 10 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
We’re proud to present Arlo Guthrie in an outdoor concert at our Peacock Pavilion picnic grove on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. Joining him on this tour will be his son, Abe, and grandson, Krishna. Tickets, which aren't on sale yet, are $45 with a $10 discount for members of the Connecticut Zoological Society. There also will be a limited number of VIP tickets at $100, which includes a pre-show reception with Guthrie and preferred seating. All of the proceeds from the concert will go to financing the refurbishing of our bear exhibit. For more information, call 203-394-6565 or check back often for tickets.
| |
|
|
|
September 2008 |
|
|
Wild Wine Safari
Date: 9/5/2008 - 9/5/2008
( 6:30 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
The Zoo’s annual adults-only Wine and Food Tasting features approximately 80 fine wines, beers, cordials, exotic hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, music and more. “Jungle safari” attire is encouraged. Ticket prices to be determined. For event sponsorship and ticket information, call the Zoo’s Development Department at 203-394-6573.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Tots
Date: 9/9/2008 - 9/9/2008
( 10:30 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This program for children ages 18 months to three years (who are accompanied by an adult) may include stories, games, crafts and a live animal presentation. This session, entitled “Night and Day,” will focus on differences between the animals that move during the night and those that move during the day. The cost is $10 for zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
| |
|
|
|
|
Adult Evening Lecture Series
Date: 9/17/2008 - 9/17/2008
( 7:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.
| |
|
|
|
October 2008 |
|
|
Zoo Tots
Date: 10/7/2008 - 10/7/2008
( 10:30 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This program for children ages 18 months to three years (who are accompanied by an adult) may include stories, games, crafts and a live animal presentation. This session, entitled “Not So Scary,” will focus on animals associated with Halloween. The cost is $10 for zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
| |
|
|
|
|
Adult Evening Lecture Series
Date: 10/15/2008 - 10/15/2008
( 7:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Conservation or environmental speaker and topic to be announced. Takes place in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station. Free.
| |
|
|
|
|
Wolf Awareness Day
Date: 10/19/2008 - 10/19/2008
( 12:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Learn about wolves, including the Zoo's three species: timber wolves, endangered red wolves and endangered maned wolves.
| |
|
|
|
|
Boo at the Zoo
Date: 10/26/2008 - 10/26/2008
( 12:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Free admission for children under 12 in costume accompanied by their (paying) families. The event will feature a magician, music, candy, games and crafts.
| |
|
|
|
November 2008 |
|
|
America Recycles Day
Date: 11/9/2008 - 11/9/2008
( 12:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
)
|
|
|
|
Enjoy the "Recycle Relay Game," learn fun and fascinating environmental facts about recycling, and make crafts from recycled materials.
| |
|
|
|
|
Zoo Tots
Date: 11/11/2008 - 11/11/2008
( 10:30 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m.
)
|
|
|
|
This program for children ages 18 months to three years (who are accompanied by an adult) may include stories, games, crafts and a live animal presentation. This session, entitled “What’s For Dinner?” will focus on what animals eat. The cost is $10 for zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
