Upcoming Events
June 29   -  August 21
Animal Tales storytelling program Learn More

July 6   -  July 10
Zoo Patrol session I 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

Animal Tales storytelling program
Date: 6/29/2009  -  8/21/2009  ( 1 p.m.  to 2 p.m. )
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. Weekdays only.
All Events

June 2009

Life-Sized, Walk-Through Maze

Date: 6/2/2009  -  9/7/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Country Fair

Date: 6/23/2009  -  9/7/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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 lifestyle 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.

Tuesday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. -- Enjoy "A Day at the Farm at the Country Fair." Come on over and meet the fascinating characters found at the Country Fair. During "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.


Animal Tales storytelling program

Date: 6/29/2009  -  8/21/2009  ( 1 p.m.  to 2 p.m. )
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. Weekdays only.

July 2009

Zoo Patrol session I

Date: 7/6/2009  -  7/10/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Buck Howdy Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 7/11/2009  -  7/12/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows take place at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm at the Learning Circle. Additional shows on July 18, 19, 25, and 26.


Zoo Patrol session I

Date: 7/13/2009  -  7/17/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Evening Lecture Series - The Colombian Exchange in Mexico

Date: 7/15/2009  -  7/15/2009  ( 7 p.m.  to 8 p.m. )
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.

Connecticut Free Shakespeare presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Date: 7/17/2009  -  7/26/2009  ( 8 p.m.  to 10 p.m. )
Connecticut Free Shakespeare celebrates its 10th anniversary at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo by presenting William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." All shows held at the Peacock Pavilion; rain location is the Carousel. FREE. Performance dates are July 17-19, 22-26. The performance begins at 8:00 pm, while the Zoo opens for picnics at 6:30 pm. For more information, call (203) 393-3213 or visit www.ctfreeshakespeare.org.


Buck Howdy Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 7/18/2009  -  7/19/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows take place at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm at the Learning Circle. Additional shows on July 25 and 26.


Zoo Patrol session II

Date: 7/20/2009  -  7/24/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Exotic Animal Amnesty Day

Date: 7/25/2009  -  7/25/2009  ( 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m. )
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.


Buck Howdy Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 7/25/2009  -  7/26/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows take place at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm at the Learning Circle.

Zoo Patron session III

Date: 7/27/2009  -  7/31/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 10-12 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Stratford BioBlitz

Date: 7/31/2009  -  8/1/2009  ( 3:00 p.m.  to 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. Watch scientists in the Zoo's Hanson Exploration Station 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. Zoo admission is not required.

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 2009

Chris Rowlands "Farmin' Fever" at the Country Fair

Date: 8/1/2009  -  8/2/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Additional shows on August 8 and 9.

Zoo Patrol session II

Date: 8/3/2009  -  8/7/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 12 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Chris Rowlands "Farming Fever" at the Country Fair

Date: 8/8/2009  -  8/9/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm.

Zoo Patrol session I

Date: 8/10/2009  -  8/14/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Tropical Illusions Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 8/15/2009  -  8/16/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle. Additional shows on August 22 and 23.

Tropical Illusions Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 8/15/2009  -  8/16/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle. Additional shows on August 22 and 23.

Tropical Illusions Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 8/15/2009  -  8/16/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle. Additional shows on August 22 and 23.

Teddy Bear Fest

Date: 8/16/2009  -  8/16/2009  ( noon  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 also will feature children's crafts and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and the facts about real bears.

Zoo Patrol session I

Date: 8/17/2009  -  8/21/2009  ( 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. )
This exciting summer activities program takes place on Zoo grounds. 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, nature walks and getting a glimpse behind the scenes. For this session, children must be 7 years old as of July 1, 2009. Cost is $130 for Members, $155 for Non-Members. Call 203-394-6563 to register.

Evening Lecture Series - Resources in Search and Rescue

Date: 8/19/2009  -  8/19/2009  ( 7 p.m.  to 8 p.m. )
Cathy Kohut and Chris Clark of R-SAR Inc. (Resources in Search and Rescue) will present a demonstration and talk on canine search and rescue, including the training methods, capabilities and certification requirements of wilderness search for lost and missing people, human remains detection and water recovery.

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.

Tropical Illusions Performs at the Country Fair

Date: 8/22/2009  -  8/22/2009  ( 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. )
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. Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Learning Circle.

September 2009

Evening Lecture Series - Horseshoe Crabs in Long Island Sound

Date: 9/16/2009  -  9/16/2009  ( 7 p.m.  to 8 p.m. )
Professor Jennifer Mattei of Sacred Heart University will present her studies on horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound. Learn about why your health depends on their survival and where horseshoe crabs go when they are not on the beach laying eggs. This ‘living fossil’ has many aspects of its life that are still a mystery. Become a member of Project Limulus, and learn how you can help by reporting observations you make on the beach next summer.

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.

CT’s Beardsley Zoo Golf Tournament

Date: 9/21/2009  -  9/21/2009  ( 10 a.m.  to 7 p.m. )
Tee it up for the Zoo on Monday, September 21 at the beautiful Connecticut Golf Club in Easton. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon for the best ball format tourney. The event includes lunch at the turn, cocktails, dinner, awards and a raffle. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to donate a raffle item, please contact Aimee Marcella at 203-394-6569 or amarcella@beardsleyzoo.org.

October 2009

Evening Lecture Series - Connecticut State of the Birds

Date: 10/21/2009  -  10/21/2009  ( 7 p.m.  to 8 p.m. )
Twan Leenders, the Conservation Biologist of Connecticut Audubon Society will present “Connecticut State of the Birds” an in-depth look at the birds included in the Connecticut Endangered Species Act (CT-ESA) and others considered at risk by important conservation organizations. Using citizen science data in conjunction with existing data sets, Twan will discuss identifying and prioritizing available open space.

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.


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