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Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

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OPEN DAILY FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. LAST TICKET SOLD AT 3 P.M.

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Our Animals

Get to know our residents. From rare predators and playful primates to colorful amphibians and fascinating reptiles, each species has a story to tell. Learn how their unique behaviors, habitats, and adaptations help them survive in the wild, and what we can do to help protect them.

Conservation Efforts

Beardsley Zoo’s conservation initiatives reach local streams, national habitats, and global ecosystems. Through research, hands-on programs, and citizen science, we empower staff, volunteers, and visitors to make a measurable impact.

Conservation
in Action:
Our Field Programs

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Community
Conservation

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Support the Zoo

Your contributions—of time, resources, or expertise—help Beardsley Zoo protect wildlife, expand educational programs, and strengthen conservation efforts, ensuring a thriving future for animals and visitors alike.

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Upcoming Events

African Spur-Thighed Tortoises on Habitat
AUG14

Multi-DayMay 22 – Sep 7

African Spur-Thighed Tortoises on Habitat

Date
May 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM – September 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Location
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Beginning May 22 and running through Labor Day weekend, guests can explore a special outdoor habitat located just in front of the greenhouse, featuring African spurred tortoises up close. This unique exhibit offers visitors a chance to observe these incredible reptiles in a thoughtfully designed environment that highlights their natural behaviors.

9:00 AM
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
Chris Rowlands Puppet Show
AUG14

Multi-DayAug 1–16

Chris Rowlands Puppet Show

Date
August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM – August 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Location
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

3 shows per day            
10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm    
Picnic Grove Stage  

Get ready for music, laughter, and interactive fun as puppet extraordinaire Chris Rowlands returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo this season!

A National Audubon singer-songwriter and talented puppeteer, Chris Rowlands brings an energetic blend of live music, storytelling, and whimsical puppetry to the stage. His engaging performances delight audiences of all ages while sharing themes of nature, wildlife, and environmental awareness.

Join Chris on the Picnic Grove Stage for three daily shows at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Performances run May 23–25 and return August 1 through August 16, offering plenty of opportunities to catch the fun.

Don’t miss this lively, family-friendly experience that combines education, creativity, and pure entertainment!

10:00 AM
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
World Honeybee Day
AUG15

World Honeybee Day

Date
August 15, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
Category
Animal Awareness Days

It’s World Honeybee Day, and since these small pollinators are critical to our food supply, the decline of the honeybee is concerning to scientists worldwide.

9:00 AM
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
Monarch Watch Training
AUG19

Monarch Watch Training

Date
August 19, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location
Virtual on Zoom
Category
Monarch Watch

MonarchWatch is a Citizen Science program that teaches volunteers to tag and record Monarch Butterflies. Your contribution will help scientists collect very valuable data to study the population and its migration patterns down to Mexico for the winter season.

Click here to register for the August 19th session at 7pm via Zoom.

7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
AUG19

Evening Lecture Series: Cognitive Tails - Memory and Object Permanence in Canines

Date
August 19, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

Recent research in canine cognition has provided valuable insight into how dogs perceive, remember, and interact with their environment. This talk will focus on research studies related to long-term canine memory, highlighting the role of individual personality differences in problem-solving performance, and the understanding of object permanence abilities in dogs. Register to attend here.

7:00 PM
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
Sky Hunters in Flight
AUG22

Multi-DayAug 22–23

Sky Hunters in Flight

Date
August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM – August 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Location
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA

2 shows per day         
11:00am, 2:00pm
Location:  Red Barn, Amphitheater  

Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action as Skyhunters in Flight returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a limited summer engagement!

Presented by expert handlers Brian and Teddy Bradley, this dynamic show brings you face-to-face with majestic raptors as they soar, glide, and demonstrate their incredible natural abilities. From powerful wingspans to precise hunting skills, each presentation offers a fascinating look at these remarkable birds and the important role they play in our ecosystems.

Shows take place daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Red Barn Amphitheater, giving guests multiple opportunities to catch this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to see these awe-inspiring birds up close - only here for a limited time this summer!

11:00 AM
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
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What You're Saying

"Fun place for a kid. Small zoo. Clean, friendly. Fun for the carousel."

Matthew Recore

"Amazing zoo. Loved it"

joe berg

"Was a little busy but evened out as we went along but it was the weekend. Staff were very courteous. Animals looked very happy and content. Perfect place for my my 5-year-old's birthday"

Ashley Lenart

"Great family friendly zoo"

Paul Heindl

"Great zoo! We've visited many times as it's pretty close to us. A bunch of different animals and different areas. There was a live puppet show going on for kids at the pavilion and we also took the opportunity to ride the indoor carousel. It's clear their staff cares (everyone knew the animals given names!) and the animals are well maintained. Awesome way to spend a couple hours with the kids. My only complaints - the rainforest building *reeks* (I recognize animals smell interesting, it's very high temp/humidity in there and cleaning these buildings must be challenging) and parking CAN be a problem if it's very busy as the lot isn't big (so carpool)."

Sarah DeVellis Adams