BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – September 14, 2023 – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will launch "Cool Blue Bridgeport" for the third year, concurrent with the 2023/2024 school year. The on-grounds educational program on climate change offers free admission to the Zoo every Saturday through June 29, 2024, limited by ticket availability. This program was awarded as a grant from the City of Bridgeport through the American Rescue Plan. Bridgeport residents must register for free tickets online at beardsleyzoo.org, using the code "COOLBLUE." A photo ID with proof of residence will be required at the gate, either a driver’s license or a Park City ID.
Cool Blue Bridgeport (CBB) is intended to connect with the citizens of Bridgeport and empower them to take action to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Participants will not only learn about how animals within our collection are affected by the changing climate, but also what we can do and how we can collectively make a difference. Activities to promote youth and family learning will take place at the Zoo on Saturdays, as well as online to make learning accessible whenever it is convenient to Bridgeport families. CBB will engage families and young people through learning programs, hands-on activities, online videos, and design challenges. The program includes: A Cool Blue Bridgeport Action (CBBA) Passport for Bridgeport families. Families will be offered conservation-themed activities both on site during their visit as well as online. The CBBA Passport will take residents on an exciting journey focusing on animals at the Zoo, their adaptations and climate dependencies. Bridgeport’s rich history as a port city and shoreline community will be incorporated by educators linking climate change to local geography and landmarks.The CBBA Passport will introduce students and families to new animals, new events, and new programming to assist them in exploring the Zoo in ways never before possible. Upcoming activities for the year will include various lectures, 10 Virtual Wild Assemblies with Bridgeport Public middle and high schools, and Teacher Nights at the Zoo."Climate change is happening all around us," said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. "Bridgeport is subject to the same challenges facing urban populations globally when it comes to climate change. We see it in the form of more frequent extreme storms, damaging winds and flooding, rising sea levels, and altered migration patterns in many animal species. The good news is that there are things that we can all do to help." About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Get Your Ticket to Adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include the new Andean bear habitat, the spider monkey habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets should be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.