A Note from the Zoo Director
Hello Everyone!

As we come to the end of our 100th year, I'm looking back on our celebrations with gratitude for your support, and a bit of wonder at how quickly the year went by. Our Centennial Birthday Party was a big hit, with proclamations from Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport, Governor Lamont and the state, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Jim Himes, and marked by in-person festivities with many state and local representatives.

We placed a time capsule in the Big Cow, to be opened in 2072. There was a birthday cake bake-off with enough delicious cake for everyone to enjoy. We had twice weekly Centennial animal shows, and every weekend appearances of Skyhunters in Flight, a birds of prey presentation.

We planted a commemorative tree: a native American Sycamore. There were Sunday Serenades, and even an original 100 line poem written by Lauren Clifford.

In September, it was time for our fabulous lantern festival, Glow Wild! So many of you have told us how much you enjoyed this very special nighttime lights extravaganza. Our Centennial Gala at the Inn at Longshore in Westport was a huge success.

As a community of Zoo members, staff, volunteers, guests, sponsors and our board of directors, we celebrated our many achievements over the years: the birth of critically endangered animals, the release of other endangered animals to the wild, educating tens of thousands of children every year, and providing a gathering place for the people and families of Connecticut for generations.     

Our promise to you is to continue to work to fulfill our mission: conservation, education, research, and a fabulous guest experience. There's a lot more to come!

Next up: the Inauguration of our Mayor-elect, Rhubarb, the two -toed sloth. Join us next week via Facebook and Instagram Live for his official swearing in.

Have a wonderful holiday season. I'll see you at the Zoo.

-Gregg Dancho

Zoo Hours
Zoo: Open daily, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Peacock Cafe:

Mon - Wed
9:00am - 2:00pm
Thurs - Sun
9:00am - 4:00pm

Carousel:

Mon - Wed
CLOSED
Thurs - Friday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Sat - Sun
9:00am - 4:00pm

Canteen:
CLOSED

Hours are subject to change due to staffing and/or weather conditions. Please be sure to check our website or Facebook page for any information regarding Zoo closures.

Plan Your Visit!

Holiday Gift Guide

Let your gifts be a little wild!

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that also gives back? Look no further than Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo! Give the gift of the Zoo through one of our many options below, like a membership or animal sponsorship. Or be sure to stop by the Gift Shop during your next Zoo visit for a wonderful selection of gifts!

Visit the Gift Guide

Online Holiday Basket Auction

The holidays are upon us and so is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's Online Holiday Basket Silent Auction! It's a puuurfect way to kick-start your holiday shopping while supporting the Zoo. From toys to coffee to wrapping supplies and more - these hand crafted holiday baskets are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Start Bidding Today!

2023 Calendars are Here!

The 2023 Zoo Calendar is here, just in time for the holidays. Purchase one for yourself or give it as a fabulous gift to family, friends, neighbors, and clients. Each month features a different animal. LIMITED QUANTITIES—don’t wait!

Order Yours Today!
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Wish List

Purchasing items from the Zoo's Wish List is a direct way to support the Zoo and our animals! In-kind donations help offset the Zoo's costs, and are a great way to see your donation in action.

Shop & Support Here!

This Month at the Zoo

National Monkey Day Celebration
December 15

Look for our special educational programming at the Zoo on Thursday, December 15, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. We will have an Education Table in the rainforest building for you to learn more about the monkeys here at the zoo and all over the world.

Every year, on December 14th, National Monkey Day celebrates the unique characteristics of simians. The day also focuses on other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs.

December 24/Christmas Eve:
Zoo closes early.
Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.

December 25/Christmas:
Zoo closed.

December 31/New Year’s Eve: Zoo closes early.

Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.

January 1, 2023/New Year’s Day: Zoo closed.

It’s peak respiratory season and we’re in for a long winter. What’s the difference between RSV and flu, and what should you watch out for? (Yes, animals get sick, too.)

Read more here.

Follow @ConnecticutChildrens on social media for the latest parenting tips from our pediatric experts, brought to you through Connecticut Children's Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.

ANIMAL FUN FACT

I can turn my ears in different directions to improve my hearing. Can you guess who I am?

Click for the Answer!

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