A Note from the Zoo Director

Hello Everyone!

This month, we launch Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo into its next hundred years, a responsibility that we all take seriously. We've spent the last 12 months celebrating and looking back on our accomplishments. Now it's time to look forward into our future, as a truly modern zoo.

What is a modern zoo?

There are very specific guidelines for what an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo should be in this century. Like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, our status as an accredited zoo is your guarantee that we meet the most rigorous standards for animal welfare. Fewer than 10% of the 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are accredited, due to difficulty in meeting accreditation requirements. Our mission is conservation, education, research, and providing a fabulous guest experience. But there's more to us than meets the eye, so here's a little more detail I encourage you to share when you tell people why you support the Zoo.

The reality of life in the modern world is that there are very few truly "wild" areas. Humans are moving into previously untouched areas, and using the land where wild animals once roamed for agriculture or living space, causing the rapid decline of many species. Our conservation work today is multi-faceted, and in many cases, zoos are all that stand between an animal's survival and extinction.

We participate in the AZA's Species Survival Plans for multiple endangered species, attempting to conserve as many species as possible through genetically diverse breeding programs. Genetic diversity is the reason we move animals among member zoos, ensuring the most robust health in the hope that it is possible to release a species back into the wild.

The standard of care for animal husbandry is a constantly moving target--always upward. The AZA--and Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo-- is continuously raising its standards as science learns more and more about the species in our care. Our goal is to incorporate the best modern zoological practices, always embracing the most up-to-date AZA philosophies.

Here is what you can expect from us as an accredited facility:

1) That continual welfare and wellness evaluations are conducted, measuring both the physical and mental states of our animals.

2) That we engage in conservation efforts, understood to be active stewardship of the natural environment, including wildlife, plant, and other natural resources.

3) That we offer daily enrichment, meeting every animal's behavioral and physical needs by providing opportunities for species-appropriate behaviors and choices.

4) That we employ a professional staff with the appropriate level of special knowledge, training and experience.

5) That we offer inspiring guest engagement and education.

In addition, we focus on excellent veterinary care, sound nutrition, habitat expansion and improvements, and more, each and every day.

You help to support us through buying tickets and visiting the Zoo; purchasing memberships, items from the gift shop and meals from the Peacock Cafe; making donations; and supporting our many fundraisers. We're all in this together--we can't do it without you.

Now on to Year 101. See you at the Zoo!

-Gregg Dancho

THIS MONTH AT THE ZOO

Support Our Prairie Dogs!

?We are more than halfway to our goal! We need your support! If you have been to the Zoo, you have most likely popped up with our prairie dogs. Our beloved prairie dog habitat is getting a makeover, and we need your support! Learn more about our plans and how your donation can make a difference!

Learn More & Make this Renovation a Reality

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

There's still time to register for both of the Zoo's Teen Volunteer Programs: the Conservation Discovery Corps and Zoo Career Explorers! Our programs inspire and motivate teens looking for hands-on Zoo life experience. CDC applications are due by Wednesday, January 18, and registration for Zoo Career Explorers will close once full.

Learn More & Register Today

Last Call for 2023 Zoo Calendars!

If you haven't already bought one, there are still a few copies of the Zoo’s Limited Edition 2023 Calendar available!

Order Yours Today!

EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE!

Join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a spectacular food, wine, and beer showcase! The Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari is celebrating its 17th year on June 3, 2023. This event features Connecticut’s best restaurants, caterers, and beer and wine vendors.

This annual favorite is a sell-out event, with 1,200 adults from Fairfield & New Haven counties attending every year.

Learn More & Watch Our Highlight Reel!

FROM OUR PARTNER

New Year, new perspective! Here are seven potentially challenging, real-life topics, what they mean and why it’s important to address them with kids.

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

January 5th is National Bird Day!

I am a beautiful bird that is well known for my intelligence. I can mimic human speech, as well as other bird and mammal calls in the wild. Can you guess who I am?

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

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