A Note from the Zoo Director:

Hello Everyone!

Summer is flying by, but August is full of wonderful things happening at the Zoo! If you haven't seen our animal programs yet, you can catch them Thursdays through Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, our Education Department presents our animal ambassadors. On Saturdays and Sundays, Skyhunters in Flight with Master Falconer Brian Bradley and his cast of owls, falcons and hawks takes the stage in the Adventure Admphitheater.

It wouldn't be summer without an extended visit from family favorite Chris Rowlands, who is back to delight guests with shows through August 13 at 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Children are invited to join Chris on stage for singing, dancing and his colorful puppet shows. Seeing Chris Rowlands is a family tradition at the Zoo. Make it a tradition for your family, too!

Another tradition at the Zoo is coming to see our endangered Amur tigers. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo has been known as a home for tigers for many years. Our logo is a tiger, we've had many tigers here as part of our animal family, and we're proud of the tiger cubs that have been born here, contributing to a vulnerable Amur tiger population. That's why I'm excited to tell you that very soon we'll begin work on our long-planned Amur tiger habitat. Stay tuned for more information that we'll share on our website as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Make sure you sign up for Monarch Watch and learn how to tag butterflies to help scientists track migration, an important part of saving these fragile creatures. Educator Jen Farrell offers three dates to learn how to contribute to this important Citizen Science effort. It's a great family activity. Check out the details below.

Don't let summer come to an end without a visit. The four river otter cubs are splashing in their habitat, our baby golden lion tamarin is exploring the Rainforest Building, and the carousel offers rides to happy children all day. There's always so much to do!

See you at the Zoo!

Gregg Dancho

VISIT

FREE SUMMER Continues
through Monday, September 4

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will launch its “Connecticut Kids Are Free for Summer” program on July 1. Funded by the state, the Zoo will provide free admission to any Connecticut resident 18 years and younger, along with one accompanying adult. Guests must register for free tickets online at www.beardsleyzoo.org.

SUPPORT!

17th Annual Golf Tournament

It's time to tee off for conservation!

Gather three coworkers, friends or family members and join us on Monday, September 11 at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for fun and fundraising! This year's tournament will feature a traditional shotgun start, grill lunch, and buffet dinner.

Register Today

Commemorative Benches

Honor a special person, occasion, or pet with a commemorative bench at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Commemorative benches provide a lasting gift, beautify Zoo grounds and enhance our guest experience. We have several areas around the Zoo available for benches – choose something near a favorite exhibit or memorable spot. All funds raised from this program support Zoo operations and educational programming.

Honor / Remember Someone

2024 Zoo Calendar Pre-Sale

Everyone's favorite zoo calendar is back! Kick off 2024 with our limited edition 2024 Zoo Calendar! Each month features a different animal from the Zoo. Calendar measures 8.5"x11" shut, and 8.5"x22" opened. Each calendar is $20. Shipping included in price.

CALENDARS EXPECTED TO START SHIPPING: OCTOBER 2023

Pre-Order Yours Today!

AROUND THE ZOO

Sky Hunters in Flight Continues!

Every Saturday and Sunday, Ends September 3
11 am & 2 pm

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to bring Master Falconer Brian Bradley back to the Adventure Amphitheater this summer. Guests will be amazed as they watch birds of prey in free flight as Bradley demonstrates their special powers. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world, and learn how these beautiful birds play an important role in our environment at the top of the food chain.

Summer Animal Show

Every Thursday and Friday
11 am & 2 pm

This summer, educational programs will be found in multiple sites around the Zoo. For everyone from toddlers to teens, these learning opportunities are designed to spark a connection with wildlife and encourage everyone to care about conservation. Meet select Zoo animal ambassadors and their expert caregivers, along with other engaging animal experiences.

MonarchWatch Training

August 5, 10, and 17
7:00 pm

We are pleased to announce the dates for this year's 2023 MonarchWatch Training. All three trainings below are free and will be held virtually. MonarchWatch is a Citizen Science program which involves volunteers to tag and record Monarch Butterflies.Please only register for one training.

Learn More & Register

Chris Rowlands LIVE

August 1 - 13
10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo.

Evening Lecture

Olympic Cougar Project
August 16
7 PM (Virtual Only)

Cougars on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State may be threatened by genetic isolation as highways and housing development rapidly expands in the region. Join Kurt Zias, a field technician with Panthera, as he shares his experiences working with the Olympic Cougar Project, including close-up encounters with the cats themselves.

Register Here

Liberty Bank Presents: 'BEE - Community Kind Day'

In Celebration of National Honeybee Day
August 19
11 am - 3 pm

Our Zoo Career Explorers and Conservation Discovery Corps members are meeting at the beehives with an event celebrating the important role of pollinators in our eco-systems. Critical to our food supply, the decline of the honeybee is concerning to scientists worldwide. Find out how you can help and enjoy some honey-based treats.

This “Bee Community Kind” event is sponsored by Liberty Bank. The bank will be giving away free bee backpacks and bee lunch bags to guests.