A Note from the Zoo Director:

Hello Everyone!

It's June, and all of us at the Zoo are excited to spend the summer of 2023 with you! Children are finishing up another school year, the spur-thighed tortoises are on their way for their summer sojourn at the Zoo, and the sun is shining! This is going to be an amazing summer--here's why:

North American River Otter Pups

The four North American river otter pups born on March 23 are more than 8 weeks old, and mom Tahu has begun teaching them to swim. If you notice that the water levels in the otter pond are a little lower than usual, that's why. There are youngsters taking lessons there! As the summer goes on, the playful pups will be out more and more often. Don't miss this otterly adorable family of two boys and two girls as they grow.

Golden Lion Tamarin Baby

Our little golden haired tamarin baby is growing rapidly and venturing out into the habitat without mom and dad. The birth of this diminutive monkey is such a rare occurrence that you'll want to make a special visit to the Rainforest Building before the summer is over. We're proud of our excellent animal husbandry from the animal care team that provides the right atmosphere to raise one of these tiny endangered animals.

The Tortoises Are Coming!

Eight spur-thighed tortoises, native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa, are on their way and arriving this week. You'll find these fascinating large tortoises munching on watermelon in the grassy area in front of the Greenhouse. You know it's summer when these big guys arrive.

Ready, Set, Shoot: Photography Goes Wild!

One of my favorite things each summer is seeing the hundreds of fantastic photos submitted to our annual Photography Goes Wild Photo Contest. It's not just for adult photographers--children and teens are encouraged to submit photos, too! There are two Kids Only! age categories: up to age 12, and teens ages 13-17. Learn more here and get shooting!

We have so much to share with you in this Summer of the Bear: check out our website for instructions on how to look for 500 Zoo prizes hidden in children's books about bears in selected libraries on June 17. And don't let summer go by without a visit to our Andean bear Cayambe!

See you at the Zoo!

Gregg Dancho

EVENTS

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN!!!
THIS SATURDAY
Wild Wine, Beer, & Food Safari
June 3, 2023 6 PM - 9 PM
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.

Get Your Tickets Today! 

Our Silent Auction is Open for Bidding!
Join the fun and start bidding today! With over 75 unique packages, from artwork, unique experiences, travel packages, restaurant gift cards, and more, there's sure to be something to pique your interest. Help us reach our goal and start bidding today!

Auction closes Saturday, June 3 at 8:15 PM.

Start Bidding Today! 

AROUND THE ZOO

Photography Goes Wild Photo Contest Begins

June 1

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its fifth annual photography contest is open for submissions, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing--including kid photographers! The contest is sponsored by Milford Photo. Judging will take place mid-July, with an in-person show held on Thursday, July 27 in the Zoo’s Hanson Building.

Learn More & Register

Milford Photo Day at the Zoo
June 10 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join the photography professionals from Milford Photo at the Zoo as they demonstrate new cameras, lenses, and techniques for the best animal photos. Free with Zoo admission.

Zoo Tots: Farmyard Fun! 

June 14 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

This monthly 30-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. This session is “Farmyard Fun!” Cultivate a sense of wonder in our fabulous farmyard! Tots will explore domestic breeds, enjoy stories on the family farm, and enjoy a craft near our big red barn in the Adventure Amphitheater. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. 

Learn More & Register

Evening Lecture Series: Horseshoe Crab Monitoring

June 21 7:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart University Biology Professor Jo-Marie Kasinak will present Project Limulus: a community-based research study examining the ecology of the Long Island Sound horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) population.

Learn More & Register

AARP Fourth Friday Free!

June 23 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

If you’re an AARP cardholder, show your card and you get free admission to the Zoo for you and one guest!

FROM OUR PARTNER

Happy Pride Month! Here are ways to teach kids how people—and animals—can identify and love one another, and how to lift their own and others’ voices for a more inclusive world.

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.