A Note from the Zoo Director

Hello Everyone!

It's the marvelous month of May! The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the Zoo is welcoming babies!

North American River Otter Pups

We are so excited to welcome four North American river otter pups born on March 23, 2023. After a two-month gestation period and a few days past her fourth birthday, Tahu gave birth to her litter of four. Freshwater river otters give birth on land, in dens, where the pups remain secluded with their mother for a period of about eight weeks. The new otter pups have yet to emerge from seclusion with Mom, but we're hoping to see them outside for brief periods by mid-May. Watch the otter cam and see if you can catch a first glimpse!

Golden Lion Tamarin Baby

If otter pups weren't exciting enough, we also have a brand new golden lion tamarin baby, born to mom Cricket and dad Leão on April 8. The adult male usually does the largest share of caretaking, with the mother taking the infant only for nursing. Guests in the Rainforest Building may see the baby clinging to its mother’s or father’s back, but the family has free access both to their main habitat in the Rainforest Building and to their inside habitat, so they may not be visible all the time. 

Species Survival Plan

Both these births were recommended by the Species Survival Plan (SSP), an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) program. The SSP is designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and geographically stable population for a species' long-term future. There are only about 2,500 golden lion tamarins remaining in the wild, and a third of those are descended from GLTs raised in human care. Once down to 200 individuals in the wild and on the brink of extinction, intensive conservation efforts helped the population recover.  

We’re proud of our contribution to the restoration of this species, with babies born at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo released in Brazil to help stabilize the population. This new baby is an important part of the SSP, helping to preserve golden lion tamarins for future generations. All species raised in human care in accredited zoos are important ambassadors, raising awareness of habitat protection and contributing to the survival of their species.

We're Putting the Bear in Beardsley Zoo!

May is also the kickoff for our Summer of Be Bear Aware! We have so many beary exciting events to share with you! From our evening lecture The Bear Reality to our Be Bear Aware Panel to the Grand Opening of the new Andean bear habitat, we're the place to be for bear lovers all summer long! Details for these great events are below, plus check out our Be Bear Aware page on our website.

See you at the Zoo!

Gregg Dancho

Join Us!

Join Us on Social Media this Month for Facebook and Instagram LIVE!

5/19 Endangered Species Day 

Join us at 2 PM

5/25 World Otter Day

Join us at 1 PM

Support

Almost Sold Out!

Tickets Are Going Fast!

2023 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.

This expedition of taste will feature delectable fare from local restaurants and caterers such as: Creative Kitchen Catering, Dave Grant Caters, Fortuna's Catering, Garden Catering, Hair of the Dog, Hardcore Sweets, Hub & Spoke, Little Pub, Luna Azzurra Italiano, Micalizzi Italian Ice, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Open Door Tea, The Blind Rhino, Vazzy's and Yalla Organic Food.

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

Learn More & Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Enter to Win a Week in Block Island!

Enjoy a week stay on Block Island at the Neptune House - two bedroom unit for up to six guests. Located within walking distance of shops and restaurants, the Neptune House features spacious amenities, panoramic views, and friendly staff to make you feel at home during your stay.

Stay Dates Applicable:

Sept 30 - Oct. 07, 2023

OR

May 11 - May 18, 2024.

Entries:

1 for $100 of 3 for $250

Enter Today

Summer Of The Bear!

Be Bear Aware Panel

May 10 7:00-8:30 p.m.

The Zoo has assembled a cadre of bear experts to answer all your questions on living safely with black bears, and more! This very informative evening will address concerns about wild bears, share information on what bears are really like, what they need, and discuss how we can help to promote bear conservation and habitat protection. Plus, learn about our new Andean bear habitat opening in just 10 days! 

Learn More

Evening Lecture Series: The Bear Reality

May 17 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Bears have become victims of misunderstandings, fueled by media, literature, and word of mouth. The population of black bears has increased in Connecticut over the last four decades and will continue to grow. This program will share information on the American black bear, the state’s only resident species in the wild, to improve our understanding and tolerance and reduce conflicts with our wild bear neighbors. The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free. 

Learn More & Register Here!

Grand Opening Andean Bear Habitat

May 20 11:00 a.m.

Come celebrate the Grand Opening of our newest habitat for Andean bears! We’ll bring the snacks and giveaways, along with special presentations on these beautiful and endangered South American bears, returning to the Zoo after an absence of several years. This large and beautiful habitat for the arboreal (tree-climbing) bears features a very special guest viewing area. Zoo Educators will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with exciting information about these “spectacled” bears. The first 100 guests to arrive will receive an Andean bear water bottle!

Around The Zoo!

Photography Walkabout with Jack Bradley

May 6 9:00-12:30 p.m.

Zoo Volunteer Jack Bradley will lead a group of 12 intermediate photographers in a hands-on morning session at the Zoo. You must have a basic working knowledge of cameras to join the group. Join Jack for tips on photographing animals from birds to bison, and tigers to trout. Class size is limited; sign up is required. $25 fee, payable in advance, plus $19 Zoo admission. Members pay only the $25 fee. 

Learn More & Register Here!

Zoo Tots: Wolf Wednesday! 

May 24 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 “Wolf Wednesday!” Have a howling good time in our Wolf Observation Learning Facility (W.O.L.F. Cabin) and join the pack for stories, crafts, and learning all about wolves here at the Zoo. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. 

Learn More & Register

From Our Partner

May Is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month! Let’s celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI people in the U.S. Here are ideas. 

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.

Support

NEW! Mommy & Me River Otter Adoption Boxes!

Just in time for Mother's Day!

Celebrate the birth of our new river otters with our Mommy & Me River Otter Adoption Package!

?$85 Adoption Package Includes: Large Otter and Small Otter Plush - Animal Bookmark with Habitat Information - Animal Card with Facts - A "Proud to be Saving Species" Sticker - Adoption Certificate

Adopt Yours Today!

New items are being added to our 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. 

Vist Our Wish List

Animal Fun Fact

I have a unique trait among insects. I hiss. Can you guess who I am?

Click For The Answer

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

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.

Reminder: ?Every Saturday until June 24, 2023, the Zoo will be free to all Bridgeport residents as part of the Zoo's Cool Blue Bridgeport Program.

Peacock Cafe:

Open Daily,

9:00am - 4:00pm

(Grill closes 30min before close)

Carousel:

Open Daily,

9:00am - 4:00pm

(Final ride 3:45pm)

Canteen:

Opens Memorial Day Weekend