Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces events for September – December
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610) is excited to announce its glowing schedule of events for September through December 2024. Fall is the perfect time to explore the Zoo, so gather the family and friends to enjoy the crisp air while the season’s beauty is in full bloom! With a lineup of fun and educational events for all ages, many of which are included with admission, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check BeardsleyZoo.org or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, as the calendar is subject to change.
September 14, Red Wolf Day
The American red wolf is the rarest wild animal in the US and the most endangered wolf in our nation and the world. Red wolves have the incredible power to shape the landscape in a way that benefits plants, animals, and people. Their presence has a domino effect on their surroundings, leading to a balanced ecosystem. On September 14, Zoo Educators will be on site at our Red Wolf Exhibit, to share artifacts and to discuss this highly endangered species from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
September 14, Fairy Tales Day: A Magical Day with Storybook Characters, 10am-2pm
Brush off those superhero capes and take out the tiaras! On Saturday, September 14, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, superheroes, story times, face painting and an on-site Bookmobile in partnership with Read to Grow!
The day of fun and fantasy is presented by the Pediatric Care Alliance between Connecticut Children’s and Hartford HealthCare and in partnership with Read to Grow, a non-profit organization dedicated to early childhood literacy.
September 17, Evening Lecture Series on Bats, Hanson Building, 7PM
Southern Connecticut State University Graduate Student, Keelyn Kotecki, studies bats and has traveled to Belize to focus her research on vampire bats. Kotecki will share her insights on her findings and offer explanations about bats and their importance in our ecosystem. This lecture is available in person or via Zoom. Click here to register.
September 20, AARP Day
If you’re an AARP cardholder, pre-register at the link below to receive free admission for you and one guest to receive free admission to the Zoo on September 20! Pre-Registration required. Register with AARP here.
September 21, International Red Panda Day
Held on the third Saturday in September, the Zoo is happy to celebrate International Red Panda Day! The Red Panda is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to human caused threats like deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and the illegal pet trade. Visit the zoo and meet Zoo Educators at our Natt Family Red Panda Habitat and learn about these adorable animals from 1pm–3pm.
September 26-December 2, GLOW Wild Returns!
GLOW Wild Presented by ASML returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world. Back by popular demand, this illuminating festival of lights is coming back for its third year! The festival will run from 5:30pm to 9:30pm Thursdays through Sundays beginning September 26 and running through December 15, 2024.
Tickets should be purchased online at beardsleyzoo.org in advance. A small number of tickets may be available at the door, depending on the capacity. Children under three and adults over seventy-five are free. Wheelchairs and strollers will be available to rent. NOTE: there will not be a Glow Wild Lantern Festival on Thanksgiving.
Thank you to GLOW Wild sponsors: Title Sponsor, ASML; Glow Wild Sponsor, The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation; Elite Sponsor, Avangrid (UI, SCG); Select Sponsors, AARP, M&T Bank, R.D. Scinto, Inc.; Support Sponsors, Barker Specialty, Coca Cola Northeast, LIV IT UP.
October 19, Zoo Gala, 6:00pm- 10:00pm
Join Zoo staff and supporters on Saturday, October 19 at The Inn at Longshore in Westport for a wildly fun evening out that supports conservation efforts and education. The Gala is one of the Zoo’s largest fundraisers, with the goal of raising funds towards the care of our endangered species, expansion of our exhibits, and educational programming. Enjoy dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, an exciting silent and live auction, and animal encounters! Click here for your tickets to attend this zoo-tastic event!
October 24, Zoo Tots, 10:30am – 11:00am
Join us for Zoo Tots: Not So Scary! It is almost Halloween! Learn about friendly insects and reptiles that are often misunderstood as being scary! Located in the Kathy Brady Education Center. Zoo Tots is a 30-minute program for ages 22 months to 4 years, who are accompanied by an adult. Activities may include stories, songs, puppet shows, crafts, and live animals. Register here.
Saturday, October 26: Boo at the Zoo, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Rain or Shine!)
A spooktacular day, that is a longstanding family tradition! Enjoy special Halloween activities in the Kathy Brady Education Center, story-times, cool critters, and seasonal treats for sale! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through. Costumes encouraged!
November 4, National Bison Day
The American Bison became the National Mammal in 2016 under President Obama, and National Bison Day celebrates this majestic animal the first Saturday of November. Take the time this week to visit the zoo, to learn about the American Bison, and to educate yourself about the role of the American Bison in Indigenous communities.
November 14, Zoo Tots, 10:30am. – 11:00am
Join us for Zoo Tots: Harvest Festival! Happy Thanksgiving! Join us at the zoo to celebrate Thanksgiving by learning about foraging behavior and what food animals eat! Located in the Kathy Brady Education Center.
Zoo Tots is a 30-minute program for ages 22 months to 4 years, who are accompanied by an adult. Activities may include stories, songs, puppet shows, crafts, and live animals. Register here.
November 19, World Anteater Day
Two adult Giant Anteaters call Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Pampas Plains home. The female, named Pana, and the male, named EO, were born in 2009, and just had their own baby, right here at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! Plan your visit to the zoo to see mom and baby, while learning more about Giant Anteaters.
December 14, National Monkey Day
Every year on December 14 this National Day celebrates around the world recognize the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is about monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Monkeys live all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent animals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too.
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.
Visit our Tropical Greenhouse
Enjoy a visit to a tropical paradise at our Victorian Greenhouse. As you stroll through, enjoy viewing a variety of plant species flowering and feed our colorful Koi fish in their pond. It’s a short walk through another world. Free with Zoo admission.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9am to 4pm. Register for your admission or event tickets online at beardsleyzoo.org.
Daily Hours
The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9am-4pm, year-round.
Peacock Café: 9am to 4pm Grill closes 30 minutes before closing.
Carousel: Open 9am to 4pm; Final ride at 3:45 p.m.
The Zoo will be closed on November 28th, 2024, for Thanksgiving
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