Zoo News for July 2013

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Newsletter

July 2013

Wild Wine...Bigger and Better Than Ever

This event gets better every year! More than 1,200 people enjoyed food, drinks, music, an auction and a magical evening at the Zoo. Thanks to your generosity, we made more than $80,000. Very special thanks to our sponsors and partners, including The Wine Emporium of Shelton, a long-time supporter of this event, as well as this year's Presenting Sponsor, People's United Bank. Click here for a full list of supporters.

Amur Leopard on Exhibit

Our new Amur leopard, Sofiya, is in her exhibit as of today, July 2. While she gets used to the sounds and smells of her new home, she may stay inside her enclosed holding area rather than venture out into the yard. But, we hope you get to see this beautiful, endangered animal during your visit.

Zoo Receives State Grant for Exhibit

We are extremely grateful to State Rep. Auden Grogins and the Bridgeport Delegation for helping secure a state grant of $2.5 million in bonding money for our Andean Bear Exhibit, which will be a showpiece of the South American expansion.

The last time the Zoo received capital funding from the state was for construction of our Animal Care Center.

We appreciate everyone's efforts on our behalf!

'Zoo Patrol' for Kids Continues thru 8/16

Kids ages 6 to 14 who love animals, the environment and being outdoors will enjoy our week-long Zoo Patrol programs that continue through Aug. 16. We offer keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on learning, games, crafts and more. Click here for details.

Interactive Music & Puppet Shows

Come enjoy a Zoo Family Favorite from July 26 - Aug 11. Famous for getting everyone involved, Chris Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets and colorful props. Chris blends music, comedy and education into a fun performance where children are invited to sing along as Chris shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Shows are daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Each performance is 30 minutes long.

Zoomobile Hits the Road

Watch for our Zoomobile this summer at following locations.

SSSensational Snakes: Living Wonders on Wednesdays from 12 to 2 pm

7/3 - Sherwood Island State Park in Westport (on the beach)
7/10 - Kettletown State Park in Southbury
7/17 - Kellogg Nature Center in Derby
7/24 - Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury
8/7 - Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield
8/21 - Sherwood Island State Park in Westport (on the beach)

Hot Reptiles: Cool Nights on Saturdays at 6 pm
7/20 - Sherwood Island State Park Nature Center
8/10 - Sherwood Island State Park Nature Center

Annual Report Thanks Donors

Click here to read our 90th anniversary annual report, covering activities throughout 2012, which lists the sponsors and donors who help make the Zoo one of the state's top family destinations.

Events

July 4 (9-4) -- Red, White, & Blue Animal Scavenger Hunt. This self-guided hunt will challenge you to find all of the animals sporting patriotic colors, including red wolf, white swans and (blue) poison dart frog. Enjoy a special "Animal Bytes" presentation about the American bald eagle.

July 5 (11-3) -- Barnum Birthday Bash. We join with the Barnum Museum to celebrate P.T. Barnum's 203rd birthday with author book signings and the film Barnum Lives. Details.

July 14-20 -- National Zoo Keeper Week. Our zoo keepers are both educators and wildlife ambassadors who not only keep our animals healthy and happy but also teach our visitors about conservation. Come to the Zoo this week, say hello to our zoo keepers, and enjoy the fun-filled activities they have in store for you - including a super fun kids scavenger hunt!

July 14 (1-4) -- Zoo Day at the Bluefish. The Bridgeport Bluefish will celebrate Zoo Day at the Bluefish stadium while hosting their arch rivals, the Long Island Ducks. Zoo staff will be inside the stadium offering special drawings for great prizes and Zoo merchandise, while sharing information about the new animals coming to Connecticut's only zoo this summer.

July 17 (7-8 pm) -- Evening Lecture Series: Through the Eyes of Africa. Meet Dr. Jay Walshon, author of the EYE SEE YOU children's books featuring amazing photos from his many trips that take the reader on an African "who am I" journey. Details.

July 26 - Aug. 11 (11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm) -- Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE. See article.

Click here for event details and our full calendar.

Conservation Quote