Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Newsletter

June 2015

New Exhibit in the Research Station

Visit Professor Beardsley's Research Station starting in mid-June to see a new exhibit, sponsored by Aquarion, of three Eastern hellbenders. These giant salamanders are around 16-19 inches long and are a threatened species in their native region of upstate New York and Pennsylvania. Not only an animal feature, the new exhibit showcases our conservation effects with clean water sustainability by showing visitors the life support system below the tank. We hope you enjoy this up-close look at a species never before exhibited at our Zoo.

Limited Tickets Remaining!

This event SELLS OUT every year. Get your tickets NOW by clicking HERE. Only limited tickets remain.

Visit our event webpage for the current list of Food Vendors and other details.

Many thanks to our Sponsors -- Wine & Beer Sponsor: Glen Ro Spirit Shoppe; Presenting Sponsor: People's United Bank; Big Hearted Bear: Brody Wilkinson PC; Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C.; Merit Insurance; Opulent Otters: Aquarion Water Company; Cablevision; Coca-Cola; The Vazomica Foundation; Compassionate Condors: The Ganim Group, LLC; Bob & MaryAnn Matthews; and Zoo Friends: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc., Elizabeth Pfriem.

A New 'Frontier' for Our Bison

We have a new face in our bison exhibit. Frank, Frontier Communications' witty, truth-speaking All-American spokesman, has joined us during Frontier's two-year commitment to sponsor our Bison Exhibit. Watch for Frank's photo pop-through wood cutout where you can take your picture.

If you are a Frontier

customer, please watch for a 15% discount in your customer communication mailing.

Hold On To Your Hats!

You can feel "Wild African Winds" in the new wind machine located in our Carousel building.

The one-minute experience reaches Category 1 hurricane force wind speeds of 78 mph.

At left, Zoo Director Gregg Dancho steps inside the picturesque booth for a "wild ride."

Vote for Your Zoo

Please cast your vote for us by June 15 in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Fairfield County. We have won this award before thanks to your support! Please help us win it again.

Generous Donation from Civitans

Many thanks to the Stratford/Trumbull Civitans for donating $1,000 toward our Pampas Plains Project. Celebrating the donation are (left to right) Tom Zmijewski, Frank Meyernick, Tim Worrell, Carl Alber, Gregg Dancho, Mark Smith, Don Palazzo, and George Dirgo.

"Giant Ants" are Coming

This spring, our new Anteater will be moving into his new home here at the Zoo! We are still working on putting the final touches on his new exhibit, and we could really use your help. Sponsor a "Giant Ant" today! The "giant ants" will be placed all around the Zoo with your name (family or corporation) on them. Family donation is $150, Corporation is $250. Please contact Emily Bobowick for more information.

Calendar of Events

Now through Labor Day (9-3) -- Camel Rides. Get to know Toby, Goliath and Gabriel for just $5 per ride. No age restrictions, but riders 5 and younger require an adult rider with them. Purchase tickets at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride (cash only).

June 6 (6-9 pm) -- Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari. See article.

June 6 (12-3) -- World Oceans Day. This UN-recognized day has a theme of Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet this year.

June 13 (11-3) -- Animal Enrichment Day. Play games with some of the same toys that the animals enjoy, make an enrichment item for the Zoo's animals, hear Keepers discuss their jobs, and buy paintings made by our animals.

June 13 (10-4) -- Newtown Day. Newtown residents with ID enjoy $5 admission. Meet and greet town officials, business and civic leaders, friends, and neighbors.

June 14 (10-4) -- Shelton Day. Shelton residents with ID enjoy $5 admission. Meet and greet town officials, business and civic leaders, friends, and neighbors.

June 17 (7-8 pm) -- Evening Lecture Series: Training the Canine Hero; K-9 Search & Rescue. A demonstration will follow the lecture. Refreshments served. $10 suggested donation. In our Hanson Exploration Station.

June 21 (9-4) -- Father's Day. Dads enjoy free admission when accompanied by paying guests.

Click here for event details and our full calendar.

Jan. 15-23, 2016 -- Join us on a Classic Journey to Costa Rica, a showcase of conservation. Click here for details or contact Deputy Director Don Goff at dgoff@beardsleyzoo.org or 203-394-6564.

Conservation Quote