BRIDGEPORT - Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is inviting invite all Newtown residents to visit the zoo on Saturday, June 25, between 10 am and 4 pm for a reduced admission fee of just $5 with proper ID.beardsleyzoo.org.

Meet and greet with town officials, business and civic leaders, friends, and neighbors during a fun filled day to please the whole family.

Zoo Director Gregg Dancho said the special day for Newtown "gives us the opportunity to say thank you to our neighbors who have continuously supported us throughout the years."

Newtown residents are invited to spend the day visiting new animals at the zoo including the four adorable African Penguins - South, Sal, Tubbs, and Squirt - the Red Panda and the baby Giant Anteater while enjoying the great outdoors.

Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss the new Penguin Plaza exhibit, the Pampas Plains exhibit featuring Giant anteaters, a Red panda, or see family favorites Amur (Siberian) tigers, Brazilian ocelot, Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins.

Other highlights include the South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more.

Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on a colorful antique carousel.

The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Regular adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $15, and children (ages 3-11) and senior citizens (62 and older) are $11. Children ages 2 and under are always admitted for free, as are Zoo members.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is at 1875 Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. Parking is free of charge. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

For more information, call 203-394-6565 or visit

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