Holiday Events For All Ages At Beardsley Zoo

BRIDGEPORT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has scheduled events for children and adults during the holiday season.

All events will take place at the zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue in Bridgeport, and unless mentioned otherwise are included in regular zoo admission of $8 for adults, and $6 for children ages 3-11 and senior citizens.

For directions, reservations when needed or details, call 203-394-6565 or visit www.BeardsleyZoo.org.

Through December 17, the zoo will serve as a collection site for the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign. Any child who donates a new, unused and unwrapped toy and is accompanied by an adult will receive free admission to the zoo that day with the adult’s paid admission. A representative from the Marine Corps will be at the zoo on December 10 to thank people for their contributions. Collection bins are located near the zoo’s front gate.

Through December 22, “People Food” and “Pet Food” collections will be ongoing. As part of its holiday activities, the zoo will accept donations of non-perishable “people” and “pet” food for distribution to local rescue missions and animal rescue groups. Zoo admission is not required.

Collection bins are located near the zoo’s front gate, and distributions will be made throughout the holiday season.

On weekends, December 4 to December 19, Crafty ZooKids programs will be offered. Each Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm, children ages 7-12 can learn about animals and make holiday gifts during presentations and craft time in the warmth of Professor Beardsley’s Research Station at the zoo.

Each week will feature a different theme: December 4-5, participants will decorate a tote bag with paint stamps and learn about marsupial animals; December 11-12, create a wildlife landscape and learn about animals’ habitats; and December 18-19, make a layered bath salt jar and learn how animals care for themselves.

Pre-registration is required by mailing a check (made payable to CZS) for the registration fee of $20 per child (accompanied by an adult) to Crafty Zoo Kids, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06610. Registration must include child’s name and age as well as the date(s) of the program being registered for.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is open year-round and exhibits primarily North and South American animals, including many endangered and threatened species. Highlights include a New World Tropics rainforest, Carousel, New England Farmyard, pop-up prairie dog exhibit, and Victorian Greenhouse.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats.