A Note from the Zoo Director:

Hello Everyone,

It's the merriest month of the year! We have lots to celebrate this month, but Glow Wild is coming to a close this Saturday. If you haven't had a chance to enjoy our Lantern Festival, the last evening is Saturday, December 2. It's gotten rave reviews, so don't miss It!

Here's what's next:

Mayor of the Zoo

A new mayoral administration begins this month with the swearing-in of elected mayor Tahu the river otter. Join us for Facebook and Instagram Live as we livestream the official ceremony from the otter habitat on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m.. Be sure to join us!

Breakfast with Frosty

We're so happy to bring Breakfast with Frosty back! For years this has been a favorite outing for families for the holiday season. For five dates in December, a continental breakfast in the Carousel Building will include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger and Thirsty the Penguin, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so don't wait to get your tickets!

Our Feathered Friends

We've welcomed a new male white-naped crane to the Zoo as a companion for our female crane, Cora. Four-year-old Khing came to us from the Akron Zoo. He and Cora can be seen together next to the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat.

We continue our Fall Appeal to raise funds for Extreme Makeover: Eagle Edition. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the bald eagle habitat renovation. If you want to contribute to a home for Kodiak with enhanced perches, a larger pond and a covered viewing area for guests, we welcome your support.

However you celebrate the end of one year and look forward to the next, all of us at the Zoo are wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

See you at the Zoo!

Gregg Dancho

Gift Guide!

Let your gifts be a little wild!

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that also gives back? Look no further than Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo! Give the gift of the Zoo through one of our many options, like a membership or animal sponsorship. Or be sure to stop by the Gift Shop during your next Zoo visit for a wonderful selection of gifts!

As a non-profit, purchasing a gift from us means you are not only giving a gift to your family or friends, but you are also supporting Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and our mission of conservation, education, and exceptional guest experience!

Start Shopping to Support the Zoo!

Family 4 Pack!

For the month of December, receive a family four pack in each plush adoption box. Each box includes  a large animal plush, animal bookmark with habitat information, animal card with facts, a "Proud to be Saving Species" sticker, and an adoption certificate.

Adopt & Visit the Zoo! 

Zoo Calendars!

Everyone's favorite zoo calendar is back! Kick off 2024 with our limited edition 2024 Zoo Calendar! Each month features a different animal from the Zoo. Calendar measures 8.5"x11" shut, and 8.5"x22" opened. Each calendar is $20. Shipping included in price.

Purchase Yours Today! 

NEW! Animal Ambassador Adoption Box
Meet our first ever animal ambassador adoption box! Modeled after the Zoo's very own Allie, our new box turtle adoption box is sure to be a favorite!

Adopt Yours Today!

Holiday Basket Auction!

The holidays are upon us and so is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's online holiday basket silent auction! From toys to hotel rooms to wrapping supplies and more - these hand crafted holiday baskets are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

AUCTION CLOSES: 

this Sunday, December 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Start Bidding Today!

Breakfast with Frosty
December 9 & 10
December 15 & 16
December 23
The Zoo has a longtime family tradition returning this year after a three-year hiatus: Breakfast with Frosty! A continental breakfast in the Carousel Building includes a visit Frosty the Snowman and friends, carousel rides and lots of family fun. These breakfasts sell out every year, so be sure to reserve your spot early! $25 per person!

Buy Your Tickets Today!

CDC and Explorers Registration Now Open!
Get involved with local conservation education and field work with our Conservation Discovery Corps or Investigate Zoo Careers with our Explorers program! Eligible teens can register now to join our award winning volunteer programs and gain insight into a potential career, build their resumes and impress college recruiters!

Click Here to Learn More About our Explorers Program

National Monkey Day
Thursday, December 14

This National Day, celebrated around the world, recognizes the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is mainly 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.

Holiday Schedule
The Zoo will close early on Thursday December 21. Last ticket sold at 1:00 p.m.; Zoo closes at 2:00 p.m.
The Zoo will close early on Sunday, December 24. Last ticket sold at noon; Zoo closes at 1:00 p.m.
The Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25.
Happy Holidays!

COOL BLUE BRIDGEPORT

Free Saturdays for Bridgeport Residents

For the third year, the Zoo will be free to all Bridgeport residents as part of the Zoo's COOL BLUE Bridgeport program every Saturday until June 29, 2024.

All guests must register online using the code COOLBLUE and adults will need to show a photo ID proving Bridgeport residency (driver's license, Park City ID, recent piece of mail showing current residency) upon arrival at the Zoo's Front Gate.

Learn More