A Note from the Zoo Director:

Hello Everyone!

September's arrival and the change of seasons marks changes at the Zoo as well! With Labor Day, the Zoo concludes our special summer programming: our weekly animal presentations and Skyhunters in Flight. The visiting spur-thighed tortoises have returned to their warm-weather winter quarters for another year. Each goodbye brings a new hello, however!

We're celebrating the birth of a healthy spider monkey infant, born to parents Janet and Gilligan on August 22. Janet is taking excellent care of the baby, with assistance at times from members of the troop. Spider Monkeys live in family groups, with other females taking on the role of “aunts” to assist with the raising of the offspring by interacting with the young, grooming both mom and baby, and on occasion babysitting as the baby gets older. This birth is a huge conservation win for endangered black-handed spider monkeys.

September brings the return of the immensely popular Glow Wild Lantern Festival, with 53 all-new lanterns! You don't want to miss this year's special interactive sculptures, including lighted see-saws and a colorful piano children play with their feet, along with a beautiful blue dragon that blows smoke! Join us Thursdays through Sundays each week from September 14 to December 2.

Our sponsors Connecticut Children's Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford Healthcare are helping us bring back Fairy Tails Day on Saturday, September 9. Children are invited to dress like their favorite princess or super hero, and enjoy the special day from 10-2 with costumed characters Ariel, Belle, Merida, Dead Fool, Captain Marvel and Spiderman. Come get face paintings and glitter tattoos, and enjoy story times. The Pediatric Care Alliance will hand out 500 free super hero capes!

See you at the Zoo!

Gregg Dancho

Glow Wild Returns!

September 14- December 2

Thursdays - Sundays

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Beginning September 14 and continuing through December 2, “Glow Wild,” a brilliant, illuminated Lantern Festival will be held at the Zoo Thursday through Sunday evenings. Even larger than last year, this incredible evening festival will showcase more than 53 large scale illuminated sculptures that will amaze guests of all ages.

The Glow Wild Sponsor is The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation and elite sponsor Avangrid (UI, SCG). Select Sponsors are AARP CT, Barnum Festival, Coca Cola Northeast, Liberty Bank, M&T Bank, R.D. Scinto & the Emanuel Family, and Webster Bank. Support Sponsors are Barker Specialty and Gold Fish Swim.

Purchase Your Tickets Today

Around The Zoo

Sky Hunters in Flight

Last Chance!

Ends September 4

11 AM & 2 PM

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to bring Master Falconer Brian Bradley back to the Adventure Amphitheater this summer. Guests will be amazed as they watch birds of prey in free flight as Bradley demonstrates their special powers. Get a closer look at owls, hawks, and falcons from around the world, and learn how these beautiful birds play an important role in our environment at the top of the food chain.

Fairy Tails Day

Presented By: Connecticut Children's Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.

Saturday, September 9

10 AM - 2 PM

On Saturday, September 9, the Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, performances and animal presentations! The day of fun and fantasy is sponsored by Connecticut Children's Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.

Learn More

Support our Golf Tournament

Monday, September 11

We are teeing off for conservation!

There's still time to support our annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September 11 at the exclusive Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield.

Support Today

International Red Panda Day

Saturday, September 16

11 AM - 3 PM

Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. What is a Red Panda Ranger? A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas.

Evening Lecture: Vampire Bats

Miranda Dunbar

Wednesday, September 20

7 PM

Southern Connecticut State University Biology Professor Miranda Dunbar will present a lecture on vampire bats. According to Professor Dunbar, bats are especially important because they provide more ecosystem services than many other vertebrate species. The lecture will be presented in person and virtually. The cost is $10, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free.

Register Here

AARP Fourth Friday Free!

Friday, September 22

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

If you’re an AARP cardholder, preregister at the link below to receive free admission for you and one guest to the Zoo on September 22!

Pre Registration required.

Register with AARP here

Join Us!

Join Us on Social Media this Month for Facebook and Instagram Live!

9/13: Virtually meet our red panda, Berry, as we talk about International Red Panda Day!