A Note from the Zoo Director:

Hello Everyone,

Exciting things are happening at the Zoo!

Phase One of Tiger Habitat Renovation Will Begin

I'm excited to announce that Phase One of our long-planned tiger habitat renovation and expansion is ready to begin! This news is bittersweet as our Amur tiger Changbai will depart early this week. The architect's renderings are finalized, and the next step is demolition of the existing building, followed by construction of a new indoor holding area.

The existing facility was built several decades ago, and has long been on our list to enlarge and renovate. The new building will be double in size, with maternity, neo-natal and animal care areas as well as a kitchen for on-site meal preparation.

Phase Two will Follow with Expansion of the Outdoor Habitat

The Zoo continually adapts over the years to new standards in animal welfare and conservation. With this latest Zoo improvement, we continue to lead the way into a brighter future.

Our heartfelt thanks to Pamela Hochkiss Werth, all of our generous Zoo supporters, and the state of Connecticut for the bond funds which brought this plan to fruition. Changbai will move to another AZA-accredited Zoo, where she will continue as an ambassador for her species.

The Zoo Wins Top Honors for RIZE Program

We're truly honored that the Zoo was awarded Top Honors in Education from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)'s annual national conference. This significant recognition was given to the Zoo's RIZE program: Research, Internships and Zoo Education, developed with Fairfield University Associate Biology Professor Ashley Byun, Ph.D., and Vertebrate Zoology Lab students in conducting behavioral observation studies at the Zoo.

This year, the students observed the white-naped crane's courtship and mating rituals; the new female red wolf's introduction to the male; big cat vocalizations as indicators of estrus, and identifying causes of trout aggression in fingerlings prior to their release in wild waterways. Congratulations to our Education and Animal Care staff members, Dr. Byun, and the students!

Boo at the Zoo!

Finally, don't miss one of the most popular events at the Zoo all year--and a staff favorite-- Boo at the Zoo! Children are invited to dress up and come enjoy an afternoon of fun activiities, seasonal treats for sale, a DJ and music, and story times. It's a spooktacular afternoon!

See you at the Zoo!

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, Gold Fish Swim, Liv it Up CT, On the Mark Marketing.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY

COOL BLUE

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.

Click Here to Learn More!

AROUND THE ZOO

International Sloth Day

Friday, October 20

This holiday raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of sloths, native South and Central American animals. Come find our two Two-toed sloths, Rhubarb and Hope, hiding in our Rainforest Building. The two-toed sloth is a mid-size animal with brownish-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage. Hint: look up! 

National Reptile Awareness Day

Saturday, October 21

Each year on October 21, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing.?

Bat Week

October 24 - October 31

Each year Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature. Bat Week is organized by conservation organizations from across the United States and Canada.

Learning opportunities for guests will be held all week, with crafts and fun activities at the Kathy Brady Education Center. Come visit our Vampire bats and participate in special activities all week long! Crafts, games and displays will be offered on grounds on Sat Oct. 28 and Sun Oct. 29. There will be virtual activities posted to the Zoo’s website from Oct .24 to Oct. 31.

Zoo Tots: Not So Scary!

Thursday, October 26

10:30am - 11am

It’s Creepy…It’s Crawly… It’s Cute! Come meet all our critters that crawl, hiss & fly while celebrating spooky season with the Zoo! This monthly 30-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. 

Register Here

Boo at the Zoo

Sunday, October 29

Noon - 3PM

Rain or shine! A spooktacular afternoon that’s a longstanding family tradition! Enjoy a DJ and music, special Halloween activities in the Kathy Brady Education Center, story-times, cool critters, and seasonal treats for sale! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through.

Costumes encouraged! ??

Buy Tickets Here