Fall Family Fun at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

8/12/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – August 12, 2009 – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the state’s only zoo, announces a wide variety of events this September and October sure to delight visitors of all ages. The schedule includes fun events each month, most of which are free with the cost of admission.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $9.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Members of the Connecticut Zoological Society are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. The main information phone number is: (203) 394-6565.


September 2009

September 5 - 7: A Day at the Farm at the Country Fair, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Come on over and meet the fascinating characters found on a farm at our “A Day at the Farm” Show, you will see and learn about amazing animals, including Heritage Breed farm animals and native wildlife. Explore New England farming and have fun along the way. Presented at the Zoo's Learning Circle, this event is FREE with Zoo admission.

September 8: Zoo Tots, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
This monthly 45-minute program for children 18 months to three years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, activities, crafts, and live animals. This session is entitled “Fun & Furry.” Pre-registration is required by calling 203-394-6563. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child.

September 16: Evening Lecture Series: “Horseshoe Crabs,” 7:00 pm
Professor Jennifer Mattei of Sacred Heart University will present her studies on horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound. Learn about why your health depends on their survival. Become a member of Project Limulus and learn how you can help by reporting observations you make on the beach next summer. This lecture, taking place in the Hanson Exploration Station, is part of the Evening Lecture Series, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Volunteer Association. Admission is FREE with donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.

September 23: Tiny Adventurers, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Children ages 3-5 (and one caregiver) will learn about an animal or area of the Zoo by visiting a Zookeeper and having a special talk. We will also create a craft and meet one of our education animals up close. September’s topic is “Beautiful Bears.” Participants must call the Education Department at 203-394-6563 for reservations. The fee is $10 for members (one adult and one child) and $15 for non-members (one adult and one child).


October 2009

The following events may be enjoyed throughout October and into November:

2nd Annual Scarecrow Competition: Grab some overalls, stuff a shirt, find a hat and you could be the winner of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow competition! Gather your family, friends, co-workers or community group to create an original scarecrow design. All entries will be showcased on Zoo grounds from October 24 – November 1. Scarecrows will be judged at “Boo at the Zoo” on Sunday, October 25. Come pick your favorite scarecrow and join the fun Fall activities, including hayrides, music, and a hay maze. Winners will be announced at 3:00 P.M. that day in the Peacock Pavilion in the Zoo’s Picnic Grove. Cost to enter: $150, which includes a scarecrow “frame package” featuring a 5½’ by 4’ PVC frame to hold your scarecrow, a Styrofoam pumpkin head to be carved, signage detailing the corporation, community group or family name, plus four (4) complimentary family passes.

Scarecrow Competition Rules and Criteria: The Zoo will provide the frame… You supply clothing, paint, decorations, makeup, creativity, etc. Scarecrows will be displayed outside so they must be weather tolerant. Keep this in mind while creating! Scarecrows must be dropped off at the Zoo no later than 3:00 P.M. on October 24th. Scarecrows may be picked up from November 3 – 7, however, any unclaimed scarecrows will become the property of the Zoo. Themes of scarecrows should be child friendly – but other than that – anything goes! To pay by credit card, please call Lori Mott at 203-332-4243. To pay by check, please print and fill out the registration form from the Zoo’s Web site: www.beardsleyzoo.org and mailed with payment to: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, ATTN: Lori Mott, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610.

Harvest Hay Rides: Ongoing every weekend in October and November as well as school holidays from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Rides begin at the W.O.L.F. Cabin and are $2.00 each.

Haunted Farmyard: Ongoing October 1 through November 1. Our Haunted Farmyard is guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through!!! FREE with admission to the Zoo.

October 13: Zoo Tots, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
This monthly 45-minute program for children 18 months to three years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, activities, crafts, and live animals. This session is entitled “Not So Scary.” Pre-registration is required by calling 203-394-6563. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child, and $15 for non-members and one child.

October 16: Ghost Hunter Lorraine Warren, 8:00 pm
For over 45 years, Lorraine Warren has painstakingly investigated the realm of the supernatural throughout America, Europe, and Australia. Lorraine and her late husband’s investigative research on over 3,500 cases of psychic phenomena has convinced them beyond a shadow of a doubt of the existence of ghosts, demons, witches, satanists, vampires, and werewolves. Held in the Carousel, doors open at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. For tickets, call Lori Mott at (203) 332-4243.


October 21: Evening Lecture Series: “Connecticut State of Birds,” 7:00 pm
Twan Leenders, the Conservation Biologist of the Connecticut Audubon Society will present an in-depth look at the birds included in the Connecticut Endangered Species Act and other considered at risk by important conservation organizations. Using citizen science data in conjunction with existing data sets, Leenders will discuss identifying and prioritizing available open space. This lecture, taking place in the Hanson Exploration Station, is part of the Evening Lecture Series, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Volunteer Association. Admission is FREE with donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.

October 24: November 1: Scarecrows on Parade
Come check out our scarecrow competition and vote for your favorites! FREE with admission to the Zoo.

October 25: Boo at the Zoo, Noon – 3:00 pm
This spooktacular afternoon includes music, harvest hay rides, face painters, our Scarecrow competition, and Haunted Farmyard, which is guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through!!! If you’re under 12, in costume and are accompanied by a paying adult, you get in to the Zoo for FREE!

October 28: Tiny Adventurers Program, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Children ages 3-5 (and one caregiver) will learn about an animal or area of the Zoo by visiting a Zookeeper and having a special talk. We will also create a craft and meet one of our education animals up close. October’s topic is “Wonderful Wolves.” Participants must call the Education Department at 203-394-6563 for reservations. The fee is $10 for members (one adult and one child) and $15 for non-members (one adult and one child).

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About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won’t want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our 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 our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org