Bridgeport
Connecticut
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo News - March 2023
Arts and Entertainment
March 2, 2023
From: Connecticut's Beardsley ZooA Note from the Zoo Director
Hello Everyone!
Just as Beardsley Bart predicted, spring is right around the corner! We see more signs of it every day--except for the first snowstorm of winter that arrived on the last day of February. In spite of the late season snow, the red wing blackbirds are back from their winter migration, snowdrops have appeared in the garden, and all of us at the Zoo are looking forward to warmer weather!
The next sign of spring may be the melody of spring peepers at night, so be sure to sign up for our FrogWatch USA class--either virtual on March 8 or in person at the Zoo on March 16. Frogs and toads are excellent indicators of environmental health whose populations are now in decline. By learning to identify the calls of frogs and toads in the wetland near your home, you'll provide valuable information to scientists working with amphibians.
Did you know that the Zoo is owned by the Connecticut Zoological Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization? The Society's board of directors provides advice and support to the Zoo. The members bring skills, experience and talents to assist the administration with operations and help raise awareness and funds for the Zoo. This year, a new Board president has been appointed, holding that position through 2024. Charles (Chip) Dumais, Ed.D, has been a board member since 2018, and now steps into leading the board.
In addition to Chip's appointment, the following board members have taken on new leadership roles:
Bob Natt, Vice President
Claudette Kunkes, Second Vice President
Mitchell Cohen, Treasurer
Michael Kaufman, Secretary
Congratulations to the new slate of officers!
Daylight savings time arrives on March 12, bringing more sunlight to our days. Spring forward with us.
See you at the Zoo!
Gregg Dancho
Join Us!
Join Us on Social Media this Month for Facebook and Instagram LIVE!
3/3 World Wildlife Day
Join us at 1 PM
3/15 World Frog Day
Join us at 1 PM
3/23 World Bear Day
Join us at 1 PM
Membership
Spring into a Zoo Membership!
With Spring just around the corner, it's a perfect time to join the Zoo Family and become a member!
Members receive a list of zoo-tastic perks including unlimited admission to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo during regular Zoo business hours! (Check out our NEW Membership Cards you will receive upon your first visit!)
Education
FrogWatch Training Continues March 8 & 16
Become Citizen-Scientist volunteers and help our vulnerable amphibians by participating in a “FrogWatch USA" census in area wetlands! In a collaboration between the Zoo, The Maritime Aquarium, and Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, volunteers will make regular visits to wetlands in their neighborhoods and keep a frog log to record the frog and toad calls they hear.
Zoo Patrol Registration is OPEN!
This summer, join us for a fun week of Zoo Patrol!
Each day your child will explore a different area of the zoo and have a custom guided experience. They'll explore how the animals are cared for through presentations and projects on enrichment, training, diet, and habitat care, and more!
Welcome, Taylor!
The Zoo is now the new home for Taylor, an eight-year-old female red wolf, newly arrived from the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina.
Wolves, like people and other animals, have individual characteristics. “Taylor is very shy and it may take some time for her to be comfortable in her new surroundings,” explained General Curator Rob Tomas, adding that guests may not see her immediately, or only catch a glimpse of her at first.
From Our Partner
February is heart month, the perfect reminder to focus on heart health every day. Here are some fun ways the whole family can make heart-healthy choices.
Follow @ConnecticutChildrens on social media for the latest parenting tips from our pediatric experts, brought to you through Connecticut Children's Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare.
Support
There's Still Time...
To support our Prairie Dogs! Our beloved prairie dog habitat is getting a makeover, and we need your support! Learn more about our plans and how your donation can make a difference below.
Learn More & Make this Renovation a Reality
Tickets Go On Sale April 1!
Join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for a spectacular food, wine, and beer showcase! The Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari is celebrating its 17th year on June 3, 2023. This event features Connecticut’s best restaurants, caterers, and beer and wine vendors.
This annual favorite is a sell-out event, with 1,200 adults from Fairfield & New Haven counties attending every year.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We are grateful for the continuous support from our partners that make what we do possible:
- The Elizabeth Carse Foundation
- CT Humanities
- Fairfield County Community Foundation
- Julia Wasserman animal fund
- Cooperative Education Services
Animal Fun Fact
I am an intelligent but shy rodent from South America. When I am standing on my hind legs, I am 15 inches tall, but my powerful back legs allow me to jump six feet in the air! Can you guess who I am?