It may not be the biggest or the most famous zoo in the region, but Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is definitely worth a peek. Located in Bridgeport (just about an hour’s drive from southern Westchester), the park has lots of great animals to meet, from wolves and otters to big cats. Plus, it’s much easier to manage and less crowded than its counterparts in the city.
Beardsley is actually the only zoo in Connecticut. Established in 1922, it is situated on 52 acres in historic Beardsley Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame.
Start Here
My husband and I took our two kids to Beardsley over the winter. It was a little chilly to be outside, but it meant we basically had the place to ourselves. We parked (for free) right outside the zoo entrance, paid our admission and started exploring. The first exhibit we came across quickly got our attention. It housed two Andean condors that were putting on a show! The huge birds spread their equally enormous wings and went flying around their enclosure, landing on different perches and branches. At one point it even seemed as if they were fighting each other.
Just up the path we found ourselves in the company of wolves. The zoo is home to several Mexican and Red wolves which you can view either through a fence or from inside a small observation cabin. According to the information billboard outside the exhibit, the Mexican wolf is one of the most rare land mammals on Earth and the Red wolves are critically endangered. Seeing the beautiful animals up close felt like a privilege for us adults; the kids just had fun trying to make them howl (no luck).
Nearby we saw what looked like tall foxes running around in circles. Turns out, the animals were a species called Maned wolves. They are housed in an area of the zoo that will soon be part of a new exhibit called the “Pampas Plains.” A reason for a return visit!
As we kept wandering along the zoo’s outer pathway, we found the “Prairie Dog” exhibit, complete with some (very tight) tunnels to climb in for access to “pop up” viewing areas. Then we stopped to watch some mighty bison roam in an enclosure with white-tailed deer. Beardsley is also home to some birds of prey, including a barred owl and turkey vulture, which can’t be released back into the wild because of various injuries.
Here Kitty, Kitty
Of course, no trip to the zoo would be complete without seeing some big cats, and the Beardsley Zoo does not disappoint. Our kids really enjoyed visiting the Amur leopard, Canada lynx, and Amur tiger, all kept in neighboring enclosures. The leopard was rolling around and climbing, while the lynx and tiger wandered in circles, coming back over and over to say hello.
Across from the cat exhibits is a walk-through aviary, where you can see some adorable river otters, foxes and majestic bald eagles. During our visit, the otters were all huddled together outside of the water (probably trying to keep warm!).
Pause, Then Continue
If at any time you’re in need of a break, as we were, you can grab lunch or a snack at the Peacock Café. Outside the café are picnic benches and a play/ climbing area for the kids, plus you may just see a peacock or two roaming around nearby. In an annex next door is another zoo gem … a carousel! Of course, we had to take a couple of rides (for a small fee).
After getting re-energized, we headed for the zoo’s New England Farmyard. Outside the entrance is the biggest cow statue I’ve ever seen. It’s just one of several great spots for a photo op at Beardsley. Inside the farmyard, you’ll find sheep, rabbits, pigs, poultry and more. We absolutely fell in love with a few very friendly baby goats. There are also machines in the farmyard area that dispense feed for the animals.
Our last stop at the zoo was the Rainforest building, where we found everything from a very active Brazilian ocelot to a Yacare caiman. What really surprised and impressed us about Beardsley is that it has so many different, unexpected species of animals. There seems to be no end to what you might find, and what you might learn while exploring the park. Enjoy your walk on the wild side.
Andrea White is an Edgemont-based writer who loves to go on adventures with her family.
When You Go…
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Ave.
Bridgeport, Conn.
203-394-6565
Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Café and Carousel hours:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday through Friday: Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
General Admission
Adults, ages 12 & up, $14
Children, ages 3-11, $10; free under 3
The zoo accepts all major credit cards.
Parking is free. Stroller and wheelchair rentals available. No pets allowed. Visitors with service dogs must notify admissions before entering zoo.
