Beardsley Zoo: Everything You Need to Know

One of Connecticut’s top attractions, the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT, is the only zoo in the entire state.

And it’s perfect for the whole family.

Situated on 52 beautiful acres in Beardsley Park, visitors can spend an afternoon at the zoo among endangered species and:

Learn about the importance of protecting endangered and threatened species
Admire over 300 animals from North and South America
And even ride on the carousel

The zoo also offers a variety of annual events and fascinating exhibits and is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. If you’re an animal lover, be sure to visit the zoo the next time you’re in Connecticut!

Map design by Stanton House Inn with elements from Flaticon

Spend a Day at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT

Whether you’re hoping to pet a peacock or feed a furry farm animal, a trip to the Beardsley Zoo is a must. And it’s less than an hour away from downtown Greenwich and Stanton House Inn!

Here are some of our favorite attractions at Beardsley Zoo.

General Admission Tickets

Adult Admission (ages 12 & older) – $19.00

Child Admission (ages 3 -11) – $15.00

Senior Admission (62 & older) – $15.00

The zoo offers free admission to children ages 0-2.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Amazing Animals

Besides bug, reptile, and amphibian houses, the zoo is divided into five sections for guests to enjoy. Each section is full of animals of diverse species from around the globe.

South American Rainforest

At the indoor South American Rainforest, you’ll see incredible species like toucans, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and bats.

Predator Section

Meanwhile, the predator section hosts big cats like leopards, lynx, and tigers. Here, you can check out the Amur tigers that are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Siberian Tigers. This means to keep their population stable and healthy, they are bred with other Amur tigers across the country.

The zoo also houses the endangered Andean Condor—the heaviest bird in the world with a 10-foot wingspan. As a predator, it’s not a bird you want to mess with!

Pampas Plains

Over in the Pampas Plains, you can check out the giant anteater, which is the largest breed of anteater in the world. The zoo recently had another addition to the family with the birth of another baby anteater, Chili, in 2021.

At the maned wolf habitat, you can check out the phenomenon that looks like a fox on stilts. The maned wolf is a unique breed in that it’s the only wolf that doesn’t like the cold. Instead, you can find this wolf in grasslands, savannas, or swampy areas.

And for some reason, Bridgeport, Connecticut is a premier host for the species.

Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley holds a wide variety of water birds, otters, bald eagles, and American alligators. And the Hoofstock exhibit features wolves, prairie dogs, bison, llamas, and owls.

New England Farmyard

Be sure to stop by the New England Farmyard, where you’ll see domestic breeds of animals more often found in rural Connecticut, including:

Cattle
Black swans
Goats
Turkeys
And much more

Red Pandas

You also can’t miss the red pandas. But if you do, fear not! There’s a live cam here.

Other Zoo Attractions

When it’s time for lunch, head to the Peacock Cafe and enjoy a delicious lunch in the picturesque picnic grove.

It’s appropriately named after the free-roaming peacocks that wander around it.

A trip to the zoo isn’t complete without a ride on the colorful carousel. And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out for the perfect Connecticut souvenir.

Fun Events

Each October, the Beardsley Zoo presents Howl-O-Ween.

You guessed it!

It’s a Halloween-themed event ideal for children ages 8-15. It features a haunted hayride, ghastly greenhouse, magic shows, face painting, fortune tellers, and more.

If you’re over 21, check out Brew at the Zoo. You can enjoy an evening of craft beer, live music, a silent auction, and delicious eats from various local food trucks. Be sure to also take a look at the Beardsley Zoo calendar for upcoming events and festivals!

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo AARP Discount

AARP members can buy up to four discounted tickets to the zoo per visit and receive 15% off that can be purchased at a park booth. Note: The discount cannot be combined with any other offer.

FAQ

Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610

Phone: (203) 394-6565