We got a head start on Summer fun by spending a perfect afternoon at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. When the weather is sunny and warm, we want to spend as much time as we can outdoors and enjoying an afternoon or a morning in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the Beardsley Zoo is a delightful way to get some exercise for the body and the mind learning about their wonderful “residents.” A few of our new “friends” include Amur Leopard siblings, Spider Monkeys, American Bison, Golden Lion Tamarins, River Otters, Scarlet Ibis, American Bald Eagle, Poison Dart Frogs, Wolves, and so many more. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is not only educational it is also fun for all ages.
Kallisto – Amur Leopard
On Friday, May 15, 2026, we spent a perfect blue-sky afternoon at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo getting reacquainted with all their fabulous residents. It had been 5 years since our first visit there, and it was high time for another visit, and a lovely day to enjoy a walk while enriching our lives.
Orion – Amur Leopard
One of our stops was to visit the Amur Leopard siblings, Kallisto and Orion, born at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on January 25, 2019. Looking at the two leopards, you would not know that they were siblings, or even the same species. The female, Kallisto, is melanistic, which causes her to appear all black, while her brother, Orion, has a spotted coat, and both are gorgeous.
Spider Monkey & Baby
We visited the Spider Monkeys (Ateles), where we laughed at the antics of the 5-month-old baby who dared to venture off her mother’s back and explore her surroundings. We also enjoyed watching Charlotte, another Spider Monkey, a sassy girl who posed in the window in front of us and delighted visitors with her high-flying agility on the ropes course.
Charlotte Spider Monkey
Small in stature with a height of 6-10 inches, yet big at heart, we also loved watching the Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) in action with its gorgeous red-orange lush mane. Fun fact: A group of them are called a troop, barrel, cartload, or tribe.
Tamarin
We loved strolling through the Sensory Garden that was designed to delight and engage the senses, from their visual, to their aroma to their feel. Gorgeous white and pink bleeding hearts were showstoppers in the garden, a selection of fragrant irises, alliums, and more. The garden is a restful area with stone benches and stone archways where one can relax, and yes, take time to smell the roses.
Stone Arch Sensory Garden
Always children at heart, we had to take a ride on their vintage Carousel which in addition to the usual selection of pretty horses, they also had tigers, zebras, and leopards. Naturally, we wanted to ride the more exotic animals with Edward riding on the tiger and Debra riding on the zebra.
Having fun at Beardsley Zoo
Throughout the Zoo, there are interesting signs that educate visitors about the animals in residence. On one of the signs, we learned about SSP (Species Survival Plan). “Under the direction of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), accredited zoos, and aquariums from across North America cooperate to design and maintain Species Survival Plans (SSP)s. These plans allow AZA facilities to manage individuals of a given species as one collection in order to promote genetic strengths and to prevent inbreeding. By knowing the genetic background of each individual, SSP Coordinators can determine which animals should be paired for the benefit of the entire species. The goal of SSP is to find the best mates for those animals in member zoos.”
Alligator
We also learned that there are only 2 species of Alligators; the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator, whereas there are 21 other species of Crocodilians. Interesting Alligator Facts: they can run short distances at a speed of up to 35 mph, have 80 teeth (humans have 32), and when their teeth wear out they are replaced. In the course of a lifetime, they may go through 2,000 – 3,000. Imagine having to put all those teeth under the pillow for the tooth fairy!
Scarlet Ibis
As the USA gets ready to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is the perfect time to get out and explore all it has to offer. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a perfect adventure day for all ages and has dining options so that you can easily spend several hours or all day there.
You “Otter” come and see us!
Until our next adventure…
To learn more about Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, please visit their website: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Last ticket is sold at 3:00 pm.
Keep Watching, I know they will come and visit us!
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Admission: Adults (ages 12-61): $20, Child (ages 2-12), Senior (ages 62 and older): $16, Ages 0-1: Free, Zoo Members: Free
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06610
Telephone: 203-394-6565
Email: info@beardsleyzoo.org
Website: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctbeardsleyzoo/ @ctbeardsleyzoo
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