Lions and tigers and bears – oh my! The Beardsley Zoological Gardens has a proud history of over 80 years as Connecticut's only zoo. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and a participant in the Species Survival Plan, the Beardsley Zoological Gardens are committed to the preservation of endangered animals. Through education, research, and recreation, the Beardsley Zoological Gardens provide travelers in New England rental cars with a exciting and educational place to spend their VERC vacation.

Visit the zoo

The Beardsley Zoological Gardens is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you have a few good hours to spend browsing the exhibits. In an hour you'll see more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species, including endangered and threatened animals like the Siberian tiger, Andean condor, and Maned wolf. Other exciting exhibit areas include the Southern American rainforest with free-flight aviary, and the walk-through prairie dog area. Youngsters love the New England Farmyard, with it's goats, cows, pigs, and sheep. And of course, who could forget about the Hoofstock Trail, featuring bison, pronghorn, and deer. All of this and a whole lot more has made Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo one of the best animal attractions in all of New England.

Conservation is key at Beardsley

New England is rich in nature, from the depths of the lakes to the grassland expanses. There's plenty worth fighting for in this unique landscape, so why not help the Beardsley Zoological Gardens make a difference! Conservation of wild species and wild places is a major part of the Beardsley Zoological mission and is something the board of directors takes very seriously. If you would like to help the zoo with their conservation efforts and programs, please consider donating to the Beardsley Zoo Conversation Fund. Travelers in New England rental cars who donate to the fund will be helping protected threatened habitat and wildlife, as well as fund field studies, environmental education projects, and captive propagation programs. To date, donations from travelers in New England rental cars have helped support programs like the Lion Tamarins of Brazil, the Connecticut Wetlands Restoration Project, and the Connecticut Animal Track Identification Training Project. For more information on these, and other projects that you can help fund, contact the Beardsley Zoological Gardens at 203-394-6565.

Admission and hours

Travelers in New England rental cars can visit the Beardsley Zoological Gardens daily from 9am to 4pm. The New World Tropics Building is open from 10:30am to 3:30pm, while the Carousel Building is open from 10:30am to 4pm. Regular admission to the zoo is $11 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 to 11. Seniors receive a discounted admission price of $9.

Driving directions to the zoo

The Beardsley Zoological Gardens are easily accessible from New Haven, New york, and the CT turnpike. Travelers in New England rental cars can take Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) to Exit 52. Head south to Bridgeport and Route 8 and 25. Take Exit 5 at Boston Avenue. At the end of the ramp, travelers in New England rental cars should bear right and go to the fifth traffic light. Turn left onto Noble Avenue and continue to the Beardsley Park entrance. The zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. For more detailed directions, visit the official Beardsley Zoo website at www.beardsleyzoo.org.

There's always something wild happening at the Beardsley Zoological Gardens in Bridgeport, Connecticut. For more information on upcoming events, don't forget to check out the official Beardsley Zoo website. You can also sign up for their e-newsletter and view their events calendar online.