Thursday, January 13, 2011

Warm Up the Winter at the Zoo!

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, has an exciting February planned with most events and activities free with the cost of admission.  From a Black Tie Ball to a celebration for the Year of the Rabbit and a February Folic for children  there is plenty of winter fun for the entire family.

On February 5, from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm, there will be a Asian New Year Celebration.  Children will join with their friends to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with special stories, crafts, a children's parade, and many more fun activities.  Snow date is February 12.

The elegant black tie Red Ribbon Ball will be held on Feb. 5th at 6:30 pm at the The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Drive in Monroe.  Dinner, Dancing and a live silent auction honoring Charles Carroll, director of public facilities for the City of Bridgeport are in store for those in attendance.  For a table of ten the cost is $1,500 or $150 per ticket. Sponsorships are available.  For information, call (203) 394-6573.

The 5th Annual Monkey Love Drive wil be held through Feb. 9th – stuffed monkeys collected at the Zoo will be distributed to children at Casey Family Services of Bridgeport, Valley YMCA in Ansonia, Covenant to Care for Children in the New Haven area, Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, and to area Congregations. In addition, monkeys are being given to children of soldiers currently stationed abroad.  Visitors to the Zoo are asked to bring a stuffed monkey to donate and will receive $1 off regular admission for participating.

The Zoo Celebrates Valentine's Day  with a special story time , craft activity and even an animal encounter.  All activities are free with Zoo admission.

The Zoo's popular February Frolic, is offered from Feb. 22- 24 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.  This daily school vacation program is for children ages six through twelve who love animals, the environment and learning.  Each day may include zookeeper talks, behind the scenes tours, hands-on learning, games, crafts, and more.  Children may sign up for a day or more.  Cost of the program is $40.00 per day, cost for Zoo members is $35.00 per day.  For information and to register, call 203-394-6563 or visit beardsleyzoo.org.

To beat the winter doldrums, visit the  Zoo's Tropical Winter Greenhouse  where the Vanilla Orchid is in bloom!  As you explore the Greenhouse you will see bananas and other fruits growing overhead as well as  several species of orchids and cacti  that flower all winter long.  It's a short walk through another world!  The Greenhouse is free with Zoo admission.

The Zoo is open every day from 9 am - 4 pm., the Café and Carousel Concessions will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays and will close at 2:30 pm Wednesday - Friday.  The Gift Shop will close at 3:30 pm Monday - Friday.  The Café, Carousel and Gift Shop will operate regular hours on weekends and holidays.  Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is $9.00, and children under 3 years old and Zoo members are admitted free.  Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.

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