Camels Can't Get Enough of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo!

Back by popular demand, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo welcomes three camels to the state's only zoo for the summer. These exotic animals arrived on Monday, Memorial Day, and will call Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo home through Labor Day.

"These animals are foreign to this country so it's no surprise folks want a chance to get up close and personal with them," explained Gregg Dancho, zoo director. "Our kissable camels look great in photos so now's your chance for a selfie that will certainly get people talking!"

Joining Toby and Goliath, who were at the zoo last summer, is Gabriel. All three will be available for rides from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30. p.m. for $5 per person. Visitors are welcome to take photos at no additional charge and may purchase ride tickets at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride (cash only). While there are no age restrictions for riders, anyone five years old and younger requires an adult rider with them. The zoo also is offering a combo ticket for both a carousel and camel ride for $6.00.

 
Fun camel facts, courtesy of Enviromental Graffiti:

• Bactrian camels have two humps while Dromedary camels have one hump. (Toby and Goliath are Dromedary camels.)
• The name camel comes from Arabic, meaning "beauty."
• A camel's hump stores fat - not water - as many believe.
• Camels can drink up to 40 gallons at one time.
• Camels can go for long periods of time without drinking because of the shape of their red blood cells, which are oval, and allows them to flow easily without clumping. They are the only mammals to have this kind of blood cell.
• Camels can kick in all four directions with each leg.
• Camels can eat anything without injuring their mouths - including thorny twigs.
• Camels can close their nostrils against wind and sand when necessary.
• Their coats reflect sunlight and insulate them from the desert heat.
• "Spitting" is actually a way that camels defend themselves. They don't actually spit but rather throw up a nasty smelling fluid when provoked.

The camels are not the only new addition to the zoo family. Connecticut's only zoo just welcomed six Guinea hog piglets, as well.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $14.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $11.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.For more information about Connecticut's only zoo, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.

For area event information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com