Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Mourns the Loss of Red Panda Meri

 The family at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is saddened to announce the passing of Meri, a seven-year-old female Red panda, on July 27, 2020. The Zoo’s animal care team found that she had passed away in her sleep during the night, with no obvious signs of distress. A post-mortem necropsy showed that the cause was a cardiac condition.

 

Born on June 27, 2013 at the Detroit Zoo, Meri came to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on January 11, 2018 from the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware. She was named for Meriadoc Brandybuck, a character in J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings. She was a beloved member of the Zoo family.

 

 “Meri will be deeply missed by all of us here at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “She had a unique personality and related well both to her companion, Rochan, and to her animal care staff. It has been our privilege to have known her for the past two years.

The Zoo remains home to Rochan, a six-year-old male Red panda who has been part of the Zoo family since October 2015. The Natt Family Red Panda Habitat opened in October 2018, a gift from Bob and Helen Natt of Easton, also funded by monies raised by supporters and from the Werth Family Foundation. The Red panda habitat offers indoor and outdoor viewing access for the Red pandas with air-conditioned indoor living quarters and a yard landscaped with bamboo and plenty of treetop spots for sunbathing. 

Rochan and Meri were part of the Species Survival Program (SSP), a breeding and management program designed to preserve the long-term sustainability of captive-based animal populations. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will work with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan to identify another female Red panda as a new companion for Rochan. 

About Red Pandas

Red pandas (Allurus fulgens fulgens) resemble raccoons, are solitary animals, and are nocturnal by nature. Like their larger and better-known black and white cousins, Red pandas primarily eat bamboo but will occasionally eat fruits, berries, young leaves, and certain tree bark. Rochan, which means “light,” “brilliant,” and “celebrated” in Hindi, is six years old, and weighs nearly 15 pounds. 

Red pandas are not true pandas, rather, they are a unique species whose name “panda” is derived from a Nepalese word ”ponya,” meaning “eater of bamboo.” Like many in the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s animal collection, the Red panda is threatened in the wild by territory loss and fragmentation, resource depletion, and are frequently hunted for their beautiful fur. 

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Spend the day a world away! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 98^th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolf family, and Mexican and Red wolves. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100^th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever. 

The Zoo reopened on June 1 at 50% capacity. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. Face masks are required for everyone over the age of two, with the exception of those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them. 

 

Virtual Weekend in Norfolk - July 31, August 1 and August 2

For the past four years, the bucolic village of Norfolk, Connecticut has welcomed visitors to a town-wide festival where all the events are free. Rather than totally canceling the event because of the pandemic more than 25 businesses, organizations, and individuals have come together to welcome folks from near and far to a Virtual Weekend in Norfolk​ on July 31, August 1, and August 2. This year all events will be online, some will be live, and others will be On-Demand allowing viewers to watch them from home at their convenience. Best of all, every event is free of charge.

A special Virtual Weekend in Norfolk website​ has been set up that lists live and On-Demand events by category. The length of each video and description is included to make planning your viewing time easy. On-Demand events begin at 12:01 a.m., July 31, and run through August 2. Five live events are also scheduled.

 On-Demand Event Highlights

Natural foods and herbs have been used medicinally for centuries. If you want to learn more about how to prepare healthy food don't miss the 39-minute video by Wendy Roberts from Norfolk's Mountain View Green Retreat​ on how to prepare a variety of food from Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers, Chocolates with coconut oil, good for HDL cholesterol levels, a virgin Pina Colada, Nut Cheese made with heart-healthy raw cashews, and fresh-pressed juice to supercharge your health. These fun and instructive videos guide viewers in a step-by-step presentation with recipes included.

Viewers are invited to take a 20-minute virtual walking tour of the delightful village of Norfolk. Highlights of this tour include the classic village green, an extraordinary fountain, and interesting architectural buildings, and homes. The highlight is a tour of Battell Chapel's​ Stained Glass windows designed by D. Maitland Armstrong and Louis Comfort Tiffany. An in-depth view of the techniques used that make these windows special and a discussion on the restoration process of these historic gems makes this video riveting. 

One of the most interesting ways to understand the history and cultural heritage of a town is to visit a graveyard. The backstory told on the gravestones helps to define the character and tradition that gives people a sense of place. Don't miss the chance to dive into Norfolk's history with Historian William Hosley​, former curator of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, and the former Director of the Connecticut Landmarks Society. Hosley's fascinating 12-minute video visits Norfolk's Center Cemetery established in 1757. Every stone here tells a story from first settlers dating back to the 1770s and war heroes, to children, ministers, and politicians. A highlight is the story of Jupiter Morris. No rural town has the depth and richness of African American history as Norfolk; this video explains why.

If you have always wondered what it was like to live on a farm with goats, chickens, and pigs, then plan to spend a few minutes to see what life is like on Lost Ruby Farm​ in Norfolk, makers of some of the best goat cheese you will ever taste. Join owners Adair Mali and Antonio Guindon as they share their life on the farm and the love they have for their animals, and their commitment to fresh healthy food. 

If architecture is of interest don't miss the four-minute architectural glimpse of four of Norfolk's most historic homes with Tom Mc Gowan. Highlighted homes include The Joseph Battell House circa 1799 known locally as "The White House," Knolly Brook circa 1875 that offers a mélange of architectural styles, Beechwood Cottage, 1895 that looks like it should be in the English Cotswolds, and the Victorian style Tea Cozy Cottage, circa 1898. Another video details the story of the Victorian-styled Norfolk Library​ that was designed in the 19th century's Golden Age of architecture and compares it to different libraries throughout the U.S. designed in a similar style.

 Kids are not forgotten at this year's Virtual Win. They can tune in any time over the course of this three-day weekend to watch a fun, 18-minute video with artist and printmaker, Susan Rood. Kids and adults are guided through the process of printmaking using paper, paint, leaves, and found material. This video encourages imaginations to run wild with artistic creations!

Live Events

Virtual Weekend in Norfolk also features five live streaming videos including a Puppet Show​ called Lisa the Wise on Friday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that is perfect for kids and family fun. On Saturday, August 1 there are two different concerts by The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival's Emerging Artist Showcase​ at 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For art lovers don't miss Saturday's watercolor workshop with artist Pamela Harnois​ from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, August 2, the final live virtual workshop from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. is with renowned artist and metal sculptor, Karen Rossi​; participants will learn how to make metal flowers with soda cans! Visit the website​ to register for a live event. After registration, a Zoom link will be sent about 30 minutes before the event streams live. 

Beardsley Zoo Second Annual Photo Contest

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its second non-juried photography exhibition will be held online this year, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateurs and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing. Photographers are invited to upload their submissions at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/photography-exhibition.html. Judging will take place the first week in August, with a Facebook Live Winners Presentation held afterward.

 

Exhibit Rules

· Each photographer can submit three photos, with a $10 fee per photo.
For the best quality for viewing the photos online, the recommended image size is 1088 x 816 pixels with a maximum file size of 1MB.
· Photos must include animals from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. They may be older photos from the previous year as well as current photos.
· Milford Photo will provide First, Second, and Third prizes in the form of gift certificates to the store. First prize is $200, second prize is $100, and third prize is $50.
· In addition to the judged photos, a People’s Choice will be selected. The general public can vote on their favorite by making a one-dollar donation for each vote.
· Photos are due to be submitted by July 31, 2020.
· If you have questions, email Jessica Taylor at jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.

 

“Art is a natural way for people to express their love of animals and appreciation of nature,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Our second Photography Goes Wild online exhibit helps to showcase the stunning diversity of species at the Zoo, and we hope, encourage people to focus on preserving wild habitats and animal conservation in new ways.”

In preparation for the Exhibit, a Zoom photography class will be offered by experienced animal photographer and Zoo Volunteer, Jack Bradley. Date and details to be provided online.

 

Westport's Virtual Museum

In addition, the Westport Historical Society is offering a Virtual Museum highlighting 100 objects. In this exhibit 400 years of the towns, history is told using 100 different objects. Each week the museum posts new photos and descriptions of items that tell the story of Westport's history. By clicking on each item, visitors to this virtual website can learn more about the featured object and its relationship to a specific period. The virtual museum also has history project recipes, happy hour videos and puzzles, and games for kids.

On July 31 from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. join the Westport Historical Society with a  Live discussion on Zoom with Westport resident Edward Gerber who will discuss his personal connection with local artist George Hand Wright, in whose Westport home Gerber lives in. Gerber will go through the impacts of Wright’s artwork, as well as the book George Hand Wright: An Artist’s Life Examined, before taking questions from viewers.  This is a free program but registration is required. to Register, click here.

 

Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands - New Exhibit @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Native people have adapted to their changing environment over the course of thousands of years. Adaptation involves the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next, for Native people, this is done through oral tradition and symbols. Among the most important symbols is the snake, which had different meanings to different communities and, different meanings throughout the centuries. The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut has just opened a new exhibition called Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands that highlights the perception of snakes in the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial world. 

Prior to colonization, Native people used stories to inform each other about the surrounding environment, including the animals present in that environment. These stories and symbols, about animals like the snake, have very practical applications. An example of this is the game known as “snow snake.” This winter sport is still widely practiced by many Native communities and is usually played in teams that compete to see who can throw the wooden "snake" the farthest in a long track of snow.

 

During colonial times, American settlers were impressed and fearful of snakes, particularly, rattlesnakes. They first heard about rattlesnakes from indigenous people. Rattlesnakes were something settlers had never encountered before and they considered them ferocious. Consequentially, colonists adopted the rattlesnake as a symbolic identity that differentiated early colonists in America from people they left behind in continental Europe. The imagery of snakes, in general, continued to change and evolve over time and the colonial portion of this exhibition highlights examples of how, when, and why this occurred.

 

One of the highlights of the exhibit details the historic account of the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club in South Kent, Connecticut that dates back to the late 19^th century. Every June, club members would head up Schaghticoke Mountain in knee-high boots armed with two-pronged eight-foot sticks to capture snakes. The majority of the club members were newspapermen from as far as New York City. The adventures of these rattlesnake hunts by the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club detailed in this exhibit offer a fascinating glimpse into the Native adaptations to colonialism and detribalization in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

 

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened the Indoor Museum where this new exhibit can be seen. The Outdoor grounds have trails, a replicated outdoor Algonkian Village, a three sisters garden, and an archaeological pavilion. The Museum and Grounds are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Museum and Staff follow strict safety protocols. For more information on the safety policy implemented please click here.

 

 

Charter A Two -Hour Getaway with the Seaport Association of Norwalk

It is a perfect summer day and you're wondering what to do that is safe, different, and memorable, all at the same time. Have you ever watched a group of people on a large boat sipping wine and relaxing in the cooling breeze of Long Island Sound? If you have, you are not alone. Some of us might even daydream about owning a boat large enough to accommodate up to twenty-five friends, family, and business associates.

 

The good news is that the Seaport Association in Norwalk is now offering their comfortable vessel, the T.J. Toth, for charter at pricing that is much less expensive than you think. The charter is two hours long and is available any weekday or weekend, July – September, during the day or at sunset for $750, or just $30 a person for twenty-five of your best friends and family members. And, be assured that your guests will be comfortable. The vessel has so many amenities including comfortable seating in and out of the sun, a bar area that is the perfect place to set up the beverages and goodies you bring aboard, and a full bathroom. 

 

Your private excursion begins from the Seaport's dock at 10 North Water Street in Norwalk. A captain and mate are on board so you can sit back and relax - it doesn't get more exclusive or fun than that! The boat cruises through Norwalk Harbor under the expert guidance of the boat's Captain while the Mate introduces the passengers to the multifaceted history of the Harbor. Imagine cruising along the waves getting close up views of Norwalk's Islands, nesting ospreys, and, three lighthouses, including Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and two rare examples of sparkplug lighthouses. This private on the water experience is simply exhilarating; so don't forget to bring a camera. 

 

If you are planning a special occasion or if you and your friends are looking for something really uplifting to do this summer, nothing says “fun on the water” like this exclusive excursion offered by the Seaport Association. For additional information to charter the boat call the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444 or email jerry.toni@seaport.org.

Live Events @ Virtual Weekend in Norfolk July 31, August 1, and 2

No holds barred! Virtual fun for all is the watchword in Norfolk, Conn., this coming July 31, August 1, and 2 during the town’s fifth annual three-day, town-wide Weekend in Norfolk Festival that will be held all online this year.

Everyone’s invited to view live streaming and online demand events starting July 31 with family and friends. Viewers will enjoy more than 20 events that Norfolk’s organizations, businesses, and individuals have put together to share the resilience, art, music, food, and natural beauty of this delightful community located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills. 

Live streaming events are a highlight of this year's Virtual Weekend in Norfolk. It is easy to sign up for a live event by visiting the website and registering. After registration, which is quick and simple a Zoom link will be sent to you about 30 minutes before the event streams live. Best of all, every event is free of charge!

The first live event on July 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. is a Puppet Show called Lisa the Wise that is sure to delight young and old alike. This colorful Russian folktale is told with imaginative shadow puppets and features a brave young girl, witches, enchanted dolls, and even dancing houses! This story has a contemporary twist sure to entertain and is recommended for children ages four and older. Expect lots of laughter and fun while watching these amazing puppets that will take you on an adventure without leaving home

On the second virtual day of Weekend in Norfolk, Saturday, August 1 is perfect for art and music lovers. 

The day kicks off with a very special concert from the highly acclaimed and internationally known Norfolk Chamber Music Festival from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. The program is the rebroadcast of an Emerging Artist Showcase concert that features the works of Klughart, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn for winds and strings. If you miss the live stream of this event, no worries, the event will be available via the Weekend In Norfolk website on-demand section on Sunday, August 2.

If you have always wanted to be a watercolor painter or if you have wondered how to improve your technique, don’t miss the loose watercolor painting demonstration by Pamela Harnois, a visual artist specializing in transparent watercolor from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. This is your chance to learn from an award-winning artist - free. Classically trained in watercolor, Pamela’s work has appeared nationally in art shows and in various publications. She has spent the last decade documenting woodland landscapes and wildflowers from across the country from Connecticut to California.

Saturday concludes with a final concert from the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. making it a perfect prelude to cocktail hour and dinner. This rebroadcast of the Emerging Artist Showcase features the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann for piano ensembles. If you miss this live stream broadcast, you can see it on-demand on Sunday, August 2, at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, August 2, from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. get ready to have some fun at the final live streaming event that features nationally renowned artist and metal sculptor, Karen Rossi. Limited to 12 adults this fascinating workshop will teach you how to make upcycled metal flowers from something as simple as aluminum soda cans! Have fun drilling, punching and riveting these whimsical flower creations together and decorating them with mixed media to create stunning three- dimensional flowers! No experience is needed and this event is free.

In addition, to live events, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, Weekend in Norfolk offers a series of on-demand events that can be watched any time of day or night! On-demand events are conveniently organized on the website by category making it easy to pick and choose what you want to watch. Here you will find everything from art studio tours and nature hikes to kids’ craft workshops and a demonstration of ways to prepare healthy food.

Five Great Places to See Coastal Birds

Summer is a great time to dust off those binoculars and stretch your birding legs. You can expect migratory birds to start appearing in April. However, if you head for the shore now, there are many different coastal species to observe, especially if you hit the right locations. Here's a list of five great places for coastal birding. As with visiting all wildlife habitats, please remember to tread lightly on the land and respect the creatures who live there. 

Stratford Point in Stratford is a great place to see waterfowl, sea birds like Northern Gannet, shorebirds, and loons.  Audubon Connecticut manages DuPont's Stratford Point property with assistance from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI) and Sacred Heart University. The trails are generally open Monday-Friday during business hours. Birding, nature observation, and passive hiking are the primary intended uses of the property.  Stratford Point is one of the premier birding, butterfly, and fishing locations in Connecticut.

Another coastal birding hot spot is Long Beach in Stratford. The parking lot, beach, and offshore waters here attract rare gulls and waterfowl, while Sanderlings and Dunlins scurry along the water's edge. The middle sections of Long Beach are maintained as shorebird nesting areas. These areas are considered to be some of the best nesting habitats in the state for piping plovers and least terns.

Westport's Sherwood Island State Park is another birding hotspot and a great place to see gebes and loons.  A list of 234 birds spotted at Sherwood Island State Park has been compiled.

The Norwalk Seaport Association gets you out on the water where you will see lots of birdlife. Cruise through the Norwalk Islands and past three iconic lighthouses and past the Steward B. Mckinney Wildlife Nature Sanctuary that is an untouched wildlife habitat. Enjoy incredible views of possibly over a thousand newly hatched chicks from the many bird species that migrate long distances to use the privacy of these islands for their nesting area.

Greenwich Point Park is another place for viewing birds. Due to the park's peninsular geography and the variety of habitats available it is an important migrant stopover habitat for many species of birds. Good numbers of waterfowl winter offshore and in Eagle Pond, many raptors pass the park in fall migration and the park acts as stopover habitat for some of them. The offshore islands offer breeding habitat for Common and Least Terns.

Living Lights @ Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has a new exhibit. “Living Lights” will introduce you to some of the most strangely interesting creatures in the sea: animals that can give off light through a process called bioluminescence. Live animals displayed include flashlight fish, pinecone fish, chain catsharks, crystal jellyfish, and more. In addition to the marine animals in “Living Lights,” terrestrial examples featured include a scorpion – they’re naturally fluorescent – and a common forest fungus (Panellus stipticus) that glows as its spores mature.

Learn the mechanics of bioluminescence and explore how bioluminescence is used by animals to attract mates, find prey and deter predators. In addition, you also can learn about medical and environmental advances made possible through the study of bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms.

“Living Lights” is free with Aquarium admission and will be open through December!

A Weekend in Norfolk 2020 Goes Virtual – July 31 and August 1 and 2

The town of Norfolk Connecticut is hard at work this summer organizing virtual events for 2020 WIN - Weekend in Norfolk that is taking place this year on July 31, August 1, and 2! The residents, businesses, historic and natural attractions, and other organizations have pulled together, once again, this year to showcase Norfolk’s many treasures.

 

The only difference is that this year WIN will take place only online rather than at various locations throughout this peaceful hamlet. “We believe that our online WIN series of events and videos show the resilience of the citizens of Norfolk. Our goal is to be a bright spot in people’s lives at this uncertain time. We’re striving to entertain and educate all our WIN fans with the variety of videos that we are developing,” said Sue Frisch one of the founders of the WIN event.

 

Now in its fifth year, this family fun event has managed to evolve with the times. They hope to reach even more people with their virtual programs and videos that have an irresistible price tag -- they are all free of charge! Best of all, all videos can be viewed from the comfort of your home.

 

A new WIN website makes planning your time in advance easy so you don’t miss a thing. The website has a day by day schedule that highlights virtual events that will be happening live and those events that will be posted to celebrate WIN 2020 on demand. Get ready to see an exciting line-up! The virtual events range from a not to be missed tour of the Tiffany stained glass windows at the Battell Chapel, and a demonstration by a professional artist, to a cooking demonstration on how to prepare healthy foods that could have medicinal advantages.

 

For the most up to date information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org

 

 

 

Celestial Fireworks - See Jupiter, Saturn and the Full Buck Moon July 4

If you are bummed out about the lack of fireworks, don't be, just look to the sky for a celestial "fireworks" display. This coming holiday weekend, Mother Nature has planned her own program of fireworks! There will be a stunning full moon on July 3 and July 4 that is enhanced by two shining planets, Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system with four moons and Saturn. 

Jupiter will be very bright and hover to the moon's upper right while Saturn, one-third as bright will appear to stand off to the moon's upper left. Taken together they will form a triangle in the sky. If you have a small telescope or a pair of binoculars you will get a better view of Jupiter along with all four of the Galilean satellites that include Io, Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. They were first seen by Galileo over 400 years ago.

Like June's full moon, the full moon of July brings about a penumbral eclipse, which occurs when the moon crosses through the faint outer edge of the Earth's shadow called a penumbra. When this occurs, the moon appears to be slightly darker than usual. This eclipse will be visible from most of North America including Connecticut and will begin at 11:04 Eastern Standard Time on July 4 and end at 1:56 a.m. If you miss it on July 4, check the sky on July 5 at 10:56 p.m. The Buck moon will appear the biggest to the naked eye on the U.S. East coast during and just after moonrise.

The Algonquin people of the Eastern Woodlands did not record time by using months or calendars. They tracked time by observing the seasons and the lunar months and phases of the moon. The Algonquin people called the full moon in July the Buck Moon because at this time of year a buck's antlers are growing daily. Another Native American name for the full moon in July is Thunder Moon because of the frequency of July thunderstorms. Colonial Americans adopted some of the Native American names for the full moon and, they are still in use today. Some of the most recognized names that come from the Algonquin people include the Harvest Moon, the Blue Moon, and the Supermoon.