Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Plans Three Weekends of Holiday Happenings

 

This year, the Zoo is pairing up with Oliver’s Pajama Project to bring pajamas to underserved communities throughout the state as well as offering three fun weekends of Holiday Happenings. Oliver Koenig-Paquin is a young boy whose dream is to make sure every boy and girl has a pair of new pajamas to keep them warm and cozy at night. Throughout the holiday season, the Zoo will be collecting pajamas at the front gate: all ages and sizes needed! 

On December 4-5, December 11-12 and December 18-19, the Zoo will provide festive holiday fare in the Elf Kitchen, featuring hot chocolate, gingerbread, sugar cookies, savory soups, and other festive holiday specialties. Santa’s Sleigh will be set up for Family Photos. Take a stroll through the Zoo and enjoy special crafts and activities with the children, including storytimes and two appearances each weekend day by a magician. Thirty wreaths from Wreaths Across America can be found around Zoo grounds, to remember fallen U.S. veterans and honor those who serve. 

 On Saturday, Dec 4 and Saturday, Dec 18, the Zoo will hold a Pajama Parade with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger, and Thirsty the Penguin marching alongside Grand Marshal Oliver, founder of Oliver’s Pajama Project. We encourage guests to wear pajamas and bring pajamas to the parade, then take a family holiday pajama photo! 

Holiday Happenings at the Beardsley Zoo located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport includes a myriad number of activities for the white family. There will be opportunities for family photos, crafts and activities, magic shows, and, of course, Festive Fare! For junior magicians don't miss the Magic Moments Magic Show: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 11 am and 1 pm in the Greenhouse. Traditional and contemporary fun stories will be told at the Zoo'sHoliday Story Time: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 10 am and 2 pm in the W.O.L.F. Cabin. For family sleuths, go on the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19: One Zoo Family Membership awarded. And, to really get into the spirit of the season, participate in the Special Pajama Parade on Dec 4 and Dec 18 at noon, and don't forget to wear your pajamas to the parade! 

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 99th year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, the Rainforest Building, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can ride on the carousel, grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and ecosystems is more important than ever. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. In accordance with the state of Connecticut COVID-19 guidelines: we recommend that guests continue to wear masks while visiting the Zoo, but when guests are outside and can maintain social distance, masks may be removed. In any indoor area, or when social distancing cannot be maintained, masks are required. Everyone over the age of two, except for those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them, should have a mask available. 

About Oliver’s Pajama Project

Oliver’s Pajama Project is in its 6th year. Oliver’s gearing up for a huge collection, with the goal of collecting 6,500 pairs of brand-new pajamas this fall and winter for children in underserved communities. Oliver is looking for complete pajama sets (tops and bottoms) or onesies that are brand new, in sizes newborn all the way through adult 3xl. Drop off will be located at the front gate, and the last day to drop off will be December 30, 2021.