If you are an animal lover, you've probably made your way to one of Connecticut's farms to visit with the cute and cuddly barnyard menagerie. But to experience some truly unique animals, you'll want to plan a trip to the Beardsley Zoo. With more than 300 different animals living at the zoo, you're bound to see at least one you've never laid eyes on before.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo was created within the Beardsley Park in Bridgeport in the 1920s. It began with donations from the city's residents. In the first year 18 exotic birds found their way to the zoo and by 1927, even a camel donated by Barnum and Bailey Circus became a resident.
Today the zoo house more than 300 animals including some threatened and endangered species. Meet creatures that are furry, feathered, scaled, and more at this exciting family attraction.
Visiting the zoo is a great way to pick up fun trivia. Did you know that giant anteaters don't have teeth? Or that they are excellent swimmers and use their long nose as a snorkel?
Unless you make a trip to the mountain forests of Southeast Asia, you probably won't run into a red panda anytime soon... unless you plan a visit to Beardsley Zoo.
Discover a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. From the bright blue poison dart frog to the lime-colored emerald tree boa, there is quite a colorful cast of residents too see.
Many newer exhibits allow you to get closer the animals than ever before. Get face to face with a maned wolf at the huge windows into their habitat.
Enter the plexiglass tubes at the prairie dog mound to get right in the middle of the action. This is a unique way to check out these adorable creatures as they go about their daily business.
The Beardsley Zoo is open daily except major holidays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., so there's plenty of time to monkey around.
You'll want to make a point to stop and see Reka and Zeya, the twin Amur tigers that just recently celebrated their first birthday at the zoo. Watch them as they frolic with one another throughout the day.
The zoo also has a farmyard where you can visit with more familiar friends. Nutmeg and Caramel are the resident miniature horses that will steal your heart.
Indian blue peafowl wander the property at their leisure. Don't be surprised if one approaches you near the picnic area.
Although winter may not seem like a prime time to visit Beardsley Zoo, many of the animals are much more active in the cold than they are during hot summer days. Bundle up and grab the family, it's time to go meet some unique animals.
Visit Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo at 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610. For more information, check out their website. Follow them on Facebook for the latest zoo news.
Which of these animals is your favorite? Have you been to the Beardsley Zoo recently?
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