Once upon a time in a zoo not so far away, there was a day for all children to dress up like their favorite storybook characters! On Saturday, September 11th, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo will turn into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, glitter tattoos, bubbles, and animal presentations! The day of fun and fantasy is sponsored by the Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare. The organization will also offer COVID-19 vaccinations in the Zoo’s Hanson Building from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for people 12 and older.
Seven different costumed storybook characters will be on Zoo grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including Cinderella, Spiderman, The Black Panther, Daniel Tiger, Jasmine, Moana, and Mulan. Fine artist Johanne Mangi along with several other artists will be sketching animals in the Zoo’s New England Farmyard, and giving children the sketches to take home.
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“We’re so happy to host Connecticut Children’s and Hartford HealthCare’s healthcare heroes and families at the Zoo, and provide a fun and magical day for all children,” said Gregg Dancho, Zoo director. “In addition to sponsoring a fabulous family event, they’re also providing another opportunity for COVID-19 vaccines for the community.”
“The pandemic has been hard. Families with children are ready to create happy memories again in a safe and fun environment. Fairy Tails Day at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is giving families the opportunity to do just that,” said Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, President and CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “The Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Care Alliance with Hartford HealthCare is proud to sponsor an event that will bring smiles and laughs to people of all ages.”
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $17.00, children (ages 3 -11) is $14.00, senior admission (62 and older) is just $14.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/
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 tiger and leopards, maned wolves, and Mexican gray wolves and red wolves. Other highlights include our 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 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems 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 strongly recommend that guests continue to wear masks while visiting the Zoo, but when guests are outside and are able to 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, with the exception of those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them, should have a mask available.
