Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces June 1 reopening

A number of new safety measures wiil be in place

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has announced that its official reopening date following the COVID-19 pandemic closure will be on Monday, June 1.

The zoo said a number of new safety measures are being put in place in the next 10 days, including staff training, new cleaning protocols, social distancing guidelines for guests and signage.

Guests are asked to adhere to the following new requirements:

⏩ Masks must be worn by all guests, except for those ages two and under.

⏩ Social distancing must be observed, with six-foot distancing between family groups.

⏩ Tickets must be purchased online in a contactless system; links will be provided on the website and social media before opening.

⏩ There will be two sessions allowing for 50 percent capacity in each. The first is from 9 a.m. to noon. The zoo will close from noon to 1 p.m. for cleaning. A second session is from 1 to 4 p.m.

⏩ A one-way loop around the zoo is identified by signs to keep cross traffic at a minimum.

⏩ Ticket prices are reduced: $15 for adults; $10 for children and seniors age 62 and over. Children under 3 are free.

⏩ All buildings will be closed with the exception of restrooms.

⏩ Restrooms will be monitored and cleaned throughout the day.

⏩ An online app will allow food orders for pick-up through a side window. Limited menu items.

Guests may bring their own food.

⏩ No stroller or wheelchair rentals are available. Guests are asked to bring their own.

⏩ The gift shop will have an outdoor kiosk for purchases with an online app.

“The safety of our guests, staff and animals is our number one priority,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We’ve missed our guests and look forward to welcoming everyone back with confidence that we can all enjoy being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of animals and nature once again. We ask for everyone’s patience as we work through our new requirements in an unprecedented environment.”

For more information and updates on the zoo’s status, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

Beardsley Zoo / Contributerd photo Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport will reopen June 1, with a number of new safety measures in place. Above is Zoo Director Gregg Dancho.