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CT Bucket List: Beardsley Zoo

Leopards, wolves, and spider monkeys!

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Fall is bringing new excitement for your family at the Beardsley Zoo! 

FOX61's Keith McGilvery has some top things you can do:

Check out the beautiful Amur leopard, Reka! When we visited, she came right up to say hello! She turns three this November. You may remember, FOX61  Meteorologist Dan Amarante had visited the leopards when they were first bord.

"She is full size, about 270 pounds. They grow up fast! She was about a pound and a half when she was born!" said Bethany Thatcher with the Beardsley Zoo. 

The incredible leopards can sometimes catch visitors by surprise.

"The kids love these big cats," said volunteer Scott Sherrin. "Their first reaction is 'are they cheetahs?'. They are never quite sure sometimes when they see a spot an animal. Is it a cheetah? Is it a jaguar? Is it a leopard?"

The Wolf Den where Marco and Kipper reside.

"These two are goofballs. They are very likable! It's easy to tell which one is which because they have very distinct personalities," says senior zookeeper J.T. Warner.

The new and improved barnyard exhibit!

"Oh my God, children love miniature horses and they love the goats too," said Clair.  "I think the farmyard has always been a special place for families. It is so accessible, and of course, farmyards have characters in almost every children's book," says Clair.

And our number one reason to visit to the zoo?

The always playful spider monkeys. 

"They are doing stuff a lot of the time," said Emma Carney, a zoo staffer. "They are always moving around the habitat, checking out any new enrichment we give them. They are just really exciting."

Beardsley Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You'll need to make a reservation online. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors.

Before You Leave, Check This Out