[pennedin]

I took my children to the Beardsley Zoo today in Bridgeport and was shocked! The state of CT is always on these lists for the wealthiest, healthiest, etc... places to be, but this zoo is a dump.

The state of CT should be hiding under a rock over this place, especially when they just gave 115 MILLION dollars to a hedge fund!

The animals look half dead, the "habitats" are non-existent and the place looks like something out of a third world country. Grounds not taken care of, dirty all around, no signs on some buildings, moral low. My gosh, how depressing!

Let them eat cake, anybody?

[RogerAnthony]

I went there two years ago for the first time ever and was really impressed with the zoo. It was much better than I had been led to believe.

[andthentherewere3]

They have a small budget and do the best with what they've got to work with. It's better now than it was in previous years. Unfortunately in this economy, museums and public exhibits are not getting the funding they should, and many would argue that the money for them could be better spent. (although I personally don't feel that way)

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by pennedin

Grounds not taken care of, dirty all around, no signs on some buildings, moral low.

Anybody offer to sell you drugs? It seems that the Bridgeport PD is turning a blind eye to the rampant peddling right outside of the zoo which has been going on for about a year now. Even more pathetic, the mayor of Bridgeport lives right down the street from the area..

I can't say i blame the state for not investing too much money given the situation.

[Cambium]

Was there 2 months ago.

Nice Entrance.



Cool animals and paths:



Waaay too many people for me. But looks like they do well. And I agree, its not the best Zoo out there overall.

[Lintu]

I've always enjoyed going there with my 2 year old. She gets in free and it's small enough that we can get through it fairly quickly (i.e. not a full day/running into naptime).

[vvcronosvv]

Really?? I thought it was great when we were there a year ago. Seeing those 3 amazingly beautiful amur tigers from 10-15 feet away was well worth the price of admission.

[pennedin]

I don't know where to begin!

The staff had low moral, huffing and puffing thru work, and seeming totally exhausted. Cafe was filthy, and not many healthy options. The grounds are a wreck, dirty, messy, no grooming what so ever, dusty pathways, garbage on the floor, etc.... The animals exhibits....I would say that they are close to animal abuse. Every "habitat" is the same, CT plants growing out of control with dusty, dirt grounds. Every animal looked either crazy or bored to death, and one (the Longhorn) literally looked CLOSE to death!

I don't know if anyone has been to any other zoo in the country, but this one is the worst. And saying there are not enough funds if just ridiculous in light of the state giving 115 MILLION dollars to a hedge fund.

You know, people are too quick to make excuses for the government not doing the right thing, and justifying money going to the wrong places. You accept it, you get it.

[andthentherewere3]

Originally Posted by pennedin

And saying there are not enough funds if just ridiculous in light of the state giving 115 MILLION dollars to a hedge fund.

You know, people are too quick to make excuses for the government not doing the right thing, and justifying money going to the wrong places. You accept it, you get it.

You have a point, so what are you doing about it?

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by pennedin

I don't know if anyone has been to any other zoo in the country, but this one is the worst. And saying there are not enough funds if just ridiculous in light of the state giving 115 MILLION dollars to a hedge fund.

So you'd rather have them put it toward a zoo? LOL