BRIDGEPORT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites all Newtown residents to visit the zoo on Saturday, June 14, from 10 am to 4 pm for a reduced admission fee of $5 with proper ID. Meet and greet with friends and neighbors during a fun filled day to please the whole family.

“Newtown Day gives us the opportunity to say thank you to our neighbors who have continuously supported us throughout the years,” explained Zoo Director Gregg Dancho.

Newtown residents are invited to spend the day visiting new animals at the zoo and enjoying the great outdoors. The zoo recently welcomed four North American river otter pups, which are a fan favorite.

Connecticut’s only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species including Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopard, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, a prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more.

Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on a colorful, indoor carousel.

Back again for the summer are three exotic camels, which visitors may ride for $5 per person. Ride tickets can be purchased at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride. Visitors are welcome to take photos at no additional charge. While there are no age restrictions for riders, anyone five years old and younger requires an adult rider with them. The zoo also is offering a combo ticket for both a carousel and camel ride for $6.

Regular zoo admission is $14 for ages 12 and up, and $10 for ages 3-11 and senior citizens. Admission is always free for ages 2 and under, and Connecticut Zoological Society members.

Parking is also free, always.

The zoo is at 1875 Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. It is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

For more information call 203-394-6565 or visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.