In honor of the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo’s 100th anniversary, it has expanded its Zoomobile program, which visited C.H. Booth Library September 10.

Jim Knox, curator of education at Beardsley Zoo, brought a variety of animal ambassadors for attendees to learn about. He also shared ways that families can help animals at the zoo and in the wild.

Knox started off his presentation by asking how many people have ever been to the Beardsley Zoo before and about half the group enthusiastically raised their hands.

He explained that the animals he had brought for them to see today “come from around the world” and were “specially chosen based on their temperament.”

Almost all of them were originally someone’s exotic pet that did not work out, and the zoo stepped in to provide care and a home for them.

The first animal he introduced was Winston, who is a Blue-Tongued Skink, which is a type of lizard. Knox shared that Winston has been with the Beardsley Zoo for about 14 years.

Lizards like him live in Australia and New Guinea, and for survival they try to mimic the Death Adder Snake from forests there to deceive predators.

Knox pointed out that Winston sticks his blue tongue out often, because it helps him smell what is in the air, so his brain can tell where to find food.

Another animal that attendees got an up-close view of was a Yellow Map Turtle named Galileo, who has markings on him that look like topography on a map.

Knox explained that Galileo used to be someone’s pet and came to the zoo about 18 years ago.

He said that while turtles “can make great pets,” some can live for around 50 to 60 years and are a big commitment. If someone is interested in having a turtle as a pet, he encouraged them to reach out to him or a representative at the Beardsley Zoo for advice.

Knox let everyone know that while most assume turtles are slow, they can gain more energy and move faster when they warm their bodies in the sunshine.

“The sun is like their battery charger,” he said. If someone driving sees a turtle in the wild trying to cross a road, Knox recommends parking and putting the car’s hazard lights on to protect them from traffic as they cross.

A popular animal ambassador that Knox showed the group at the library was Leonidas the Eastern King Snake.

He shared that he “has a lot of respect for this guy,” because in the wild this species can eat other snakes, including Rattlesnakes.

Knox explained that this ability is called an “adaptation,” because it allows him to get unique prey.

With each animal, he walked around the room to show the audience members and address any questions they had.

Knox told The Newtown Bee, “My favorite part of delivering our Zoomobile programs is meeting folks in the community who share my thirst for wildlife knowledge as well as a passion for wildlife conservation.”

Upcoming Zoo Events

The Beardsley Zoo recently announced its September through December 2022 calendar. This month, be sure to check out:

*September 18, noon to 1:30 pm, Sunday Serenades, Sun Kings: A Beatles Tribute

“Enjoy the music created by one of the most influential bands of our time. You’ll hear many of the Fab Four’s #1 hits, B sides, and deep tracks — all performed with attention to detail duplicating their tight harmonies, fancy guitar work and solid backbeat. In short, that signature Beatles sound!” the zoo announced in a recent press release.

*September 18, International Red Panda Day

“Come see our adorable red panda Berry in her home, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat. The zoo’s education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the zoo family. Learn about red pandas and help us create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. What is a Red Panda Ranger? A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas. Red pandas have been identified as a flagship species and an indicator of ecological health,” the zoo detailed.

*September 21, 7 pm, Evening Lecture Series: Loons Are Telling Us About a Changing Arctic

“Join Tamara Zeller from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for a series of short youth-produced films about loon research in Alaska and the collaborative efforts of scientists to learn more about these iconic species. Films will touch upon loon migration, habitat changes, and challenges facing loons in an evolving arctic climate. We will also show a film about the loons of Connors Lake in Anchorage, and the story behind efforts to conserve them. Lectures will be presented via Zoom. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with a discounted cost of $50 if you register for all seven lectures,” the press release noted.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $19, children (ages 3-11) is $15, senior admission (62 and older) is $15, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and parking at the zoo is free of charge.

To learn more about the Beardsley Zoo and its animals, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.