Zoos in Connecticut

Connecticut's zoo scene pairs one large city zoo with a handful of small, specialized sites. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport opened in 1922, keeps around 500 animals from over 100 species, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The rest of the list leans toward conservation and hands-on visits: Action Wildlife in Goshen combines a drive-through safari with a petting zoo and museum, Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield protects more than 100 species of waterfowl and rare birds, and Sharon Audubon Center, founded in 1961, keeps native birds of prey for education. Highwire Deer & Animal Farm in Woodbury and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic round out the list.