CT's Beardsley Zoo To Host 'Party For The Planet' For Earth Day

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will host its annual Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 19, offering a day of environmentally focused activities aimed at promoting conservation and sustainability.

The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is part of the zoo’s broader mission to educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Activities include hands-on educational exhibits, recycling opportunities, and art installations, all designed to encourage community involvement in environmental stewardship.

A community cleanup of Beardsley Park and the nearby waterfront will launch the day’s events, with volunteers working from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers said the cleanup has reached capacity due to strong public interest.

At the zoo, visitors can participate in several interactive exhibits. A seed ball station will allow guests to make their own pollinator-friendly seed balls using a mixture of soil, seeds and clay. These can be planted at home to support local ecosystems.

The Energy in Action mobile exhibit, presented by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Avangrid, will offer an educational experience on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The traveling exhibit includes interactive experiments for children and adults.

An art exhibit curated in partnership with the One River School of Art & Design in Westport will showcase student-created wildlife sculptures made from recyclable materials. Organizers say the display highlights the intersection of sustainability and creativity.

The zoo will also partner with Junkluggers for an e-waste recycling initiative. Visitors are encouraged to bring small electronics such as laptops, printers and cell phones for responsible disposal. A full list of accepted items is available on the zoo’s website.

Greater Bridgeport Transit, a sponsor of the event, will be on site with information and promotional materials.

“Party for the Planet embodies our mission of education and conservation,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “We aim to inspire our community to take actionable steps toward environmental stewardship while enjoying a fun and educational experience.”

The event is included with regular zoo admission. More information and a full schedule of activities can be found at beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html.