Bridgeport, CT – No need for Phil from distant lands, Connecticut's own seer understands. Beardsley Bart, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Prognosticating Prairie Dog shared his weather forecast with a small gathering of his friends early this morning. Attendees included Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim who read the proclamation. 

Mayor Ganim shared, “Beardsley Bart has spoken, and spring is coming to Bridgeport!” He emphasized the impact Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has on the community. “Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the only zoo in the state, and we are proud to have such a great resource right here in Bridgeport.”

Zoo Director Gregg Dancho also joined this morning’s festivities and invites everyone back to the Zoo this Spring for a ribbon cutting ceremony. “Beardsley Bart’s habitat is currently under an exciting renovation where guests will be able to get up close and personal as they pop up with our Prairie Dogs” shared Dancho. “The habitat gives guests a sense of how these animals burrow and pop up to view the world around them.”

The Zoo is open year-round with many animals enjoying the cold temperatures and snow. Animals who enjoy cold temperatures include the Amur leopards, North American river otters, and Mexican grey and red wolves.