Caring for Raptors and Inspiring Conservation at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the only Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo in the state, respectfully requests $10,000 from the Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation to support the renovation of our Raptor Mews, a $260,000 project transforming how we care for and present our ambassador birds of prey. The Zoo’s hawks and owls serve as powerful educators, connecting more than 300,000 annual visitors, including thousands of underserved students, with raptor conservation and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. These birds play a central role in our popular summer Birds of Prey Show, which fosters care and concern for wildlife by teaching diverse audiences about raptors’ natural behaviors, ecological roles, and the challenges they face in the wild.

The renovation directly addresses critical needs in both animal welfare and public education. Enclosure upgrades will provide expanded flight space, natural perches, and enrichment features that stimulate the raptors physically and mentally, ensuring they thrive in a more naturalistic environment. Visitor areas will be redesigned with improved viewing platforms, reinforced safety features, and new interpretive signage, creating a safe and engaging setting where guests can observe the birds up close and learn about their conservation.

The Foundation’s $10,000 investment will specifically fund enclosure upgrades and interpretive education elements, ensuring that the raptors’ daily care and well-being are elevated while the Zoo expands its capacity to educate the public. By combining modernized housing with impactful programming, this project will allow the Zoo to inspire and empower future generations to protect birds of prey, mirroring the Foundation’s own legacy of advancing raptor rehabilitation and education nationwide.