Beardsley Zoo to Host 20th 'Wild Wine, Food & Beverage Safari' In June

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport will hold its Wild Wine, Food & Beverage Safari on Saturday, June 6, marking the 20th year for the 21-and-over fundraiser. Tickets are now on sale for the after-hours event, which the zoo said will include food and drink tastings, live music, interactive games, a premium silent auction and opportunities for guests to see some animals up close.

According to the zoo, guests will be able to sample offerings from more than 50 restaurants, caterers and beverage vendors while exploring the grounds after hours. The event is one of the zoo’s largest annual fundraisers and supports animal care, conservation initiatives, exhibit improvements and educational programming. The zoo said the event will be held rain or shine.

“This event continues to be a favorite across the region, bringing together great food, local vendors, while attendees are able to experience the Zoo after hours,” said Dr. Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Each year, we look forward to welcoming returning favorites and introducing something new for our guests. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners who help make this event possible.”

The zoo said this year’s VIP Hour will be hosted by Foolproof Brewery, BE Chocolat, David Alan Hospitality Group, Big G’s Cookies, The Bites Company, and Sound Coffee. VIP guests will receive early entry, access to select premium vendors, elevated bites, fine beverages and special animal encounters, according to the zoo. The zoo also said VIP tickets are limited.

Among the food and hospitality businesses listed by the zoo are Abi’s Falafel, Blind Rhino, Braxtons Hospitality Group, Dave Grant Caterers, David Alan Hospitality Group, East Coast Clambakes, Fortuna’s Catering, Garden Catering, Haven Hot Chicken, Little Pub, Nuovo Pasta, Palmer’s Catering, Post Road Hospitality Group - Ryebird & Saigon, Shake Shack, Taco Loco, The Batch Pantry, Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill, and Vazzy’s.

The zoo thanked sponsors including M&T Bank, Liberty Bank, Aquarion, Coca-Cola Northeast, Industrial Health & Safety Consultants, LLC, Shoprite and Don Julio. The organization said people looking to volunteer, sponsor the event, buy tickets or learn more about the silent auction can find details on the Beardsley Zoo website. The zoo also said updates will be posted on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.