Kids Saddle Up The Camel's Back For A Ride At The Beardsley Zoo

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — One of the popular attractions at Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo is the camel ride — where for $5, kids get a short but exciting ride high in the sky.

Kristin Gryga and 4-year-old Kyle, ride Gabriel the camel at the Beardsley Zoo.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

From left: Carter, Collin and Rowan Ivens, of West Hartford, enjoy a camel ride.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

From left: Carter, Collin and Rowan Ivens, of West Hartford, enjoy a spin on the camel.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Gabriel the camel smiles for a photo at the Beardsley Zoo.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

From left: Carter, Collin and Rowan Ivens, of West Hartford, pose high atop the camel.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

08/06/2015 5:30 a.m.

Kristin Gryga and her 4-year-old son, Kyle, of Fairfield, were all smiles as they rode high atop Gabriel the camel at the zoo on Wednesday.

"It was very cool," said Kristin. "Last year he was a little scared, but this year he had fun. The anteaters were also fun."

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo showcases over 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species, including the Amur (Siberian) tiger, Andean condor, Ocelot, Red wolf, Maned wolf, Giant Anteater and Golden lion tamarin. Food is served at the Peacock Café or picnic at the Picnic Grove, while watching the colorful peacocks strut their stuff. Kids can also grab a ride on the carousel.

The Beardsley Zoo is the only zoo in Connecticut and is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Fairfield County.

The Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for children ages 3 to 11 and seniors and free for children under age 3. Parking is free.

The zoo is located in Beardsley Park at 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport.

For more information on Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org or call 203-394-6565.

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