SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park hosted its inaugural Wildlife Summit on March 27, bringing together nearly 100 wildlife professionals from across Massachusetts and Connecticut for a day of collaboration, networking, and professional development.

The half-day conference was designed specifically for licensed wildlife rehabilitators and other wildlife professionals. Attendees participated in a variety of roundtable discussions covering key topics such as conservation methods, bird strike prevention, reptile care, carnivore care, and an ‘ask a vet’ session. The day also included a behind-the-scenes zoo tour, offering insight into the zoo’s animal care practices, as well as a ‘swap shop’ where rehabilitators could exchange supplies to support their work.

The event was spearheaded by Emily Bouwer, the zoo’s director of Animal Care and Facilities, who is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She envisioned the summit as an opportunity to foster interstate relationships and create a space where professionals could come together and learn from one another.

“Due to our proximity to Connecticut, I would receive many of out-of-state calls regarding injured wildlife, but I didn’t know how to properly direct the inquiries,” Bouwer said. “In talking to other rehabbers, I noticed this was a common theme. The Wildlife Summit was born out of a necessity to bridge this divide, and the idea grew from there.”

The conference reflects the zoo’s ongoing commitment to supporting displaced wildlife through safe, permanent placement after an injured or orphaned animal is no longer considered a candidate for release back into the wild. Because of this tenet of its mission, the zoo works closely with wildlife experts, making the summit a natural extension of its role as both a resource and a partner in the wildlife community.

The Wildlife Summit was free for participants thanks to a grant from the Christopher and Susan Mastroianni Foundation.

“The zoo’s mission is to inspire our community to respect and value the natural world through education, conservation, and rehabilitation,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “This Wildlife Summit is an important part of that mission. We are so grateful to the Mastroianni Foundation for joining us in our efforts to bring together rehabilitators to expand their learning and continue making a difference in the lives of wildlife right in our own backyards.”

Following the success of this year’s event, the zoo plans to make the Wildlife Summit an annual event.
“Moving forward, I would love for the event to grow as a resource in the community and to expand to include aspiring rehabilitators,” said Bouwer. “Everyone in the field is so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, so having an opportunity to learn from these experts could be really beneficial for someone just starting out.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park invites everyone on a trip around the world at its Wine Safari fundraiser on Saturday, May 30 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Wine Safari pairs wine from different countries with an animal from the same region, allowing guests to sample wines and meet wildlife from destinations near and far — without the cost of airfare.

“Wine Safari is one of two annual events where adults get to experience the Zoo in a unique way that’s just for them,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “Our mission is to inspire our community to respect and value the natural world, and we don’t think that admiration should be restricted to our littlest fans.”

The Zoo has partnered with MGM Springfield’s Food and Beverage team and the Culinary Arts program at Lower Pioneer Valley Career Technical Education Center (CTEC).

“Volunteers from MGM Springfield will be pouring the wine samples, and the culinary students at CTEC are making appetizers and desserts,” Tyson said. “We are deeply appreciative of these two community partners, whose contributions are helping make this event possible.”

The $55 ticket includes wine samples from 2 to 6 p.m. (while supplies last), charcuterie, small bites and desserts, and animal encounters and keeper talks from members of the Zoo’s animal care and education teams.

This event is restricted to adults age 21 and older, and a pre-purchased ticket is required to attend. All IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/wine-safari.

The Zoo will be open to the general public prior to the event on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will close to the general public at 1 p.m. to allow staff to prepare for Wine Safari.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Eggstravaganza, presented by M&T Bank, on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The family-friendly event invites children to hop along the Bunny Trail, collecting prize-filled Easter eggs and other goodies. There will also be crafts and coloring pages, face painting, a scavenger hunt, animal encounters, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

Link to Libraries, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to distribute new books to the school and home libraries of children in need, will be handing out free books to every child at the event.

“We are so excited to kick off our 2026 season with our most popular event,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “Eggstravaganza is the perfect way to shake off the winter blues and welcome back spring.”

Pre-registration is required to attend the event. Registration closes April 3 at noon or when all tickets are sold. Tickets cost $13 for adults, $8 for children, and $9 for seniors, and are available at www.forestparkzoo.org/eggstravaganza. Discounts are available for Zoo members.

Kids are encouraged to bring a bag to collect prizes. In the event of severe weather, Eggstravaganza will be moved to Sunday, April 5. If the rain date is not utilized, the Zoo will be open to the public on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Zoo in Forest Park officially opens to the public on Saturday, March 28, and will initially be open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. The Zoo will be open daily for both Connecticut and Massachusetts spring vacation weeks, April 11 to April 26. After Mother’s Day, the Zoo will move to its full, daily operating schedule.

SPRINGFIELD — Some like to have cheese with their wine, but the Zoo in Forest Park is pairing wine with animal encounters at its annual Wine Safari on Saturday, May 31 from 2 to 6 p.m. Guests will be guided on an adventure around the world as they sample wine from different countries while meeting and learning about animals native to that region.

“How often do you get to drink wine for a good cause?” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “Wine Safari is a unique way to support our animals’ care, as many cannot survive in the wild for reasons related to injury, illness, permanent disability, or habituation to humans.”

Guests must be age 21 or older to attend. The $55 ticket includes wine samples from 2 to 6 p.m. (while supplies last), a reusable glass courtesy of MGM Springfield, food provided by Jersey Mike’s Longmeadow, and animal encounters and keeper talks from members of the Zoo’s animal care and education teams.

Advanced tickets are required to attend, and all IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/wine-safari.

The zoo will be open to the general public on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but promptly at 1 p.m., it will close to the public to allow staff to prepare for Wine Safari.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Eggstravaganza, presented by M&T Bank, on Saturday, April 19.

The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., caters primarily to children 0-12 years old. Kids will enjoy prize-filled Easter eggs, crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and animal encounters. The Easter Bunny will also be hopping by to greet guests and pose for pictures.

“Eggstravaganza is our most well-attended event of the year,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We love seeing families return year after year and meeting new families who may be visiting us for the first time because of this event.”

Pre-registration is required to attend Eggstravaganza. Registration closes April 17 or when all tickets are sold. Tickets are available at www.forestparkzoo.org/eggstravaganza. In the event of severe weather, Eggstravaganza will be moved to Sunday, April 20. If the rain date is not utilized, the Zoo will be open to the public on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Zoo in Forest Park is now open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30. The Zoo will be open daily for both Connecticut and Massachusetts spring vacation weeks, April 14 to April 25. After Mother’s Day, the Zoo will move to its seven-day-a-week operating schedule.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will open for the season on Saturday, March 29 with a day full of interactive events.

“This is such an amazing time of year,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “It’s been a long, cold winter, and now it’s finally time to reconnect with your favorite furry (or scaly, or feathered) friends here at the Zoo. There’s that old saying: ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.’ But for us, as we reopen for another great season, March always ends with a bang.”

The zoo’s opening day will include keeper talks, animal encounters, enrichment demonstrations, and a contest to win a membership.

Keeper talks focusing on six different species — bald eagle, coyote, fisher, bobcat, lemur, and muntjac — will take place throughout the day at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. These presentations, hosted by zookeepers and zoo educators, provide more information about the species being presented, including diet, habitat, conservation status, and defense mechanisms, as well as the personal stories of the animals that have resulted in their need for permanent care at the zoo.

In addition to the keeper talks, guests will have the opportunity to participate in up-close animal encounters from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with animals such as turtles, snakes, parrots, and rabbits. Zookeepers will also be giving an enrichment presentation at 2 p.m. outside the enclosure of the zoo’s two resident timber wolves, Keeba and Sakari. Visitors will learn about the importance of enrichment offered to animals under human care. Guests will get to watch as the wolves are given sensory enrichment to explore.

One lucky family will leave the opening day celebration as new members of the Zoo in Forest Park. As part of the day’s festivities, visitors can complete a scavenger hunt around the Zoo for a chance to be entered into a random drawing for a 2025 family membership.

“We’re so excited to welcome guests back to the zoo,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director. “Although the animals ensure it is never completely quiet around here, it sure is a lot quieter during the offseason. We’re ready to hear children laughing at our goats or families marveling at our bobcats.”

Beginning March 29, the zoo will be open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-May, but will be open daily April 12-27 for both Connecticut and Massachusetts school vacation weeks. After Mother’s Day, the zoo will move to its seven-day-a-week operating schedule.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host a winter version of its popular Zoo Camp on December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, and 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Zoo Camp is for children ages six to 13 and gives kids the opportunity to assist with the daily animal care of a handful of animals. In addition, camp activities may include creating enrichment items for animals, participating in STEAM activities, hiking Forest Park, creating art, and playing games. Campers can either attend the full six days or choose to attend only the first four days of camp.

Registration is available at www.forestparkzoo.org/zoo-camp. The deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 20 at noon. The zoo also runs a Vacation Zoo Camp in February (Feb. 17-21) and April (April 18, 21-25) and nine weeks of Zoo Camp in the summer. Registration for Vacation Zoo Camp opens on Jan. 1, and summer Zoo Camp registration opens on March 3.

SPRINGFIELD — Pinot and parrots, Riesling and rabbits, Sauvignon and snakes. These are a few of the pairings you might see at the Zoo in Forest Park’s Wine Safari on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The 21+ fundraiser will take guests on a trip around the world, pairing wine from different countries with an animal from the same region, giving guests the opportunity to sample various wines as they meet and learn about that country’s native wildlife from members of the zoo’s education and animal-care teams. The money raised from this event supports the care of more than 225 animals that live at the zoo, many of which have been deemed non-releasable to the wild due to illness, injury, permanent disability, habituation, humans, or other factors.

“People often think the zoo is a place for kids, but no one is ever too old to learn,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “Wine Safari offers a fun way for adults to learn about and engage with native and non-native species while enjoying a glass of wine or two.”

Guests must be age 21 or older to attend. The $55 ticket includes wine samples from 2 to 6 p.m. (while supplies last), charcuterie and small-bite appetizers, and animal encounters and keeper talks from members of the zoo’s animal-care and education teams. There will also be a raffle with prizes that include handmade Adirondack chairs, wine tasting at a local vineyard, and Red Sox tickets.

“Wine Safari has become one of our most popular signature events,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We absolutely love welcoming guests to sample wine, interact with our animals, and learn a little something about the wildlife that surrounds us.”

Advanced tickets are required to attend, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/winesafari.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 30 with Eggstravaganza, presented by M&T Bank. The annual, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with final admission at 2 p.m.

Kids are invited to hop along the Bunny Trail, collecting prize-filled eggs at each stop. There will also be crafts, music from DJ Jonny Taylor, animal encounters, and the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. Link to Libraries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing new books to children in need, is providing a free book to every child at the event.

“After being closed for five months, Eggstravaganza is the perfect way to kick off the new season,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “It’s heartwarming to watch families return to visit the animals they love.”

Pre-registration is required to participate in the Bunny Trail. Registration closes March 27 or when all tickets are sold. Tickets are available at www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs. In the event of severe weather, Eggstravaganza will be moved to Sunday, March 31. If the rain date is not utilized, the Zoo will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 31.

Beginning April 6, the zoo will be open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30, through mid-May. After Mother’s Day, the zoo will move to its daily operating schedule.

SPRINGFIELD — For the third time in as many years, the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has been nationally recognized for its innovative education programs.

On Oct. 19, the zoo received the Educational Award of Excellence from the Zoological Assoc. of America for its zookeeper internship program.

The program combines classroom and hands-on learning in a way that creates a well-rounded internship experience for college-aged students. In addition to providing basic care for the 225-plus animals that call the zoo their home, interns also participate in a 12-week professional-development curriculum and complete a capstone project.

“The keeper internship provides college students an opportunity to participate in professional development that includes scholarly articles and educational videos relevant to a weekly topic,” said Caroline Cay Adams, the zoo’s director of education.

Weekly topics are selected by the zoo’s education and animal-care teams and cover a wide range of themes in the field of zoological studies. The program culminates with the enrichment capstone project, in which participants research a species to create an enrichment item based on the animal’s individual needs. Enrichment is an important component of an animal’s daily care and aims to provide mental or physical stimulation by encouraging natural behaviors.

“Seeing the interns combine what they’ve learned about a species’ natural behaviors with their own creativity to provide the animals with physiological exercise and psychological stimulation is rewarding for the animals and people at the zoo,” said Gina Sciartilli-Jorud, the zoo’s animal care manager. “I’m proud to offer these opportunities that inspire forward thinking about animal wellness for up-and-coming animal-care professionals.”

In December 2021, the zoo won the same award for its creation and implementation of the Kids Go Wild program, and in August 2021, Adams received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award from the American Assoc. of Zookeepers for her work on Kids Go Wild.

“We are so honored to have won these three education-related awards,” Adams said. “It showcases the importance of education within our organization. And this newest award represents an incredible collaboration between our amazing education and animal-care teams.”

Internships at the Zoo in Forest Park are offered in the fall and spring semesters, as well as summer break. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. While the program is most popular with biology, animal science, pre-veterinary, and environmental studies majors, there is no requirement as to the field of study for those applying. Interested individuals can fill out an application on the zoo’s website at www.forestparkzoo.org/internship.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park invites guests on a trip around the world at Wine Safari on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The fundraiser, which supports the care of the 225-plus animals that live at the zoo, pairs wines from around the world with animals from the same region, allowing guests to ‘travel’ from country to country, sampling the wine and meeting the animals that hail from that area.

While the Zoo is known as a family-friendly institution, this one is just for the adults.

“Wine Safari provides a unique experience for adults and allows them to explore the zoo in a different way than when they visit with their family,” said Gabry Tyson, Development manager at the Zoo in Forest Park. “It’s the perfect excuse to hire a babysitter and enjoy a Thursday night out.”

Guests must be age 21 or older to attend. The $50 ticket includes wine samples from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (while supplies last), hors d’oeuvres, and coffee; animal encounters; and keeper talks from members of the zoo’s animal care and education teams. There will also be a raffle with prizes from the Boston Bruins, Spirit of Springfield, Max Hospitality, and other local businesses and organizations.

“Wine Safari is always so much fun, and is a great way to spend time with your favorite animals while drinking some phenomenal wines from around the world,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “All of the money we raise at Wine Safari supports our animal residents over the winter months, helping us provide food, bedding, heat, vet care, and everything else our animals need while our gates are closed to the public.”

Advance tickets are required to attend, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/winesafari.

SPRINGFIELD — Clint Screechwood, a one-eyed screech owl from the Zoo in Forest Park, is on his way to being named Superb Owl of the Year in BonusFinder’s Superb Owl Awards.

The Superb Owl Awards is a contest run at bonusfinder.com that is inspired by the spike in accidental internet searches for ‘superb owl’ that occur every year in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, according to the website.

Mr. Screechwood was selected as one of the top 16 owls to compete in the Superb Owl Awards in a tournament-style voting system. In the first round, he was up against Grace, a rehabbed owl from Utica Zoo, before moving on to face Chili, another one-eyed screech owl from Birmingham Zoo. In the semifinals, he battled a southern white-faced owl from the San Diego Zoo.

Clint Screechwood is one of three non-releasable eastern screech owls that joined the Zoo in Forest Park during the winter of 2020. He and his two companions, Hooma Thurman and Jean-Clawed Van Damme, all live with vision impairments that prevented their return to the wild.

In addition to taking home the coveted title of Superb Owl of the Year, the zoo that is home to the winning owl will receive $5,000 in support of its mission, and one lucky voter will be randomly selected to win $1,000.

The Zoo in Forest Park is focused on education, conservation, and rehabilitation and works with wildlife rehabilitators across the country to provide permanent homes to animals that have been deemed non-releasable due to injury, illness, permanent disability, and other factors, much like these three eastern screech owls.

“We love showcasing the very special animals that call our zoo their home,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center. “Clint Screechwood epitomizes the important work we do here — caring for animals that would not survive on their own in the wild. Of course, we believe Clint is absolutely a superb owl. Now all we need is for the public to get out and vote for him.”

The link to vote for Clint Screechwood can be found on the Zoo’s website at www.forestparkzoo.org/learnmore, or by clicking www.bonusfinder.com/about-us/blog/the-superb-owl-awards. Voters must be 21+ to participate and need to input a name and email address to cast their vote. Participants can vote daily for their favorite owl.

The final round runs Jan. 26 through Jan. 31. The winning owl will be crowned on Feb. 1.

SPRINGFIELD — While The Zoo in Forest Park officially closed its gates for the season in early November, it will open for one more night during this year’s Bright Nights.

Tonight, Dec. 14, the zoo will open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Not all parts of the Zoo will be accessible due to snow and ice, but many animals will still be visible. The event features animal interactions, holiday lighting, free hot cider, and a visit from Santa himself.

For those who have never experienced the Zoo in winter, this is a great opportunity to see how the animals — and the staff — handle winter weather conditions. All animals at the Zoo have access to shelter, with some structures offering full heat for those animals that require a warmer climate.

This is the second Zoo Night at Bright Nights scheduled for this year; on the first night, Dec. 7, the Zoo welcomed more than 200 visitors.

The Zoo is not affiliated with the Spirit of Springfield or Bright Nights. While the Zoo is thrilled to be collaborating with this amazing organization, guests are reminded that entrance into Bright Nights is a separate cost, charged by Spirit of Springfield, per vehicle, in advance at www.brightnights.org. This is not a fee imposed or collected by the Zoo.

The cost for entry into the Zoo, to be paid at its ticket booth, is $5 for adults without an active 2022 zoo membership, and $3 for adults with a 2022 zoo membership. Children 12 and under, as well as military families with active IDs, are admitted at no cost.

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is an independent, private nonprofit governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Several years ago, the Zoo moved away from the traditional zoo model to instead focus on education, conservation, and education. Now, more than 90% of the animals that call the Zoo their home have been deemed non-releasable due to age, injury, or disability.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will include grab-and-go stations for children with take-and-make activities, prize-filled Easter eggs, books, and candy while supplies last. There will also be animal encounters and enrichment to allow guests an up-close look at some of the animals, as well as free face painting and visits from Felix the Fox and Andy the Armadillo.

“While the Zoo hosts Eggstravaganza every year, the staff does an amazing job of creating a new, exciting atmosphere with crafts, activities, and fun for all eventgoers each season,” said Caroline Cay Adams, director of education at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We are so honored that we can host such a popular event for the Greater Springfield community and beyond.”

Pre-registration is required to attend. No additional tickets will be sold at the door. Registration closes April 11 or when all tickets are sold. To purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs.

SPRINGFIELD — For the second time in six months, the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is being recognized for its innovative education programming.

Most recently, the zoo received the 2021 Educational Award of Excellence, presented by the Zoological Assoc. of America for its Kids Go Wild programming.

Kids Go Wild provides a fun, interactive way for school-aged children to learn about various animal species while exploring diets, habitats, adaptations, daily zoo life, and more through cross-hatched science, literacy, and art lessons. Each lesson also meets state education standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in at least one or more of the aforementioned disciplines. These lessons were created, developed, and ultimately implemented by the zoo’s director of education, Caroline Cay Adams.

The one-on-one, hands-on interactions offered as part of Kids Go Wild bring the typical textbook science lessons right off the page. Kids Go Wild goes beyond single-program learning objectives by encouraging groups to book multiple programs that are implemented over a longer period of time. This ensures that the educator can scaffold lessons to incorporate themes, vocabulary, and topics from previous lesson plans, as well as offer plenty of opportunities for participants to engage with ambassador animals. Examples of lessons include Animal Adaptations; the Food Web; Living Dinosaurs; and Herbivores, Carnivores, and Omnivores.

In August 2021, Adams also received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award from the American Assoc. of Zookeepers for her work on Kids Go Wild.

“The creative, cutting-edge work Caroline is doing as the zoo’s education director is truly remarkable,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center. “Gone are the days when zoo programming was strictly show-and-tell. These are valuable lessons, steeped in science and literacy, that would not otherwise be available to these young students. Caroline is leading the charge when it comes to implementing a whole new species of zoo-based learning. She deserves every award and accolade that comes her way.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Spooky Safari, presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The outdoor, family-friendly Halloween event will include grab-and-go stations around the zoo with take-and-make crafts, Halloween-themed books, pre-packaged candy bags, and more for children ages 0 to 12 who have a child ticket.

“Spooky Safari gives children and adults a chance to get into the Halloween spirit, all while supporting the animals here at the zoo,” said Caroline Cay Adams, director of education at the Zoo in Forest Park. “And thanks to a donation of books we received from Reading Success by 4th Grade, we’re excited to be able to provide a book to every child that attends the event.”

The event will also feature a virtual costume contest, with winners selected for funniest, most creative, and best family/group costume, as well as a raffle. Guests will have the opportunity to win prizes from Monster Kidz Box, Springfield Museums, Riverside Reptiles, Six Flags, and the Connecticut Science Center, to name a few.

Pre-registration is required to attend, and tickets are limited. No additional tickets will be sold at the door. Registration closes Oct. 27 or when all tickets are sold out. To purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/spookysafari2021.

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 1, state Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Carlos González were joined by members of the Springfield legislative delegation, and Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, to announce $50,000 in funding secured for annual operations.

Lesser acted as lead budget sponsor in the Senate in securing this earmark in the FY22 budget along with House sponsor González. The FY22 budget was passed by the Senate and House and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in July.

“Last year, when zoos across the country closed their doors for good, Forest Park Zoo took in dozens of animals in need of a home and welcomed 40 new animals, including two black timber wolves, a red fox, and a snowy owl,” Lesser said. “Alongside our Springfield delegation, I was proud to secure funding for educational efforts, animal care, and operations to ensure the Forest Park Zoo remains a vibrant cornerstone of our Western Mass community.”

González added that “Forest Park Zoo is more than a zoo, it’s a sanctuary. It allows for animals to be treated in a humane way and taken care of when situations arise. I’m delighted to be working with my colleagues in the Springfield delegation in a united effort to make sure that the zoo continues to thrive and drive opportunity for families in urban areas to come and see the animals here.”

These funds will help sustain the annual operations of the Zoo in Forest Park, which includes daily care of more than 240 animals 365 days per year, including several endangered species; educational opportunities for youth and adults across Western Mass.; camps during summer and school vacation weeks; collaborations with other local nonprofits, including Square One in Springfield and Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke; job training and internships in the fields of biology, veterinary medicine, and animal care; tourism and marketing initiatives that encourage visitors to spend time and money in the city and our region; and opportunities for individuals and local businesses to get involved in their community through volunteer projects.

“We are tremendously grateful to Sen. Lesser, Rep. Gonzalez, and all members of the Western Massachusetts legislative delegation for their ongoing support of our work and our mission,” Tsitso said. “Our zoo is part of the very fabric of this community, serving as a resource for generations of local families and providing high-quality care for animals that need our help. The funding we are receiving as part of the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget will ensure we are able to meet the needs of more than 240 animals that call our zoo their home 365 days a year.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its fourth annual Brew at the Zoo, presented by PDC Inc., on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a day at the zoo complete with unlimited beer samples from local craft breweries, a home-brew competition, food trucks, live music, games, and animal interactions.

“This event is always a fan favorite, so we are thrilled to bring it back,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We are grateful to the sponsors, brewers, and guests who make Brew at the Zoo so special. All the money we raise through this event goes directly to support the 250 animals that call the zoo their home, 365 days a year.”

The event, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic, offers three ticket types: VIP, general admission, and designated driver. Attendees with a VIP ticket will enjoy an extra hour of sampling beginning at noon, the opportunity to participate in up-close animal encounters, and grain to feed the animals. This event is 21+.

The zoo will be closed to the public on Sept. 25. Advance tickets are required, and IDs will be checked at the door. For a list of participating breweries and to purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/brew. Limited tickets are available.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its second Virtual Trivia Night on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

The event will take place on Zoom. The game will consist of four Halloween-inspired categories, each containing 15 multiple-choice questions. Players can either use a smartphone or a second browser to submit answers during the game.

“There are increased costs associated with animal care in the winter,” said Gabry Tyson, Development associate at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We received great feedback from the trivia night we hosted in July, so we thought we would bring it back for a night in October to hopefully help cover a portion of those costs.”

To play, the zoo is recommending a $25 donation per player, but the event is pay-what-you-can. Donations can be made at www.forestparkzoo.org/events-1/trivia-night.

Pre-registration is required. E-mail Tyson at [email protected] to register a team. Players can opt to play as an individual or on a team of up to six people. Registration is capped at 50 teams. The zoo will award prizes to the top teams.

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has received approval from the city of Springfield to open for the 2020 season. The zoo will reopen to the general public today, June 8 at 10 a.m. In accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s guidelines for the state’s phase 1 reopening plan, all zoo guests, including members, are required to have a timed ticket to enter the zoo.

To make a reservation, visit The zoo’s virtual box office at buytickets.at/forestparkzoo and select the date you would like to visit. From the drop-down menu, select the time of your visit. Tickets will be honored only for the time indicated on the ticket. Select how many adults, children, and/or seniors are in your party. Each time slot is limited to 10 visitors. Then, proceed to the checkout screen.

Current zoo members should also use this system to reserve time slots, utilizing the special member code sent out via e-mail; there will be no admission charge for members.

All guests should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the time indicated on their pre-purchased ticket. This ensures they are at the zoo ticket booth, awaiting entry, at their scheduled time. All guests over age 2 must wear a mask at all times while inside the zoo, unless prevented by a medical condition. Guests who are unable to wear a mask are asked to skip all feline exhibits in accordance with USDA regulations. Guests must remain six feet apart from other parties at all times and follow the one-way path around the zoo, avoiding sectioned-off areas and the inside of the barn.

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org, or e-mail Gabry Tyson at [email protected].