BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - February 16, 2009 - Come meet Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's two newest residents: the ocelot "Miracle Kitten" and Booskin, the five year old Siberian tiger that recently arrived from the Detroit Zoo.  Both went on exhibit on Saturday, February 14, 2009.  These new animal additions plus a week of special school vacation programming are perfect reasons to visit the Zoo in February.
 
"We've got two feisty new reasons to come to the Zoo this month - an enormous tiger and a miracle kitten, both of which will delight visitors of all ages," said Gregg Dancho, Zoo Director.  "Kittens grow up fast, so you don't want to miss seeing him while he's little and Booskin is possibly the largest tiger I have ever seen!"
 
Booskin arrived at the Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Special Survival Plan (SSP).  The mission of the AZA SSP Program is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species.  The program started in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America.
 
The ocelot kitten was born on Halloween of 2008 through artificial insemination.  Because this is only the third time ever that this procedure has been done successfully, he's been dubbed the "Miracle Kitten."  Until now, both the kitten and its mother have been in seclusion in order to bond and were introduced to the public for the first time on February 14.  The frisky male kitten has not yet been named.
 
In addition to the introduction of the new animals, the Zoo is offering the following special programming during the school vacation week:
 
February 16 - 20: Cupid's Corner
Celebrate St. Valentine's Day with your family at the Zoo!  Visit us for story time, a special craft and even an animal encounter at 1pm each day.  All activities are free with the purchase of Zoo admission.
 
February 16 - 20: February Frolic - School Break Program, 9am -12:30 pm
This program is for children age six through twelve who love animals, the environment and learning. Each day may include zoo keeper talks, behind the scenes tours, hands-on learning, games, crafts, and more.  Monday will feature "Predator, Prey;" Tuesday "Here Kitty, Kitty;" Wednesday "Animal Adaptations;" Thursday "Rainforest Rendezvous;" and Friday; "All Birds, All Day."  Pre-registration is required.  Children may sign up for a day or the whole week.  Cost of the program is $35.00 per day or $150.00 for the week, members of the Connecticut Zoological Society cost is $30.00 per day or $125.00 per week.  Call 203-394-6563 or visit beardsleyzoo.org for more information.
 
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.  Adult Admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $9.00, and children under 3 years old are free.  Members of the Connecticut Zoological Society are admitted free.  Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.