Beardsley Zoo – Andean Bear Exhibit

The city of Bridgeport’s 2019 plans to expand Beardsley Zoo – its most popular family attraction – became Diversity Construction’s gain later that year when the $1.975 million contract for the project was signed in November. Construction on the new home for this rare South American short-faced bear finally began in spring 2021 after COVID-19 related delays. Highlights of the proposed exhibit include:

• a heated 2,400 SF house with concrete foundation and wood truss roof
• a sloping landscape with climbing structures and fallen trees to provide the bears shelter from rain
• interior and exterior viewing areas and platforms for visitors.

Construction was completed in summer 2022.

Client: City of Bridgeport CT
Architect/Engineer:  Zoo Design Inc./DTC
Project Delivery: Diversity Design Build

“Diversity…has been doing such a wonderful job of keeping on track, getting this project going.” – Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho on Facebook Live on March 23 regarding the construction progress of the Andean Bear exhibit.