Darien Nature Center To Open Reimagined Animal Room

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Nature Center will unveil its reimagined Animal Room during a special event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The project is the largest improvement to the facility since the building opened in 2002.

The renovation transformed the Animal Room into a hardwood forest-themed environment featuring naturalistic habitats and murals depicting trees, a woodland stream, a vernal pool, winter burrows and new animal enclosures designed to highlight Connecticut wildlife and ecosystems.

The project also included a new generator, kitchen upgrades, new flooring and other infrastructure improvements.

In June, the Darien Nature Center announced it completed a $250,000 capital campaign for the project.

"Thank you for your patience while we brought this exciting new space to life—we think you’ll agree it was well worth the wait!" the nature center said in a recent announcement.

"Come explore the transformed Animal Room, visit our animals in their beautiful new habitats, bask in the stunning nature murals, roast a s'more, and enjoy some up-close snuggles with our animal ambassadors. We can’t wait to welcome our community back and share this special new space!"

The nature center thanked its lead donor, The Darien Foundation, and acknowledged a challenge grant from The Riley Family Foundation.

"We are also so grateful to The Borman Family Foundation and The Rogers Family Foundation, Jon and Colleen Thompson, The Blackman Family Foundation, and the Hausberg Family," the nature center added.

Registration is not required to attend Saturday's event.