The one thing I know from being the Director of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for 40 years is no day is ever the same. And that is what makes the Zoo and my job so amazing. For over 40 years, the Zoo has faced many challenges and with the support of our community, we have always risen to the occasion and persevered.
I believe the challenge of COVID-19 is yet another opportunity for the Zoo to pull together with our community and once again work toward a bright future. I know the path may not be easy, but we also know nothing worth having comes easy.
The resilience of our community is likened to the resilience of our animal residents. Although strong and fierce, our Amur tigers and leopards fight extinction in the wild. Our eagles come to us with injuries that prevent them from living in the wild, so they become ambassadors for their species to our youngest guests, the next generation of environmental scientists. Even our trout, with their delicate survival rate, who get released into the Pequonnock River as part of our Trout In the Classroom program, swim to the ocean only to battle against currents and predators to fight their way back to the river to repopulate a species once lost to these waters.
The lessons animals teach us are numerous. We see strength, fortitude and commitment. This is how I see our community. The Zoo is open, and we are beyond grateful for all the support we have received. However, we need to continue to work to meet the financial challenges that lie ahead.
We understand how difficult these times are. If you are in a position to give, please consider a donation to your Zoo; we would greatly appreciate it.
Your support, in any amount, will have a direct impact on the future of the Zoo and the species that call this special place their home.
Gregg Dancho
Zoo Director
I believe the challenge of COVID-19 is yet another opportunity for the Zoo to pull together with our community and once again work toward a bright future. I know the path may not be easy, but we also know nothing worth having comes easy.
The resilience of our community is likened to the resilience of our animal residents. Although strong and fierce, our Amur tigers and leopards fight extinction in the wild. Our eagles come to us with injuries that prevent them from living in the wild, so they become ambassadors for their species to our youngest guests, the next generation of environmental scientists. Even our trout, with their delicate survival rate, who get released into the Pequonnock River as part of our Trout In the Classroom program, swim to the ocean only to battle against currents and predators to fight their way back to the river to repopulate a species once lost to these waters.
The lessons animals teach us are numerous. We see strength, fortitude and commitment. This is how I see our community. The Zoo is open, and we are beyond grateful for all the support we have received. However, we need to continue to work to meet the financial challenges that lie ahead.
We understand how difficult these times are. If you are in a position to give, please consider a donation to your Zoo; we would greatly appreciate it.
Your support, in any amount, will have a direct impact on the future of the Zoo and the species that call this special place their home.
Gregg Dancho
Zoo Director
