Rhubarb Promises to Promote Life in the Slow Lane 
 
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. –November 10, 2022–-The election to decide Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s next mayor was neck and neck for a time between Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth and Goncalo the Maned Wolf, but at the tail end of the day on November 9, voters decided to go with Rhubarb’s unusual –and often upside down--perspective.  All votes were counted, and Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth was declared the Mayor of the Zoo—by a nose and several toes. The Rainforest Building resident thanked his supporters and promised to be a mayor for all the animals. 
 
Insisting that a slow-paced life is an excellent survival strategy, Rhubarb the Hoffman’s Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanii) plans to spend most of his term as mayor hanging in trees. The other four candidates have all conceded the race. The Farmyard Party issued a statement on behalf of the current mayor, Harry the Guinea Hog, promising allegiance to Rhubarb and a smooth transfer of power. As the second-place winner, Goncalo the Maned Wolf will serve as runner up if Rhubarb is unable to fulfill his duties through the duration of his term.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – November 8, 2022 – When a passionate group of animal lovers, board members, Zoo supporters and staff get together to raise funds for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the outcome is success beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. The Zoo’s third in-person Gala returned this year on October 29 at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. The Centennial Gala, celebrating the Zoo’s 100th year, raised more than $100,000 for the Zoo. All funds raised that evening support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and guest experience. 
 
Nearly two hundred fifty guests attended the Gala, emceed by Melissa Sheketoff of Melissa in the Morning on WICC 600 AM. The Gala’s Featured Keynote Speaker was Jim Breheny, the director of the Bronx Zoo and executive vice president of zoos and aquarium for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). His topic for the evening was Zoos and Aquariums in the 21st Century, focusing on animal welfare, animal husbandry and the species survival program.