Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Prairie Dog Forecaster Says Spring is Coming
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – February 2, 2023 - Who needs Punxsutawney Phil when you have ‘Beardsley Bart?’ Beardsley Bart, Connecticut’s own Prognosticating Prairie Dog shared his weather forecast with a small gathering of his friends early this morning. This year, he did not see his shadow, revealing that Connecticut will enjoy an early spring.
 
“Beardsley Bart is a very early riser and when he came out this morning, he confirmed that he did not see his shadow,” explained Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “But every year, Beardsley Bart says that spring is coming eventually, and he has always been 100 percent correct.”

BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – January 30, 2023- Who needs Punxsutawney Phil when you have ‘Beardsley Bart?’ Beardsley Bart, Connecticut’s own Prognosticating Prairie Dog, will be making a sunrise appearance on Groundhog’s Day to share his weather forecast on Thursday, Feb. 2. Bart’s closest confidant and Prairie Dog Interpreter Gregg Dancho, director of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, will translate for Bart when the sun rises at 7:03 a.m. 
 
“Beardsley Bart is a very early riser and an eternal optimist,” explains Dancho. “He’s happy to greet the day and share his infallible predictions on the arrival of spring.”
 
Dancho will be on hand for interviews and photos on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.  at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave in Bridgeport. He can be found at the prairie dog “pop up” exhibit, where he will be watching for Beardsley Bart to pop up.

Support Made Available under Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program
 
BRIDGEPORT, CONN. — December 2022 — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo received a $15,000. grant from United Illuminating, part of the Avangrid family, under Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credit program. The funding will help the Zoo’s Greenhouse Energy Conservation Project.
 
“The assistance provided by the Avangrid Foundation through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Program is integral to our plans to renovate and update our greenhouse,” said Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “It is only with the generous support of foundations like Avangrid that the Zoo can reach its goals. The greenhouse, demonstrating the connection between people, plants, and animals, is an important part of our conservation and education mission.”

Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth to Take Oath of Office at 9:30 a.m.
 
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. –December 7, 2022–-Rhubarb the two-toed sloth will officially take on the duties and responsibilities of Mayor of the Zoo on Thursday, December 8 at 9:30 a.m.in the Zoo’s Rainforest Building. The Swearing-In Ceremony will be conducted by Zoo Director Gregg Dancho and witnessed by Zoo staff and rainforest friends. After taking the official oath of office, Rhubarb will have the opportunity to make remarks or to go back to sleep.
 
The Farmyard Party earlier 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. Rhubarb is the first sloth to hold the Zoo’s highest office.