CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ANNOUNCES $40,000 GRANT FROM AVANGRID FOUNDATION WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PROGRAM

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CBZ), the state’s only accredited zoo and a leader in 
wildlife conservation, is thrilled to announce a grant of $40,000 from the Avangrid Foundation’s Wildlife 
Rehabilitation Program. This funding will support the purchase and implementation of a Therapeutic 
(Cold) Laser unit, a non-invasive tool that will enhance medical care for the Zoo’s animals and support 
continued rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

The Therapeutic Laser unit will allow CBZ’s veterinary team to provide advanced treatment options for a 
wide range of species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, helping to address pain, inflammation, 
arthritis, and wound recovery. The technology supports healing through targeted light therapy and offers 
an effective, low-stress treatment option for animals in care.

“This grant is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the animals at Connecticut’s 
Beardsley Zoo,” said Dr. Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “We are grateful to the 
Avangrid Foundation for supporting innovative veterinary tools that allow our team to provide the highest 
standard of care and continue our work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.”
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CBZ’s veterinary department plays a critical role in caring for animals across the Zoo, including species 
involved in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Saving Animals 
From Extinction (SAFE) programs. These programs contribute to the long-term survival of endangered 
species through collaborative breeding, research, and conservation initiatives.

“Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has long been a vital part of our local community, providing education, 
inspiration, and hands-on conservation every day. The Avangrid Foundation’s grant will help expand the 
Zoo’s capacity to deliver advanced, compassionate care to animals in need, critical work that protects 
wildlife and strengthens the ecosystems we all depend on,” said Pablo Colón, Director of Corporate 
Citizenship and Executive Director of the Avangrid Foundation.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites the public to visit and learn more about the Zoo’s mission in 
conservation, education, and animal care. For tickets and additional information, please visit 
www.beardsleyzoo.org.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing 
primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean 
bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey 
Habitat, and new prairie dog exhibit. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and 
participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of 
endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.

About Avangrid Foundation: The Avangrid Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds 
philanthropic investments that primarily impact communities where Avangrid, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate. 
Since 2001, the Avangrid Foundation and its predecessors have invested more than $45 million in partnerships that 
focus on building sustainable, vital and healthy communities; preserving cultural and artistic heritage; advancing 
education; and improving people’s lives. The Avangrid Foundation is committed to advancing the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals in the United States. For more information, please 
visit https://www.avangrid.com/avangrid-foundation.