Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Announces Winners from Fifth Annual Zoo Photography Exhibition

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 31, 2023–-Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce the winners from its fifth non-juried photography exhibition, “Photography Goes Wild.”  More than 100 photos were submitted from the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers, and hundreds of votes were received online for a People’s Choice winner. This year, two Youth Categories were included: up to 12 years old, and 13 to 17 years old. 
 
Photographers were invited to submit up to three photos of animals from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, from current or previous years. Judges were Jesse Thompson, co-owner of Milford Photo; Roger Salls, owner of Roger Salls Photography; and Jack Bradley, Zoo volunteer and instructor of Zoo classes on animal photography. Judge for the Youth Category was Ashlie Steinau of Ashlie Steinau Photography. 

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Photography Exhibition sponsor Milford Photo provided the first, second, and third prizes in the form of gift certificates to the store. In addition, a People’s Choice Award was selected, based on $1 votes from the audience. There was also a Zoo Director’s Choice, with Gregg Dancho selecting his favorite photo. 
 
Winners are:
First Place: “Bon Appetit” by Scott Vincent of Trumbull
Second Place: “Pairing” by Maria Crocco of Milford
Third Place: “Eyeing My Next Meal” by Robyn E. Abrams of Newtown
 
Youth Winners:
Up to Age 12 Category: Hidden Beauty by Jonathan Klein of Fairfield
13-17 Age Category: Untitled by Paul Zello of Bridgeport
 
Honorable Mentions:
“Pondering” by Cheryl L. Prior of Torrington
“MMM Ants” by John Vecchio of Orange
“The Ponderer” by Richard Kunsch of Milford
 
People’s Choice:
“Majestic Beauty” by Lexi Crocco of Orange
 
Zoo Director’s Choice:
“Love You Dad” by Lillian Staron of Branford
 
“Art is a natural way for people to express their love of animals and appreciation of nature,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “The Photography Goes Wild Exhibit helps to showcase the stunning diversity of species at the zoo, and we hope, encourages people to focus on preserving wild habitats and animal conservation in new ways.”
 
Milford Photo Co-Owner Jesse Thompson said, “It’s been great partnering with the Zoo by providing area photographers with a fun venue to shoot and display their work. Milford Photo looks forward to more events at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.”  
 
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About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Get Your Ticket to Adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves.  Other highlights include the new Andean bear habitat, the spider monkey habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove.  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 should be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. 
 
About Milford Photo
Since its founding in 1995, Milford Photo continues to be the go-to location for the photo enthusiast in Connecticut. From selling the top lines in cameras, lenses and accessories to providing reprint, enlargement, graphic imagery or photo instruction for photographers of all levels, the crew at Milford Photo works hard to provide the best in product and service to their clients. www.milfordphoto.com