Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Announces Winners from Zoo Photography Exhibition

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., October 8, 2021–-Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce the winners from its third non-juried photography exhibition, “Photography Goes Wild.”  This year, 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. 

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. 
 
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 Pick, with Gregg Dancho selecting his favorite photo. 
 
Winners are:
First Place: “Sunny Snooze” by Jill Coulter of North Haven (Red panda)
Second Place: “I Know I’m Gorgeous” by Susan Schellhas of Stratford (Amur leopard)
Third Place: “Portrait of an Amur Tiger” by Robyn E Abrams
 
Honorable Mentions:
“Freya” by Elaine Dyer
“My Heart Belongs to You” by Bernadine Kane
“Red Panda Staredown” by Katie Slawitschek
 
People’s Choice:
“Courageous Balance” by Kendelle Pitts
 
Zoo Director’s Pick:
“Sloth” by Lillian Staron
 
“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.”