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Press Room and News

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Celebrates Director Gregg Dancho’s 40 Years of Service

12/14/2020

 
Picture
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. –  December 14, 2020 –How many people get to work at their dream job for four decades? Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho always knew he wanted to work with animals. His fascination began as a young boy while catching snakes and frogs in the woods behind his Stratford home (and startling his mother when some invariably escaped inside). The Ralph Waldo Emerson quote,” Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself” might have been written for him. 
Fast forward to 2020, marking Dancho’s 40th year serving Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and the wildlife conservation community around the state. From landing his first volunteer position at the Zoo while still in high school, to his steady movement up the Zoo ranks, and his actions on behalf of animals from rescued parrots to endangered Amur tigers, his life has been a testament to the value of nature. The Gregg Dancho Endowed Chair, the first endowed chair for the non-profit facility, was created in 2019 to honor his decades of service.
 
Under Dancho’s tenure, notable animal welfare protocols were put in place, bringing the Zoo to a new level of professionalism. Educational programming and local, national and international conservation programs have flourished, and the Zoo has become a cultural and recreational resource for Fairfield County and the region. Most critically, the Zoo achieved national accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), an honor held by only 240 zoos and aquariums nationally. Annual visitation has grown from 80,000 in 1983 to nearly 300,000 in 2019.
 
Board of Directors President Kim Rodney said, “Gregg Dancho has served the Zoo with distinction for four decades and has elevated Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo as a cultural treasure and educational destination for the state and region. Gregg has earned the respect of his Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) peers as well as government and community leaders throughout the region. Under his leadership, the Zoo has achieved the highest level of professionalism.”
 
Dancho has overseen multiple improvements and renovations to Zoo grounds and habitats including the Rainforest Building, the Peacock Pavilion, the Carousel Building, Professor Beardsley’s Research Station, the Pampas Plains, and most recently, the new animal commissary, the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat and Spider Monkey Habitat. The Zoo has husbanded the birth of endangered and threatened species, a testament to the professionalism of the staff he directs and excellent animal and veterinary care.
 
For information on supporting the Dancho Chair in honor of his 40th anniversary, contact Director of Development Jessica Summers at 203-394-6573, or by email at jsummers@beardsleyzoo.org. Gifts to the Dancho Chair are tax-deductible. Donations can be made online here.​

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    Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo appreciates the support it receives from local, regional and national media outlets. Media representatives are invited to tour 
    Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on their own or with the Zoo Director by calling 203-767-0334 or emailing 
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Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

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  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals >
      • Eastern Rat Snake
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Zoo to You!
    • Digital Programs
    • Kids & Teens
    • Field Trips
    • Cool Blue Bridgeport
    • Educational Resources
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Birthdays, Private Events & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • Buy Tickets