Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to Hold Swearing-In Ceremony for Mayor-Elect Harry on Dec 8

Harry the Guinea Hog Piglet to Take Oath of Office at 1 p.m

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. –December 7, 2021–-Harry the Guinea Hog Piglet will officially take on the duties and responsibilities of Mayor of the Zoo on Wednesday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m., in the Zoo’s New England Farmyard. The Swearing-In Ceremony will be conducted by Zoo Director Gregg Dancho and witnessed by Zoo staff and farmyard friends. After taking the official oath of office, Harry will have the opportunity to make remarks, followed by the presentation of pajamas from the Guinea Hog family for the Zoo’s holiday collection for Oliver’s Pajama Project. 

​The Apex Predator Party earlier issued a statement on behalf of the current mayor, Kallisto the Amur leopard, promising allegiance to Harry and a smooth transfer of power. As the second-place winner, Clara the Bison will serve as runner up if Harry is unable to fulfill his duties through the duration of his term. Harry is the first Guinea Hog to hold the Zoo’s highest office. 
 
The ceremony will be carried live on the Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. 
 
The highly contested race was decided by online votes, with the general public voting for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote.
 
“The Zoo has gone hog wild for Harry,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “By electing an animal as mayor of the Zoo, we hope to recognize the unique contributions of our animal family and highlight the importance of biodiversity to the planet.”
 
Mayor Harry will hold a 12-month term.