Five Animals Announce Candidacy in Race for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Former Mayor of the Zoo, Wiggles

Zooper Pacs Lining Up to Support Their Favorites

​BRIDGEPORT, Conn. –November 4, 2021–-Five animal candidates are vying for the much sought-after title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This important election will decide the Zoo’s second Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. Last year’s winner, Wiggles the Chinchilla, died in office, and runner-up Kallisto the Amur leopard is completing Wiggles’ term. 

​The five candidates who have made it past this year’s primary rounds to the general election are:
 

• Harry the Guinea Hog piglet. As the youngest candidate to enter the race, Harry has a maturity beyond his months. He demonstrates a remarkable ability to negotiate with his littermates on issues ranging from what to eat and when to eat it to what to roll in and how to roll in it. It’s rumored that there was a spiderweb in the barn that read “some pig.” This has not been verified.
• Zari the African Grey Parrot. As a long-time animal ambassador and a veteran of ZooMobile visits to senior centers as well as starring roles at children’s birthday parties, Zari has a calm demeanor and rarely flies off the handle. Her campaign slogan is “a bird on the hand is worth two of the other candidates.”
• K-Man the Yacare Caiman.  Sometimes called the “piranha caiman” as yacare caimans are known to snack on the razor-toothed fish, K-Man’s campaign materials claim this ability makes him the perfect choice for choppy political waters. He says he is looking forward to sinking his teeth into the job of mayor. 
• Jolene the Whistling duck.  Jolene is a natural politician, and as such, has decided to put her wing in the ring for a second run at mayor.  Sociable, boisterous, and noisy, she has openly supported the rights of ducks who prefer to walk on land as well as those who prefer to perch in trees. She considers all animals equal under the law.
• Clara the American Bison. As the country’s national mammal and official symbol of the country along with the bald eagle, Clara says that she has the dignity and gravitas demanded of a zoo mayor.  A devoted single mother, Clara wants voters to know that she can run up to 35 mph, is extremely agile, and can spin around quickly. She calls her ability to spin an advantage in seeing all sides of an issue. 

 
“Once again, the race for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is highly contested as each candidate attempts to win the support of voters,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Unlike other elections, we encourage people to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box.”
 
The election will be decided by online votes. The general public can vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote at https://CBZMayor2021.givesmart.com. Voting begins on Thursday, November 4. Polls close at four p.m. on Thursday, November 18. 
 
The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will be used to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and fun.