BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The election to decide Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s next mayor was neck and neck for a time between Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth and Goncalo the Maned Wolf, but at the tail end of the day on November 9, voters decided to go with Rhubarb’s unusual –- and often upside down -- perspective. All votes were counted, and Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth was declared the Mayor of the Zoo — by a nose and several toes. The Rainforest Building resident thanked his supporters and promised to be a mayor for all the animals.
Insisting that a slow-paced life is an excellent survival strategy, Rhubarb the Hoffman’s Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanii) plans to spend most of his term as mayor hanging in trees. The other four candidates have all conceded the race. The Farmyard Party issued a statement on behalf of the current mayor, Harry the Guinea Hog, promising allegiance to Rhubarb and a smooth transfer of power. As the second-place winner, Goncalo the Maned Wolf will serve as runner up if Rhubarb is unable to fulfill his duties through the duration of his term.
The highly contested race was decided by online votes, with the public voting for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote.
“We’re all behind Rhubarb as our new mayor, but the real winner of this election is the Zoo,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We thank everyone who voted for their generosity in supporting this fundraiser. Details regarding Rhubarb’s swearing-in ceremony will be available soon.”
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.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 100th 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, and Mexican gray wolves and red wolf. Other highlights include our 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. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization celebrating its Centennial year when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and ecosystems is more important than ever. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.