BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – 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.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 99th year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, the Rainforest Building, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can ride on the carousel, grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever.
Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. In accordance with the state of Connecticut COVID-19 guidelines: we recommend that guests continue to wear masks while visiting the Zoo, but when guests are outside and can maintain social distance, masks may be removed. In any indoor area, or when social distancing cannot be maintained, masks are required. Everyone over the age of two, except for those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them, should have a mask available.