BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – When a passionate group of animal lovers, board members, Zoo supporters and staff get together to raise funds for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the outcome is success beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. The Endangered Species Gala, which took place Saturday, November 3 at the Patterson Club in Fairfield, raised more than $100,000 for the Zoo. A portion of those funds is earmarked for the development and construction of a new tiger habitat.
Two hundred guests attended the Gala, emceed by Science and Technology writer David Pogue, an American technology and TV science presenter. Pogue has written or co-written seven books in the For Dummies series (including Macintosh computers, magic, opera and classical music.) Pogue is a resident of Westport, Conn. The Guest Speaker was Richard Wiese, Emmy-award winning producer, author of the book, Born to Explore: How to be a Backyard Adventurer, and president of the prestigious Explorers’ Club. Wiese is a resident of Weston, Conn.
The event included cocktails, musical entertainment, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and visits by animal ambassadors from the Zoo, including Xena the Barred owl, Max the Flemish Giant-mix rabbit, and Gloria the Boa Constrictor.
“This was the first annual gala, with a second to follow in 2019,” said Committee Co-chair Kathy MacGhee. “Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is home to important species protection work. I’m delighted that so many members of the community recognized that the Zoo is truly a jewel in Fairfield County, and came out to support their work.”
“We were so fortunate to be able to draw on two talented Connecticut residents to conduct the event and speak to our guests,” said Committee Co-chair Cathy Fell. “David Pogue was an entertaining emcee as he shared his wit throughout the program, and the audience was enthralled by the experiences shared by Richard Wiese. We owe both of these gentlemen our gratitude for making the evening a success.”
The birth of two Amur tiger cubs a year ago this month and three Maned wolf pups last December has helped to focus attention on the Zoo’s participation in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a species management program administered by the association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its member zoos.
“We’re proud to be home to a number of endangered species,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “In addition to critically endangered Amur tigers, the Zoo is home to two of the world’s rarest big cat, the Amur leopard. Our conservation mission is fulfilled by participating in the Species Survival Plan, contributing to worldwide conservation efforts, and providing a sanctuary for many species who may be protected in theory, but no longer have a safe home in the wild.” He added that that included Red wolves, Chacoan peccaries, Golden-lion tamarins, and Red pandas. A number of other Zoo residents, he said, are considered vulnerable or threatened.
“Our mission is helped in a very large way by the many sponsors who stepped forward to help support this event, including Amur Tiger Level People’s United Bank, our Committee members and Committee Co-chairs Kathy MacGhee and Cathy Fell, Board members, our guests, staff, and volunteers,” Dancho concluded.
The Zoo would like to thank its very generous sponsors: Amur Tiger Level: People’s United Bank;
Red Wolf Level: Dave & Kathy MacGhee, Craig Elkind & Christina Lai, Bob & Helen Natt, Bernadette Baldino, Ganim Financial, The Giving Collaborative, Aquarion Water Company, Connecticut Community Bank, Day Pitney LLP, as well as the more than 100 local businesses, restaurants and corporations who contributed items to our live and silent auctions.
Photo credit: Shannon Calvert
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About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Spend the Day a World Away! Connecticut's only zoo features more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Red Pandas, Giant Anteaters, Amur (Siberian) tigers and tiger yearlings, Amur leopards, Maned Wolf family, and Brazilian ocelot. Other highlights include our new Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, pigs, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, deer, and more. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.