BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has received a $25,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to support the Zoo’s teen program, Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC). The yearlong program is designed to allow high school students to work side by side with field biologists, study the role of zoos in conservation, and help educate Zoo visitors. As part of the CDC’s outreach, the Zoo will work to recruit and retain students from underserved populations, especially young women.
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards, and has awarded $180 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.
The Zoo is grateful to its many members, supporters, and corporate partners that help to educate, delight, and bring animal welfare and conservation to the state of Connecticut. In particular, the Zoo wishes to thank The Fairfield County Community Foundation for its generous support.
“Grants like this from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation allows Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to continue our important work of conservation, education, and entertainment for our guests in Fairfield County, in the state of Connecticut, and in the surrounding regions. As Connecticut’s only zoo, we have the opportunity to educate the public, and with our teen program, CDC, to inspire and motivate young people in the area,” said Gregg Dancho, zoo director.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley ZooLet Your Curiosity Run Wild! Connecticut's only zoo is celebrating its 97thanniversary this year. The Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopards, Brazilian ocelot, Red and Mexican wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, plus the Pampas Plains, featuring Maned wolves, Chacoan peccaries, Giant anteaters and more. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.