Stamford Resident Named Events and Fundraising Coordinator at Beardsley Zoo

CT's Beardsley Zoo Announces New Admin Staff

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomes Jennifer McIntosh to the staff as its new Guest Services Manager, and has named longtime Zoo Café Manager Peter Gordon as Assistant Guest Services Manager. In McIntosh’s new role, she will be responsible for the Zoo Gift Shop, Carousel Building, Peacock Café and Front Gate, assisted by Gordon. The moves were made to continue to improve guest experiences throughout the Zoo, focusing on the opportunities to engage guests beyond animal interaction.

“We’re pleased to have Jennifer join us, as she brings a wealth of experience in retail and customer interaction,” said Don Goff, the Zoo’s deputy director. “Together with Peter Gordon, we look forward to an enhanced level of enjoyment for our guests, as the Gift Shop, Carousel, and Café are all integral to the complete Zoo experience.”

McIntosh comes to the Zoo most recently from Ulta Corporation, where she managed the Norwalk store and its employees. Prior to that, she was employed at Macy’s in West Hartford. She lives in Cheshire, Conn. Peter Gordon, of Milford, Conn., has been the Café Manager and Head Chef since 2011. He brought years of catering experience and a high degree of food expertise to his role. 

The Development Office has also welcomed new employee Jessica Taylor of Stamford. She is the Zoo’s new Events and Fundraising Coordinator. Her last position was at the Rockrimmon Country Club in North Stamford. 

“As a non-profit, fundraising and special events are critical to our success,” said Development Director Jessica Summers. “From Tiger Trot in the spring, Wild Wine, Beer and Food Safari in the summer, Annual Golf Tournament and Endangered Species Gala in the fall, and winter events like Breakfast with Frosty, the Zoo is continually offering special activities and celebrations for our guests. As Connecticut’s Only Zoo, support from our community at these fundraising events helps to fund Zoo education programs, animal welfare, and guest services enhancement. We’re so pleased to have Jessica on board.” 

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $15.00, children (ages 3 -11) is $12.00, senior admission (62 and older) is just $11.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. 

For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.