a community - connecticut's beardsley zoo
TRANSCRIPT
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
06610
203-394-6565
beardsleyzoo.org facebook.com/connecticutsbeardsleyzoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.
A COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Mexican Grey
Spider Monkeys
DEAR ZOO SUPPORTER...
When our Zoo was established in 1922, it was a novel experience for people to see, hear, and even smell the animals
that were collected here. We pro- vided an educational opportunity for people to understand the world in a way that was largely invisible to them at that time in history.
This still is true today, although in a different way. When so many of even our youngest guests appear to have the world at their fingertips through computers and smart phones, it’s vi- tally important to present them with ways to get face-to-face with wildlife. More than ever before, we need young people to learn first-hand about nature and the critical need to protect our natural resources: animals, plants, water, air and soil.
Our goal here at the Zoo is to instill a sense of wonder for the wild world, engage guests of all ages with the beauty and power of the animals in our collection, and encourage all of us to do our part to protect the lives of endangered species and endangered places.
Our focus on education, conserva- tion, recreation and animal welfare is supported by the generosity of many community members and partners. We are grateful for the financial contributions, sponsorships, time devoted by our volunteers, corporate giveback days, in-kind donations, and all the ways individuals, businesses and organizations interact with us.
As Connecticut’s only Zoo, and as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we take our role as stewards of wildlife seriously. With nearly 300,000 guests each year, we know we’re reaching into the hearts of people in the region, and from around the country. We each have an opportunity—and a responsibility— to carry the heart of the wild world into our little corner of it.
Above all, we want to bring the heart of the wild world to you.
Warm regards,
Sean Michael Green Board President
OUR ANIMALS AND EVENTS 2019
We are Home to More than 300 Animal Species Our community continues to visit us in record numbers to see our more than 300 species, representing primarily North and South American species, and some Asian species. Guests love our Amur tigers, Amur leopards, Brazilian ocelot, and golden lion tamarin. This year, our special celebrations included:
• Hand-raised two Amur leopard cubs born at the Zoo, including one of only two melanistic Amur leopards in the United States
• Welcomed two new Mexican grey wolves
• Spur thighed tortoises visited for the summer
• Welcomed two new spider monkeys
• Welcomed a new white-naped crane
• The birth of two endangered spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)
Our Events In addition, we:
• Began the re-imagination of the Farmyard
• Celebrated the grand opening of the spider monkey habitat
• Raised funds with our golf tournament
• Continued our “wildly” popular Wild Wine, Beer and Food Safari
• Held our second annual Endangered Species Gala
• Held our first “Photography Goes Wild” contest
• Held our first annual Kids’ Week
• Achieved accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
EDUCATION 2019
Our Education Program Shares the Wild World
Our fully-staffed Education Depart- ment reaches beyond the gates of the Zoo to bring curiosity, wonder, and knowledge to people of all ages. Programs are targeted to students and teachers, parents and children, scout groups, libraries, senior citizens, and children from 18 months to 18 years. The ZooMobile travels around the state with Animal Ambassadors to share our mission of conservation, education and species protection with everyone from students to seniors.
All of our school programs comply with and satisfy Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We are honored to partner with the following organizations:
• The Bruce Museum • The Connecticut Department
of Education • The Discovery Museum • The City of Bridgeport Schools • Discovery Magnet School • Bridge Academy • Park City Prep Charter School • Fairchild Wheeler Biotechnology
and Agri-science Multidistrict Magnet School
• Fairfield University • Future Frogmen
(aquatic education organization) • The Greenwich Land Trust • The Maritime Aquarium • Sacred Heart University • The University of Connecticut • Yale University’s Peabody Museum
of Natural History
Some of our notable educational accomplishments include:
• Top Honors Recipient of the AZA International Education Award for our Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) teen program
• 6.4 million people were educated through our media education programming
• 133,975 people were educated through our community outreach programming
• More than 62,000 guests enjoyed programs delivered by our teen educators
• 7,034 guests enjoyed our “Wild Adventure: Saving Animals from Extinction” show
• National recognition for our pioneering FrogWatch USA Citizen Science Chapter partnership with Yale University’s Peabody Museum of Natural History and The Maritime Aquarium
Our broad audience includes teachers, students, scout groups and families. We provide opportuni- ties for environmental stewardship, conservation education, resource management and a sustainable future. Come join us!
SPECIAL EVENTS 2019
We raised over $139,000 at our annual Wild Wine Safari in June, which was attended by more than 1,200 guests. A special thanks to all of our generous food, wine and beer vendors for donating their time and delicacies for our guests to enjoy.
This year’s golf tournament was another success, with 18 four- somes and a net profit close to $48,000. Thank you to our tee-rific Golf Chair, Dr. Stu Zarich.
Spur-thighed tortoises joined us for the summer and delighted guests who watched them enjoy water- melon and lettuce in front of the Victorian Greenhouse.
The popular Critter Chats also provided fun all summer long, with our Education staff and Ambassador animals appearing in small group events.
Family favorite Chris Rowlands joined us again for several perfor- mances to present his interactive shows that include music, dance, puppets and colorful props.
Congratulations to the Dabbing Unicorn, Mrs. Dancho’s 5th Grade Art Class, from Calf Pen Meadow Elementary School, our winner of Best in Show Scarecrow in our annual competition.
Boo at the Zoo was a fun day with children and adults in Halloween costumes, enjoying a fall day outside.
Our second annual Endangered Species Gala brought us $112,400 from nearly 200 delighted guests. We are grateful to our Chair, Kath- leen A. MacGhee, and Committee members: Bernadette Baldino, Gail Craig, Lisa Croce, Cathy Glennon, Claudette Kunkes, Donna Rosen- bloom, and Michelle Walker. Special thanks to our speaker, Richard E. Hyman and Master of Ceremonies, Evan Kaufman.
Our Exceptional Partners
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is grateful to all who donated this year. Your support provides the funds to care for all of our animals, assist in conserva- tion projects both locally and around the world, and continue to educate the conservation leaders for our future.
The Zoo’s fundraising efforts to create a new habitat for its family of Amur tigers received a huge boost with a $1,000,000 pledge from longtime Zoo supporter, Pamela Hope Kochiss Werth. After the 2017 birth of two extremely endangered Amur tiger cubs, the Zoo began a campaign to create a new, more spacious tiger habitat. Pam Hope Kochiss Werth’s long history of giving to the Zoo is deeply appreciated.
In addition to financial support, we have many corporate, civic, school, spe- cial needs and church groups contribute service hours at the Zoo, including one-day visits from Unilever, Diageo, Tracey Locke, Cooper Surgical and Perkin Elmer.
The Connecticut Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, gratefully acknowledges the support we received from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Every effort was made to include all supporters who gave gifts of $100 or more. We apologize if we have inadvertently omit- ted your name or organization.
To see your name here next year, please contact Jessica Summers, Director of Development and Marketing, at [email protected] or 203-394- 6573 to discuss your support.
Gifts $50,000 and Above
The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation
Pamela Hope Kochiss Werth
Gifts $10,000-$49,999
Geoffrey and Melissa Bradshaw-Mack
Pepsico
United Illuminating Company
Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc.
Claudette and Steven Kunkes
Brody Wilkinson
Ganim Financial
GE Foundation
Robert Jaekle
Donald and Elizabeth Lilly
Philip and Phyllis Marsilius
MaryAnn and Robert Matthews
Patrick and Meredith McCormack
David and Susan Norton
Harvey and Donna Rosenbloom
Kathryn and Tony Sirico
Stratford Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament
Subway
Thistledown Advisory Group, LLC
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Carolyn and Mauricio Trabuco
Trumbull Rotary Foundation, Inc.
John and Patricia Bottomley
Lisa and Jeffrey Clair
Gerry and Gail Craig
Ryan and Kathleen Gavigan
James Dowling-Healey
James Kasper
Neil Kenagy
Catherine Ladnier
Carrie Myers Taufic
Gary and Marlene Roberts
David and Lisa Roger
Peter and Pamela Silva
David and Laurie Title
Vanguard Charitable
Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Andrew and Sage Baron
Barton and Patricia Bauers
Jay Callahan
Jason Callaway
Amelia Caporale
Joyce Chase
Natalie Condon
Lawrence and Joan Ferlan
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Linda and Robert Fiscus
Thomas and Amy Flynn
Mary Kiniry
Gregory Klaus
Robert Kreppein
Regina Leahy
Liberty Bank
Joan and John Lisy
Michael and Linda Lockshier
Arthur and Linda Magee
Marcelin Mbu Mbwa-Mboma
Judy Eckert & Liz McGovern
Ment Law Group, PC
Robert and Lois Mitchell
Kurt and Margret Mohlman
Rachel and Colin Orr
Ted Rostkoski
Patricia Roy
Pamela Rugg
Victoria Shin
Bruce Silverstone
Viking Construction
Noel Vivier
Dina Voccola
Chris Waldron
Rebecca Weiner
Melissa and Derik Wrightson
Yale New Haven Health
John and Amy Yankovich
Mary and Nathaniel Yordon
Peter and Judith Young
George Zamary
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our donor lists. If you find an error or omission, please contact us at 203-394- 6573. The Connecticut Zoological Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to fundraising and to encouraging community support of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a dynamic cultural anchor for the state and the region, educating, inspiring and sharing nature and wildlife with schools and families year-round. Every dollar spent at the Zoo goes directly back into making the Zoo a better place. Animal welfare and enrichment remains our top priority, along with our missions of conservation, education, research and guest experience.
TOTAL 2019 REVENUE
Birthdays & Rentals $135,517
2019 FINANCIAL REVIEW
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the state’s only accredited zoological facility and one of its top tourist attractions, welcoming over 280,000 guests in 2019.
Every dollar spent at the Zoo helps care for our animals and enhances the expe- riences of our guests, while contributing to conservation of endangered species.
VOLUNTEERS
Our Zoo Friends, Gardeners and Docents as well as interns and ser- vice groups contribute substantially to the beauty of our grounds and the programming we can offer guests. We couldn’t do it without them!
Many thanks to over a hundred vol- unteers of all ages who contributed more than 8,900 volunteer hours during the past year, helping aug- ment our staff in dozens of ways. The adult volunteers participate in events on and off Zoo grounds, assist in education programs, interact with guests at the habitats, work in the gardens and Victorian Greenhouse, and engage in special projects. They participate in 43 distinct activities in 60 different locations!
The Zoo had 41 student interns who worked throughout the year in Education, Animal Care, Conservation, Horticulture, Volunteer Office and Marketing, contributing 8,153 hours.
We thank our many corporate, civic, school, special needs and church groups who contribute service hours at the Zoo—a total of 2,100 hours this year. We are grateful to Unilever, Diageo, Tracey Locke, Cooper Surgical and Perkin Elmer. Also thanks to Easton Community Center, Sterling House, Bridgeport International Academy, Newtown High School and many others.
RENTALS: The Zoo may be rented for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and other special events. Call 203-394-5533 to learn about having your event at the Zoo.
280,000 Visitors to the Zoo
362 Days Open Year Round 594
Number of Donors
114 Animal Species
at the Zoo
12 Endangered Species
339 Individual Animals
Towns
MEMBERSHIP
Membership dollars support our mission of providing education, conservation, research and recreation activities and programs.
Total membership reve- nue was $339,780. This valuable support was contributed by 2,264 members, who enjoyed unlimited free admis- sion, free or discounted admission to more than 170 reciprocal zoos and
aquariums, discounts in our gift shop and on programs, invitations to members-only events, a VIP line at our
entrance, and the knowledge that they made a substantial contribution to Zoo operations.
Enhanced memberships included:
ZUELE SOCIETY FOUNDER: John Lawton and Terry McDonald Robert and Helen Natt
ZUELE SOCIETY AMBASSADOR: Cristy and Len Van Poperig Richard Matthew Fonte and Robin Spath
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE: Craig Elkind and Christine Lai James and Amanda Duffy Mandy Gimenez and William Pasnau Christopher and Julie McHugh Leeann Bertini and Nancy Wilmink Thomas and Julie Kulhawik Olivia Vaccaro and David Fournier Mitchell and Alison Cohen
SILVER SOCIETY Chandra Gioiello and Amine Rachdi Ann Jones and Stephen Ramsey Joseph Emanuel and Katie Scinto Kathleen and Edward Jones Robert and Kristin Janczewski Helena and Marcus Puttock Michael and Jennifer Hillgen-Santa Stephanie Economu and Kathy Clark Amy and Matthew Wiley Nancy and David Fuller Barbara and Frank McCloskey Anthony and Jennifer Scott
Brett and Anne Yacoviello
2019 BY THE NUMBERS
CONNECTICUT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD
President Sean-Michael Green Vice President for Enrollment Management Albertus Magnus College
Vice President David Norton People’s United Bank Kimberly Rodney Connecticut Community Bank
Treasurer Craig Elkind CKE Capital
Secretary Barbara Miller Brody Wilkinson PC
Board Members
Bernadette Baldino
STAFF
In 2019, we had 27 full-time staff, 28 part-time staff and 61 seasonal staff, all of whom ensured that our guests had a memorable, enjoyable and educational visit.
Zoo Director Gregg Dancho
Deputy Director Don Goff
Associate Curator Robert Tomas
Animal Care Specialists Christopher Barker Emma Carney Lindsay Carubia Cindy King Erica Kennedy Tracey Kosa Bethany Thatcher JT Warner Greg Westman
Registrar/Animal Care Specialist Linda Tomas
Veterinarian Doc Hochman
Assistant Curator of Education Jacqueline Westlein
Education Staff Christine Clark Jen Farrell Denise Luckienchuk Chrissy Shore Justin Vaughan
Accounting Manager Kim Bronski
Events Fundraising Coordinator Jessica Taylor
Grant Writer- Part Time John Chamberlain
Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Benham
Group Sales Associate Erica Criscione
Membership Associate Alexander Serrano
Overnight Program Coordinators Elaine Dyer Colin Foote Margaux Mahoney Meg Murphy Cassandra Schellhas
Rentals and Events Manager Lindsay Durkee
Thanks to public votes, we were voted #1 in the 2019 Survey of Connecticut’s Best
Places to Take Kids in Fairfield County. Thanks!
STAFF (continued)
Horticulture Manager Jonathan Dancho
Café Manager Peter Gordon
Maintenance Bret Cannone John Lombardi William O’Keefe George Watts
Birthday Party Hosts Michelle Ankrah Taylor Bird Jennifer Cortez Corinne Maignan Allison Middlemass Barbara Wicks
Consultants
Shannon Calvert Hireimagination.com
ANNUAL REPORT
Seasonal Employees Thomas Altieri Ajani Anderson Jada Anderson Colen Bell Douglas Blohm Nicole Bobbins Matthew Cassidy Caitlyn Cervero Renee Clarke Jonette Colletti Brian Criscione Michelle Dean Angelina Dermastja Deszani Flemmings Elizabeth Fournier
203-394-6565
beardsleyzoo.org facebook.com/connecticutsbeardsleyzoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.
A COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Mexican Grey
Spider Monkeys
DEAR ZOO SUPPORTER...
When our Zoo was established in 1922, it was a novel experience for people to see, hear, and even smell the animals
that were collected here. We pro- vided an educational opportunity for people to understand the world in a way that was largely invisible to them at that time in history.
This still is true today, although in a different way. When so many of even our youngest guests appear to have the world at their fingertips through computers and smart phones, it’s vi- tally important to present them with ways to get face-to-face with wildlife. More than ever before, we need young people to learn first-hand about nature and the critical need to protect our natural resources: animals, plants, water, air and soil.
Our goal here at the Zoo is to instill a sense of wonder for the wild world, engage guests of all ages with the beauty and power of the animals in our collection, and encourage all of us to do our part to protect the lives of endangered species and endangered places.
Our focus on education, conserva- tion, recreation and animal welfare is supported by the generosity of many community members and partners. We are grateful for the financial contributions, sponsorships, time devoted by our volunteers, corporate giveback days, in-kind donations, and all the ways individuals, businesses and organizations interact with us.
As Connecticut’s only Zoo, and as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we take our role as stewards of wildlife seriously. With nearly 300,000 guests each year, we know we’re reaching into the hearts of people in the region, and from around the country. We each have an opportunity—and a responsibility— to carry the heart of the wild world into our little corner of it.
Above all, we want to bring the heart of the wild world to you.
Warm regards,
Sean Michael Green Board President
OUR ANIMALS AND EVENTS 2019
We are Home to More than 300 Animal Species Our community continues to visit us in record numbers to see our more than 300 species, representing primarily North and South American species, and some Asian species. Guests love our Amur tigers, Amur leopards, Brazilian ocelot, and golden lion tamarin. This year, our special celebrations included:
• Hand-raised two Amur leopard cubs born at the Zoo, including one of only two melanistic Amur leopards in the United States
• Welcomed two new Mexican grey wolves
• Spur thighed tortoises visited for the summer
• Welcomed two new spider monkeys
• Welcomed a new white-naped crane
• The birth of two endangered spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)
Our Events In addition, we:
• Began the re-imagination of the Farmyard
• Celebrated the grand opening of the spider monkey habitat
• Raised funds with our golf tournament
• Continued our “wildly” popular Wild Wine, Beer and Food Safari
• Held our second annual Endangered Species Gala
• Held our first “Photography Goes Wild” contest
• Held our first annual Kids’ Week
• Achieved accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
EDUCATION 2019
Our Education Program Shares the Wild World
Our fully-staffed Education Depart- ment reaches beyond the gates of the Zoo to bring curiosity, wonder, and knowledge to people of all ages. Programs are targeted to students and teachers, parents and children, scout groups, libraries, senior citizens, and children from 18 months to 18 years. The ZooMobile travels around the state with Animal Ambassadors to share our mission of conservation, education and species protection with everyone from students to seniors.
All of our school programs comply with and satisfy Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We are honored to partner with the following organizations:
• The Bruce Museum • The Connecticut Department
of Education • The Discovery Museum • The City of Bridgeport Schools • Discovery Magnet School • Bridge Academy • Park City Prep Charter School • Fairchild Wheeler Biotechnology
and Agri-science Multidistrict Magnet School
• Fairfield University • Future Frogmen
(aquatic education organization) • The Greenwich Land Trust • The Maritime Aquarium • Sacred Heart University • The University of Connecticut • Yale University’s Peabody Museum
of Natural History
Some of our notable educational accomplishments include:
• Top Honors Recipient of the AZA International Education Award for our Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) teen program
• 6.4 million people were educated through our media education programming
• 133,975 people were educated through our community outreach programming
• More than 62,000 guests enjoyed programs delivered by our teen educators
• 7,034 guests enjoyed our “Wild Adventure: Saving Animals from Extinction” show
• National recognition for our pioneering FrogWatch USA Citizen Science Chapter partnership with Yale University’s Peabody Museum of Natural History and The Maritime Aquarium
Our broad audience includes teachers, students, scout groups and families. We provide opportuni- ties for environmental stewardship, conservation education, resource management and a sustainable future. Come join us!
SPECIAL EVENTS 2019
We raised over $139,000 at our annual Wild Wine Safari in June, which was attended by more than 1,200 guests. A special thanks to all of our generous food, wine and beer vendors for donating their time and delicacies for our guests to enjoy.
This year’s golf tournament was another success, with 18 four- somes and a net profit close to $48,000. Thank you to our tee-rific Golf Chair, Dr. Stu Zarich.
Spur-thighed tortoises joined us for the summer and delighted guests who watched them enjoy water- melon and lettuce in front of the Victorian Greenhouse.
The popular Critter Chats also provided fun all summer long, with our Education staff and Ambassador animals appearing in small group events.
Family favorite Chris Rowlands joined us again for several perfor- mances to present his interactive shows that include music, dance, puppets and colorful props.
Congratulations to the Dabbing Unicorn, Mrs. Dancho’s 5th Grade Art Class, from Calf Pen Meadow Elementary School, our winner of Best in Show Scarecrow in our annual competition.
Boo at the Zoo was a fun day with children and adults in Halloween costumes, enjoying a fall day outside.
Our second annual Endangered Species Gala brought us $112,400 from nearly 200 delighted guests. We are grateful to our Chair, Kath- leen A. MacGhee, and Committee members: Bernadette Baldino, Gail Craig, Lisa Croce, Cathy Glennon, Claudette Kunkes, Donna Rosen- bloom, and Michelle Walker. Special thanks to our speaker, Richard E. Hyman and Master of Ceremonies, Evan Kaufman.
Our Exceptional Partners
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is grateful to all who donated this year. Your support provides the funds to care for all of our animals, assist in conserva- tion projects both locally and around the world, and continue to educate the conservation leaders for our future.
The Zoo’s fundraising efforts to create a new habitat for its family of Amur tigers received a huge boost with a $1,000,000 pledge from longtime Zoo supporter, Pamela Hope Kochiss Werth. After the 2017 birth of two extremely endangered Amur tiger cubs, the Zoo began a campaign to create a new, more spacious tiger habitat. Pam Hope Kochiss Werth’s long history of giving to the Zoo is deeply appreciated.
In addition to financial support, we have many corporate, civic, school, spe- cial needs and church groups contribute service hours at the Zoo, including one-day visits from Unilever, Diageo, Tracey Locke, Cooper Surgical and Perkin Elmer.
The Connecticut Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, gratefully acknowledges the support we received from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Every effort was made to include all supporters who gave gifts of $100 or more. We apologize if we have inadvertently omit- ted your name or organization.
To see your name here next year, please contact Jessica Summers, Director of Development and Marketing, at [email protected] or 203-394- 6573 to discuss your support.
Gifts $50,000 and Above
The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation
Pamela Hope Kochiss Werth
Gifts $10,000-$49,999
Geoffrey and Melissa Bradshaw-Mack
Pepsico
United Illuminating Company
Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc.
Claudette and Steven Kunkes
Brody Wilkinson
Ganim Financial
GE Foundation
Robert Jaekle
Donald and Elizabeth Lilly
Philip and Phyllis Marsilius
MaryAnn and Robert Matthews
Patrick and Meredith McCormack
David and Susan Norton
Harvey and Donna Rosenbloom
Kathryn and Tony Sirico
Stratford Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament
Subway
Thistledown Advisory Group, LLC
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Carolyn and Mauricio Trabuco
Trumbull Rotary Foundation, Inc.
John and Patricia Bottomley
Lisa and Jeffrey Clair
Gerry and Gail Craig
Ryan and Kathleen Gavigan
James Dowling-Healey
James Kasper
Neil Kenagy
Catherine Ladnier
Carrie Myers Taufic
Gary and Marlene Roberts
David and Lisa Roger
Peter and Pamela Silva
David and Laurie Title
Vanguard Charitable
Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Andrew and Sage Baron
Barton and Patricia Bauers
Jay Callahan
Jason Callaway
Amelia Caporale
Joyce Chase
Natalie Condon
Lawrence and Joan Ferlan
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Linda and Robert Fiscus
Thomas and Amy Flynn
Mary Kiniry
Gregory Klaus
Robert Kreppein
Regina Leahy
Liberty Bank
Joan and John Lisy
Michael and Linda Lockshier
Arthur and Linda Magee
Marcelin Mbu Mbwa-Mboma
Judy Eckert & Liz McGovern
Ment Law Group, PC
Robert and Lois Mitchell
Kurt and Margret Mohlman
Rachel and Colin Orr
Ted Rostkoski
Patricia Roy
Pamela Rugg
Victoria Shin
Bruce Silverstone
Viking Construction
Noel Vivier
Dina Voccola
Chris Waldron
Rebecca Weiner
Melissa and Derik Wrightson
Yale New Haven Health
John and Amy Yankovich
Mary and Nathaniel Yordon
Peter and Judith Young
George Zamary
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our donor lists. If you find an error or omission, please contact us at 203-394- 6573. The Connecticut Zoological Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to fundraising and to encouraging community support of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a dynamic cultural anchor for the state and the region, educating, inspiring and sharing nature and wildlife with schools and families year-round. Every dollar spent at the Zoo goes directly back into making the Zoo a better place. Animal welfare and enrichment remains our top priority, along with our missions of conservation, education, research and guest experience.
TOTAL 2019 REVENUE
Birthdays & Rentals $135,517
2019 FINANCIAL REVIEW
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the state’s only accredited zoological facility and one of its top tourist attractions, welcoming over 280,000 guests in 2019.
Every dollar spent at the Zoo helps care for our animals and enhances the expe- riences of our guests, while contributing to conservation of endangered species.
VOLUNTEERS
Our Zoo Friends, Gardeners and Docents as well as interns and ser- vice groups contribute substantially to the beauty of our grounds and the programming we can offer guests. We couldn’t do it without them!
Many thanks to over a hundred vol- unteers of all ages who contributed more than 8,900 volunteer hours during the past year, helping aug- ment our staff in dozens of ways. The adult volunteers participate in events on and off Zoo grounds, assist in education programs, interact with guests at the habitats, work in the gardens and Victorian Greenhouse, and engage in special projects. They participate in 43 distinct activities in 60 different locations!
The Zoo had 41 student interns who worked throughout the year in Education, Animal Care, Conservation, Horticulture, Volunteer Office and Marketing, contributing 8,153 hours.
We thank our many corporate, civic, school, special needs and church groups who contribute service hours at the Zoo—a total of 2,100 hours this year. We are grateful to Unilever, Diageo, Tracey Locke, Cooper Surgical and Perkin Elmer. Also thanks to Easton Community Center, Sterling House, Bridgeport International Academy, Newtown High School and many others.
RENTALS: The Zoo may be rented for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and other special events. Call 203-394-5533 to learn about having your event at the Zoo.
280,000 Visitors to the Zoo
362 Days Open Year Round 594
Number of Donors
114 Animal Species
at the Zoo
12 Endangered Species
339 Individual Animals
Towns
MEMBERSHIP
Membership dollars support our mission of providing education, conservation, research and recreation activities and programs.
Total membership reve- nue was $339,780. This valuable support was contributed by 2,264 members, who enjoyed unlimited free admis- sion, free or discounted admission to more than 170 reciprocal zoos and
aquariums, discounts in our gift shop and on programs, invitations to members-only events, a VIP line at our
entrance, and the knowledge that they made a substantial contribution to Zoo operations.
Enhanced memberships included:
ZUELE SOCIETY FOUNDER: John Lawton and Terry McDonald Robert and Helen Natt
ZUELE SOCIETY AMBASSADOR: Cristy and Len Van Poperig Richard Matthew Fonte and Robin Spath
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE: Craig Elkind and Christine Lai James and Amanda Duffy Mandy Gimenez and William Pasnau Christopher and Julie McHugh Leeann Bertini and Nancy Wilmink Thomas and Julie Kulhawik Olivia Vaccaro and David Fournier Mitchell and Alison Cohen
SILVER SOCIETY Chandra Gioiello and Amine Rachdi Ann Jones and Stephen Ramsey Joseph Emanuel and Katie Scinto Kathleen and Edward Jones Robert and Kristin Janczewski Helena and Marcus Puttock Michael and Jennifer Hillgen-Santa Stephanie Economu and Kathy Clark Amy and Matthew Wiley Nancy and David Fuller Barbara and Frank McCloskey Anthony and Jennifer Scott
Brett and Anne Yacoviello
2019 BY THE NUMBERS
CONNECTICUT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD
President Sean-Michael Green Vice President for Enrollment Management Albertus Magnus College
Vice President David Norton People’s United Bank Kimberly Rodney Connecticut Community Bank
Treasurer Craig Elkind CKE Capital
Secretary Barbara Miller Brody Wilkinson PC
Board Members
Bernadette Baldino
STAFF
In 2019, we had 27 full-time staff, 28 part-time staff and 61 seasonal staff, all of whom ensured that our guests had a memorable, enjoyable and educational visit.
Zoo Director Gregg Dancho
Deputy Director Don Goff
Associate Curator Robert Tomas
Animal Care Specialists Christopher Barker Emma Carney Lindsay Carubia Cindy King Erica Kennedy Tracey Kosa Bethany Thatcher JT Warner Greg Westman
Registrar/Animal Care Specialist Linda Tomas
Veterinarian Doc Hochman
Assistant Curator of Education Jacqueline Westlein
Education Staff Christine Clark Jen Farrell Denise Luckienchuk Chrissy Shore Justin Vaughan
Accounting Manager Kim Bronski
Events Fundraising Coordinator Jessica Taylor
Grant Writer- Part Time John Chamberlain
Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Benham
Group Sales Associate Erica Criscione
Membership Associate Alexander Serrano
Overnight Program Coordinators Elaine Dyer Colin Foote Margaux Mahoney Meg Murphy Cassandra Schellhas
Rentals and Events Manager Lindsay Durkee
Thanks to public votes, we were voted #1 in the 2019 Survey of Connecticut’s Best
Places to Take Kids in Fairfield County. Thanks!
STAFF (continued)
Horticulture Manager Jonathan Dancho
Café Manager Peter Gordon
Maintenance Bret Cannone John Lombardi William O’Keefe George Watts
Birthday Party Hosts Michelle Ankrah Taylor Bird Jennifer Cortez Corinne Maignan Allison Middlemass Barbara Wicks
Consultants
Shannon Calvert Hireimagination.com
ANNUAL REPORT
Seasonal Employees Thomas Altieri Ajani Anderson Jada Anderson Colen Bell Douglas Blohm Nicole Bobbins Matthew Cassidy Caitlyn Cervero Renee Clarke Jonette Colletti Brian Criscione Michelle Dean Angelina Dermastja Deszani Flemmings Elizabeth Fournier