South America Comes to Bridgeport!

South America Comes to Bridgeport!

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. 2015 Annual Report ZOO DIRECTOR’S WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

As we approach 2017 it will be animals’ welfare. This was truly borne I have been honored to serve on the wonderful educational and nearly twenty years since the Zoo out when we had a Giant Anteater Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Board recreational resource for families but has been owned and operated by birth for the first time. of Directors for 14 years, and I am also raise money for enhancements the Connecticut Zoological Society. proud to say that 2015 was one of such as the Pampas Plains exhibit. This change has been a great ben- We now work with some of the most the most exciting of my tenure. I want to thank all of our board efit to the Zoo and its occupants endangered animals on the planet. members for the many ways they The Amur leopard is down to 60 It’s rewarding when all of us who vol- served in 2015 and for their ongoing individuals in the wild, our Mexican unteer on the board are able to see commitment to Connecticut’s Wolves are extinct in the wild, our one of our goals achieved, and the only zoo. Red Wolf male has just had his opening of the Pampas Plains exhibit genetic material banked for future sure was a highlight for us. We had I hope all of our Zoo members will generations and we now have a joined staff in planning this new renew their own support in 2016 Red Panda that soon will be paired showcase of South American animals and ensure that we can continue to with a mate to hopefully add to its for many years, so it was thrilling to make investments in the exhibits, small population. Our Conservation help welcome the Giant anteaters animal care, educational programs Discovery Corps, with over 60 high to their new home and to bring this and conservation work that make school students, have been learning species back to the Zoo after 40 Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo such in a living classroom about conserva- years. Based on reaction from Zoo an outstanding place. tion and environmental issues, giving visitors, this new exhibit is a hit! talks to Zoo guests, going out in the Bob Mitchell since funding could be increased field to help fight invasive species, Board members are stewards and Attorney at Law for the overall health and welfare plant new habitats for New Hamp- advocates for non-profit organiza- Mitchell & Sheahan, P.C. to the animals in our charge. The shire’s endangered Karner Blue tions, and our folks work hard to not City of Bridgeport has also been a Butterfly and even counting fish in only get the word out about this continued supporter, and the Zoo the river’s fish ladder. We were so has grown through this partnership. very proud to have this program This collaboration has allowed us earn the AZA National Award for the opportunity to build new homes Education Excellence. The Zoo has and add new endangered species been hosting students from to our conservation programs. The Fairfield University who are new Pampas Plains exhibit funded able to gain insights through the Connecticut Zoological on the behaviors Society is a prime example of the of some of our types of habitats we can construct charges. for our charges and for our guests. The Giant Anteater has returned to the Zoo after 35 years and, in combi- nation with the endangered Maned Wolf and Chacoan Peccary, we are This is just some of able to have an educational habitat the vitally important that works for both our guests and work your Zoo does for conservation and our environment. I am very proud of our Zoo and I hope that you are too! Sincerely,

Gregg Dancho ANIMALS

In our biggest animal exhibit news of the year, two Giant anteaters moved into their new home in the much anticipated opening of our Pampas Plains South American ex- hibit. We have not exhibited anteat- ers for 40 years! Featuring animals from the Pampas region of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, the new exhibit Petya, a playful 8-year-old Amur tiger from the Indianapolis Zoo, is phase one of our South American joined Naka, our 9-year-old female Amur tiger, in February. Amur Adventure exhibit. tigers are one of our signature species.

We work with the interna- tional Species Survival Plan for many endangered and threatened species. So, in a transatlantic move, we received a pair of Amur leopards from the Copen- hagen Zoo. They went on exhibit early in 2015 and immediately became a favorite of our visitors. With the rather colorful nickname of “Snot-Otters,” our endangered Eastern Hellbender salamanders – which grow up to 30 inches and In the spring, Hampton J. Pig became can weigh 6.5 pounds – made their a father for the sixth year in a row. debut in our Professor Beardsley’s He and Olivia, who are guinea hogs, Starting in the Research Station, thanks to exhibit welcomed a litter of six. fall, we were underwriting by Aquarion Water delighted to offer Company. a temporary home to “Rochan,” a 16-month-old male Red panda from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, while his exhibit space is being renovated. He will stay with us Other additions included two Pygmy through early marmosets, two yellow-spotted turtles, 2016. a purple gallinule, three black-bellied whistling ducks & three giant river turtles. EDUCATION SPECIAL EVENTS

One of the highlights of a We raised over $80,000 at our annual Zoo visit is interaction with Wild Wine Safari in June, which was a staff member or volunteer, attended by more than 1,200 guests. who often have animal A special thanks to all of our gener- ambassadors with them! ous food, wine and beer vendors for From formal presentations donating their time and delicacies and talks to animal feed- for our guests to enjoy. ings, our Education staff and volunteers reached This year’s golf tournament was more than 50,000 adults another success, with 20 foursomes and 50,000 children and a net profit close to $40,000. through an estimated 608 Our co-chairs, Dr. Stuart Zarich and separate programs in 2015. Dennis Condon, are tee-rific. Thanks also to Fairfield County’s In addition, our Zoomobile Community Foundation for providing Every day during the summer was traveled to schools and community a $20,000 grant in support of our “Hump Day” thanks to three camels events in over 70 towns statewide, educational programs, including that joined us as a special treat. even driving up to the Big E this fall. Explorers, Conservation Discovery Zoo visitors could take rides on and Call 203-394-6563 to learn about Corps, and Trout in the Classroom. photos with our special guests. arranging a Zoomobile visit for your These programs bring science and class, senior center or festival. conservation to life, combining The popular classroom curriculum with Rainforest Reptile Many thanks experiential learning. Shows also returned to Connecticut for the summer and Zoological Society We also received $10,000 from presented exotic board member the People’s United Community crawlers, unusual Bruce T. Silverstone Foundation toward our slitherers and Over 500 Zoo friends and beer enthu- and Aquarion Conservation Discovery Corps. fascinating creepers siasts came out to support “Brew at Water Company This year-long program is for through direct the Zoo,” helping us raise more than for donating an high school students who work contact with live $20,000 from this fun fall event. Astro passenger with field biologists, study the animals, artifacts and van. This vehicle will be used to role of zoos in conservation, fascinating stories. Our Howl-O-Ween family-oriented transport teens participating in and help educate our visitors. event features activities and attrac- our award-winning Conservation Family favorite Chris Rowlands also tions geared toward children from Discovery Corps (CDC) program joined us again for several perfor- 8-15, including the Haunted Hayride to conservation projects. mances to present his interactive and the Ghastly Greenhouse. Come shows that include music, dance, next year, if you dare. Boo! puppets and colorful props.

Connecticut Free Shakespeare returned to the Zoo this summer for free performances in August. Welcome back! Congratulations to Classical Studies Magnet Academy on their winning Scarecrow in our annual competition. DONORS

Frontier Communications made a two-year Connecticut’s Beardsley Microsoft commitment to sponsor our Bison exhibit. Zoo Volunteer Council Barbara Miller and A photo op with Frank, the company’s bison The Craig B. Tate Kevin Hannon mascot, is available through a pop-through Foundation Kathy and Joshua Moran wood cutout near the exhibit. Curtiss Ryan Honda Robert and Helen Natt Deloitte Impact Day made a difference when 80 employees from Deloitte Diagnostic Equipment NST Systems Consulting descended on the Zoo in June. Team members helped with Gale and Les Funtleyder 11 projects, from working in the new Pampas Plains exhibit to painting paw $5,000 – $9,999 Paloian Family The Ganim Group Inc. Foundation, Inc. print and animal tracks to planting trees. Thanks to Deloitte employees Chris AARP McHugh (board member) and Dee Veccia (volunteer) for helping coordinate GE Foundation Partner Reinsurance this wonderful show of volunteerism and support. Craig Elkind and Company Christine Lai H&C Scrap Metal LLC Rich and Sarah Pikikero We produced new billboards and other marketing materials thanks to a $15,000 The Doyle Agency, Inc. Independent Outdoor III, grant from the DECD/Connecticut Office of Tourism. Grant support from DECD LLC Alvin Prusoff and Deborah Dworken, Hillman, DeRose helps the Zoo highlight all it has to offer to Connecticut residents and beyond. LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. Industrial Health & Safety Consultants, Inc. R.C. Bigelow Incorporated The Ernest & Joan Trefz Foundation International Marketing Thomas and Ellen Reilly Systems Fairfield University Harold and Jacquelyn Iridian Asset Management Rodriguez Leanne Freas Trout LLC Foundation, Inc. Science Education Center The Jones Foundation Mabel Burchard Fischer Sealcoating, Inc. Kingsbrook Development Grant Foundation Sikorsky Financial Corp. Credit Union Kohl’s Silver Sands Veterinary The Connecticut Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, $1,000 – 4,999 gratefully acknowledges the support we received from January 1, 2015 Alan and Carolyn Landis Center & Centers for Benjamin S. Appen Oral Care through December 31, 2015. Every effort was made to include all supporters Legg Mason who gave gifts of $100 or more. We sincerely apologize if we have Bank of America Elizabeth and Donald Lilly Stratford/Trumbull inadvertently omitted your name or organization. Civitan Club The Barden Foundation Martino Construction Trumbull Smiles To see your name listed here next year, please contact the Berchem, Moses Co., LLC & Devlin, P.C. The Vazomica Director of Development and Marketing Jessica Summers at John F. Matthews Foundation, Inc. [email protected] or 203-394-6573 to discuss your support. Bismark Construction MaryAnn and Robert Julia Wasserman Company, Inc. Matthews Blue Buffalo $10,000 – $50,000 Institute of Museum and Library Services Pat and Meredith Company, LTD McCormack Geoffrey and Melissa Bradshaw-Mack Newman’s Own Foundation Brody Wilkinson Mellen Foundation, Inc Connecticut Commission People’s United Bank Cablevision Merit Insurance on Culture & Tourism People’s United Community The Carstensen The Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Foundation Merrill Lynch Foundation Memorial Foundation, Inc. Elizabeth Pfriem MetroCrops, LLC Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Frontier Communications United Illuminating Company of New England Dr. James Micinilio and Susan Monarca DONORS (continued)

$500 – $999 Waterbury Women’s County Reproductions, Helen Kuzina Salvatore and Laura Matthew and Ann Sather Club, Inc. Inc. Anonymous Barbara and Richard Maresca Florence R. Saviano William B. Meyer Inc Barrett Outdoor Richard and Sally Landau JE Martin Cummings Michael and Jody Communications, Inc. Mary Lang Kristina McIntyre Schinella Monica Devitt William and Julia Bassett $100 – $499 Joan and John Lisy Paula and Derek Meachen Jane and Don Sharpe Joyce and Harry Donnelly Bridgeport Fittings Beverly Abbt Veronica Litrop Dara and Brian Meath Christopher Shays Fairfield County George and Katie Adelman Hirsch & Denise Lucarelli Patricia Megai Mark and Fran Smith Coleman Community Foundation Connors, LLP Catherine Lynch and Suzanne Megrue Sonitrol Security Systems Bonnie Hartigan Current Robert Farr Ellen Anton Douglas Sharp Merry Maids of Fairfield Deborah and Nicholas Gregg and Laura Dancho Bruce and Mary Sylvia and Joel Askinazi Fichandler Teri Madsen and Tim Dolores Micinilio Sopchak Denese Deeds and David Nealon J. Warren and Margaret Middle Gate Elementary Julie and Ronald Sorcek Gioiello First United Methodist Axline Church Anna and Sean Mahon School Paul and Carol Stacey Donald Devine Muhammad Azeem Linda and Bob Fiscus Gerald and Darryl Toni-Lynn and C. A. Miles Morgan Stanley Fairfield Country Day Manning and Amena Rahim Cathy and Paul Timothy Sullivan School Lawrence and Megan Ann Barrieau Foley Nonnenmacher Thomas and Jane Talamini Matthew and Christine Timothy Bartlett Eric and Maria Nordstrom Howard Tom and Amy Flynn Theresa and David Toole Mr. Bauers Jr Patricia and Yoshitomi James Kasper Robert and Stephanie Norma Topalian Douglas W. Beardsley Franchini Ohta MBI, Inc. Angelo Torres Jr Barbara and Roger Marion Frank, MD Margaret Orkisz Law Offices of Patrick Alexander and Cynthia Bennorth Lois Oskandy McHugh Chandra Deeds Trembicki Gioiello and Amine Christopher Berman Donna Patchen Trinity Parish Nursery Richard and Cheryl Jaadane Rachdi Mellinger The Bridgeport Community Devchand and Dorothy School Historical Society Thomas and Jane Gonska Paul Mitchell & Sheahan PC United Technologies Priscilla I. Bromley Jonathan Gottfried Joseph and Lilian Pesce Phil and Elizabeth Edith Valiquette Grapevine Technology, Neugebauer Bronski Builders, Inc. Steven Pincus and Mary Viking Construction, Inc. LLC Jane Minkin Marie Nicola Eleanor Buday AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia Barbara Gromotsky Pitney Bowes Dave Norton Karen and Stephen Erika Vogel and Alexandra Burrows Lynn and Daniel Haig Michael and Christine Jeanette Paraska DaSilva Call Before You Dig Wayne and Margaret Plumeau Daniel and Katharine Ed and Liz Ward Hiller Kathy Radin Pengue John Caldwell Donald Watson DBA Stathis P. Kaltsas Elizabeth and Stephen Quarry Ridge Animal Edward and Janet Carroll Architect FAIA Melinda and Walter Rexford Hospital Randall Chapnick Kevin A. White Karwon Sara and Dustin Riedel Recovery Network of Meghan and Gregg John and Amy Yankovich Caryn Kaufman Beth and Adam Ross Programs, Inc. Chiota Mary and Nathaniel Anne Keenan Kenneth and Marilyn Michael and Alicia Chuba Pamela and Kevin Rugg Yordon Mary and Elizabeth Kiniry Smith Mitchell and Francine Russell Family Fund Peter and Judith Young David and Laurie Title Cohen Thecla and Gilbert Kirby Dan and Deborah Samek Craig Varrelman Lisa Collon Carol Knee John Sandel Daria Veccia Community Foundation Reini and Michael Knorr John and Irene Santa of New Jersey F. Paul Kurmay VOLUNTEERS 2015 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our Zoo Friends, Gardeners and Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the state’s only accredited zoological facility Docents as well as interns and service and one of its top tourist attractions, welcoming 280,000 guests in 2015. groups contribute substantially to the beauty of our grounds and the Every dollar spent at the Zoo helps care for our animals and enhance the programming we can offer visitors. experience of our guests. We couldn’t do it without them!

Many thanks to the more than 146 Admissions Concessions volunteers of all ages who contributed $1,387,172 $853,115 more than 5263 volunteer hours TOTAL during the past year, helping augment our staff in dozens of ways. 2015 REVENUE $3,374,678 Fundraising We are grateful to the Newman’s Own $573,695 Foundation for donating $5,000 to support our Explorer Post of teens 14 to 18 who are interested in learning more about zoos and zoo careers. Membership Our monthly Evening Lecture Series $302,183 held spring through fall continues to present compelling topics, from Education $75,927 Birthdays & Rentals The Armadillos of Argentina to Turtle $182,586 Telemetry to Bats of Brazil. This series is run by our Volunteer Council. Cost of Goods $725,986 Operating Costs $515,914 Salary & Administrative TOTAL $833,384 2015 EXPENSES $3,151,397

Birthdays & Rentals $80,587 Animals, Conservation Fundraising & Education & Marketing Grounds & Maintenance $506,265 $301,952 $187,309

Every dollar spent at the Zoo goes directly back into making the Zoo a better place. The quality of care we provide our animals remains our priority as does the quality of our guests’ experience. Thank you for your support! MEMBERSHIP 2015 ZOO 2015 BY THE NUMBERS Membership dollars MEMBERSHIPS Days Open support our mission of Year Round providing education, Number of 362 conservation, research 280,000 Donors and recreation activities Visitors to the Zoo and programs. Individual 486 Animals Total membership 307 revenue was $302,183. Zoomobile This valuable support Individual Family Family + Guest Visits to was contributed by Director’s President’s Gold & Silver 184 Circle Circle Societies 2,686 members, who Towns70 enjoyed unlimited Birthday252 Parties free admission, free in our gift shop and on that they made a 114Animal Species Celebrated or discounted admis- programs, invitations to substantial contribution at the Zoo at the Zoo sion to more than 150 members-only events, a to Zoo operations. Endangered reciprocal zoos and VIP line at our entrance, Species aquariums, discounts and the knowledge 32 Please join us by purchasing or renewing a membership at beardsleyzoo.org 10 Seasonal or at our front gate. Staff 16,652 Likes on Facebook as of 12/31/15 SILVER SOCIETY Eugenia Panettieri Dan and Deborah Samek 21,700Hours Donated Sandra and Kathryn Abigail and Lucas John and Candice Scalice by Adult and Youth Anagnostakis DiBenedetto Kenneth and Marilyn Volunteers, Interns, Zoo William Blewett Eric and Sarah Ekman Smith and Service Groups 40Full-Time 65 Rentals Sylvia Dahl Brian Feidt Jennifer Sokol and Jason Staff Denese Deeds and Barbara Gromotsky Eastham David Gioiello Michael and Jennifer Mark Sosnowski Chandra Deeds Gioiello Hillgen-Santa Thomas and Jane Talamini and Amine Jaadane Joseph King and Amy Laura Terranova and Emily 561 Rachdi Justice Castagna 50,000 On-Grounds Education Adult and Children Reached Alan and Carolyn Landis Programs Presented Danielle and Nicholas Jim and Cindy Treacy Directly Through Education Robert and Helen Natt LaRiviere Jeffrey Trombly and Programs Anna and Lucian Danielle Domian PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Leszczynski Jeffrey and Janet Tobin Laura and Andrew Adams Frank and Barbara Cheryl and Andrew The Zoo may be rented Shane and Rita Beardsley McCloskey Tortorella for weddings, anniversary Kathleen and David Bolles Christopher and Julie Stephanie and Brian parties, and other special David and Alyson Cahill McHugh Vaughn events. Each year, we are Paula and Derek Meachen happy to welcome back Linda G. Carubia Daria Veccia the Make-A-Wish Foun- Catherine and Jim Kathy and Joshua Moran Matthew Walker and dation and Bridgeport Chiravelli Frank and Samantha Rebecca Ritter Hospital’s cancer survivor Mitchell and Francine Murphy Jessica and Susan Wong group. Call 203-332-4243 Cohen Irene Paravalos Brett and Anne to learn about having your event at the Zoo. Valerie Deaky and Alyssa Allison and Robert Roche Yacoviello Peterson Kim Rodney and Ray Michael Devlin and Mullaney CONNECTICUT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD STAFF

President Sean-Michael Green During 2015 we had 40 full-time staff, Zookeepers Bob Mitchell University of New Haven 7 part-time staff and 24 seasonal staff, Christopher Barker Attorney at Law who helped ensure that our guests Lindsay Carubia Mitchell & Sheahan, P.C. Jennifer M.F. Hillgen-Santa had a memorable and enjoyable visit. Tracy Kosa Hillgen-Santa Financial Group Stephanie Meyer Vice President Zoo Director Ryan Paoletti William Kelleher Todd Johnston Gregg Dancho Bethany Thatcher People’s United Bank Price Waterhouse Coopers JT Warner Deputy Director Martyna Zmijewska Vice President Catherine Ladnier Don Goff Brian Feidt Compliance Consultant Veterinarian Moffly Media Associate Curators Doc Hochman Christopher McHugh Robert Tomas Treasurer Deloitte Consulting LLP Jeanne Yuckienuz Vet Tech Paul Sterczala Jenny Gordon Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte Robert F. Matthews & Sterczala, P.C. RFM Group Director of Education Jim Knox Secretary David Norton Barbara Miller People’s United Bank Education Brody Wilkinson PC Christine Clark John Oliveto Michelle Gaudreau Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Denise Luckienchuk Chrissy Shore Board Members Rich Perusi Retired, Pitney Bowes Jacqueline Westlein Bernadette Baldino Acconting Supervisor Easton Public Library Kim Rodney Connecticut Community Bank Kim Bronski Shane Beardsley Director of Development Harboryard Sports & Entertainment Harvey Rosenbloom Retired, Saks Fifth Avenue Jessica Summers Joseph C. Burke, Jr. Associate Director People’s United Bank Bruce T. Silverstone Aquarion Water of Development Emily Bobowick Mitchell Cohen Company Ernst & Young David G. Title Membership Coordinator Amanda Bolanos Gerry Craig Superintendent of Schools, Fairfield Retired, C.N.A. Insurance Volunteer Coordinator Companies AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia Bridgeport Councilwoman, 134th Tracy Benham District Cindy A. Czaplinski Group Sales St. Vincent’s Medical Center Julia Wasserman Carrie Saunders Cherished, longtime board member Craig Elkind and friend passed away in 2015 Visitor Services Supervisor CKE Capital Denice Green and will be missed Thomas Flynn Greg Watkins-Colwell Front Gate Supervisor Summit Business Media Jill Koos Yale Peabody Museum

STAFF (continued)

Rentals/Events Birthday Party Hosts Seasonal Employees Consultants Coordinator Barbara Butler Thomas Altieri Lindsay Isner Brooke Hayden Angelina Aulisio Robin F. DeMattia Yaritza Lopez-Rivera Sarah Baldwin Consulting, Inc. Greenhouseman Shantel Morris Chelsea Barstow Jonathan Dancho Amanda Murphy Karissa Bradley Caryn Kaufman Gary Jessop Jatavia Parker Brian Criscione Communications, LLC Karleesa Wallace Erica Criscione Cafe Manager Raynardo Fernandez Shannon Calvert Peter Gordon Geri Geoghegan hireimagination.com Concessions Manager Eryn Goff Brian O’Toole Steven Gordon On the Mark Marketing Stephanie Hernandez Administration Bryan Lidman Margaret Sherman Angel Marrero ANNUAL REPORT Norma McPadden Registrar Robert Meekins Editor Linda Tomas Gian Moressi Robin F. DeMattia William O’Keefe Gift Shop Colleen Riley Design & Photography Tracey Broadnax Isaias Serrano Shannon Calvert Jessica Peterson Gail Smerglinolo You can feel “Wild African hireimagination.com Justin Vaughan Winds” in the new wind Carousel Brittney Ward Aida Rodriguez machine located in our Thanks to public votes, Caroline Zapfel Carousel building. The Juan Zumaeta Maintenance we won two awards from one-minute experience KidsOutandAbout.com. reaches Category 1 Bret Cannone hurricane force wind Stunning photographs of our animals and events Chanteau DeJesus We were #1 in the 2015 Survey of Connecticut’s speeds of 78 mph. are showcased prominently throughout our newly Victoria Feyk Best for Places to take redesigned website (beardsleyzoo.org), designed Walter Flathers Kids in Fairfield County. by Shannon Calvert of HireImagination. David Mahoney And, we are the Favorite William O’Keefe Place to Have Fun Lamar Wakefield Outside. Thanks! George Watts