BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo director is retiring after dedicating nearly a half-century to the Bridgeport enterprise.
The zoo announced the news in a press release on Monday while thanking Director Gregg Dancho for close to 45 years of service. Under his guidance, the zoo became a beloved part of the community and “a leader in conservation and education,” the release said.
Dr. Jim Wharton will become the zoo’s CEO on Sept. 3, according to the release.
During his tenure at the Beardsley Zoo, Dancho transformed it into a premier destination by “fostering a connection between the public, animals and our environment,” the zoo said in the release.
While leading the team at the zoo, Dancho “spearheaded multiple conservation initiatives, expanded educational programs and oversaw significant renovations and expansions of the zoo’s facilities, and achieved the first (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation,” the release said.
In the release, Dancho called the zoo his life and his passion.
“The animals, children and guests have all become an extension of my family, bringing me immense joy and pride. While it’s time for the zoo to look towards the next century, I plan to stay involved as Director Emeritus, which will also allow me to spend more time with my family and grandkids,” Dancho said in the release.
He continued to express his gratitude to the staff, volunteers, sponsors and community members who supported the zoo’s mission and shared in its successes. He said he is confident that the zoo will continue to thrive under Wharton’s leadership.
According to the release, Wharton was formerly the vice president of Conservation Engagement and Learning at the Seattle Aquarium. He brings extensive experience to the position, as well as a wealth of knowledge, a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to upholding the zoo’s legacy of excellence, the release said.
“(Wharton) led public engagement across galleries, schools and community programs at the Aquarium and played a key role in advancing its equity efforts as co-chair of the DEI Council during the strategic planning phase,” according to the release.
In Seattle, Wharton also advised AZA’s PACT initiative, advocated for enhanced social science and was a stakeholder in conservation planning while contributing as an instructor and accreditation inspector in AZA’s professional school.
“I am honored to join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and build upon the incredible foundation laid by Gregg Dancho,” Wharton said in the release. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team here to scale up our conservation, education and community programs.”
Before appointing Wharton, the Beardsley Zoo’s Board of Directors led an extensive national search, looking for the right candidate to lead the zoo into the future.
The release said that the board was impressed by Wharton’s “vision and proven track record of leadership.”
“As the new CEO, Dr. Wharton aims to enhance visitor experiences, strengthen conservation efforts and expand the zoo’s educational outreach,” the release said.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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