Zoo Receives $150,000 Donation from People's United Community Foundation

12/10/2008

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.—December 10, 2008—Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only zoo, is proud to announce it recently received a $150,000 multi-year grant from People's United Community Foundation in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The Foundation pledged $50,000 per year over three (3) years to support the Zoo's enhanced interactive graphics and design program. The funding will be used to enhance the interpretive graphics at animal exhibits, add new directional and information signage for guest services, and develop interactive exhibits throughout the zoo.

"We appreciate the support of People's United Community Foundation as we continue to expand our educational and support services for our visitors," stated Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. "People's United has been a consistent supporter of the zoo for many years and we thank them for their renewed commitment."

The primary objective of the Zoo's interpretive signs is to serve the visitors and enhance their understanding and enjoyment of their visit. Well designed signage provided by the Zoo sensitizes, educates, and enriches the visitor experience. Such interpretive signage helps our guests understand the uniqueness of each animal and its relationship to its surrounding.

There will be 125 new educational and directional graphics installed as a result of this donation. Important conservation awareness messages will be incorporated into the designs, as well. The signage that is being replaced is more than 15 years old, in some cases. In other areas, signs did not exist at all, such as at the front gate.

"As the only zoo in the state, The Beardsley Zoo is a wonderful resource for many Connecticut families," said Timothy Hodges, president, People's United Community Foundation. "The Beardsley Zoo provides powerful and interactive learning opportunities for children and their parents, and we are happy to help the zoo achieve both its educational and recreational missions."

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About People's United Community Foundation

Established in 2007, People's United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People's United Bank serves. With special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods, the funding priorities of the Foundation include: community development, youth development, and affordable housing.

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors 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 http://www.beardsleyzoo.org