Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to hold 5th annual gala
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites members of the public to the fifth annual Zoo Gala on Saturday, October 19 at the Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut. The Gala promises an extraordinary evening of elegance, entertainment, and excitement in support of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This year’s gala is set to soar to new heights with the breathtaking SkyHunters in Flight as the keynote entertainment, the return of the highly anticipated VIP Hour, and special guest emcee, Ashley Baylor of WTNH.
invites members of the public to the fifth annual Zoo Gala on Saturday, October 19 at the Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut. The Gala promises an extraordinary evening of elegance, entertainment, and excitement in support of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This year’s gala is set to soar to new heights with the breathtaking SkyHunters in Flight as the keynote entertainment, the return of the highly anticipated VIP Hour, and special guest emcee, Ashley Baylor of WTNH.
Ashley Baylor, a beloved meteorologist with nearly 18 years of experience and a passionate advocate for animal welfare, will be guiding the evening’s festivities. Baylor shared her excitement, saying, “I’m a frequent visitor of the Beardsley Zoo. It’s one of my favorite places in Connecticut. Walking around, seeing the exhibits with my daughter brings me a sense of serenity. I can’t think of anything better than enjoying the outdoors while learning about exotic and native animals. I’m honored to emcee this upcoming gala, which will benefit this Connecticut landmark.”
The highlight of the evening, SkyHunters in Flight, will feature a stunning presentation of raptors from around the world, brought to life by Brian Bradley, one of the nation’s top wildlife presenters. Guests will marvel at the beauty and power of owls, hawks, and falcons, learning about their vital role in our environment.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the VIP Hour kicks off at 5:00 PM, an hour before the main event. With only fifty tickets available, VIP guests will enjoy early entrance, exclusive animal encounters, unique photo opportunities, and an up-close and personal viewing of SkyHunters in Flight with Master Falconer Brian Bradley. VIP tickets are still available at beardsleyzoo.org/gala!
In addition to VIP hour and the signature entertainment, guests can expect a unique signature cocktail, the ‘’Beardsley Bee’—a refreshing twist on the classic Bee’s Knees, featuring gin, lemon juice, club soda, and fresh honey—as well as a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and unique animal encounters. Guests will also hear from the Zoo’s Horticulture Manager, Jonathan Dancho, about the exciting milestone of the Zoo achieving Level One Arboretum Status and the work being done to reach Level 2 Arboretum Status. This event will truly showcase the pillars of the Zoo: conservation, education, research, and guest experience.
This event is not just a celebration of the Zoo’s wildlife conservation achievements—it’s a testament to the dedication of passionate supporters. This year, proudly being recognized and announced, are esteemed Gala Committee members, who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible: Bernadette Baldino, Patty Cartwright, Lisa Croce Jackson, Dean DeBiase, Jennifer DiBlanda, Judi Cardello, Meghan Glynn, Nadine Green, Lisa DeGoursey, Jennifer Jump, Claudette Kunkes, James Mase, Teresa Nakouzi, and Ashley Olson. Their commitment to our mission is truly inspiring.
The Zoo would like to thank its very generous sponsors: VIP Sponsor: The Natt Family; Amur Tiger Sponsors: Cardello Architects, Claudette and Steven Kunkes, Day Pitney, The Dodds Family Foundation, M&T Bank; Red Wolf Sponsor: Procyon Partners; Spider Monkey Sponsors: Bradley and Son Locksmith, Cross Insurance; Otter Pup Sponsors: CINTAS, Pullman & Comley, LLC.
Don’t miss out on this incredible evening! For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, visit beardsleyzoo.org/gala. Sponsorships are still available, offering unique opportunities for corporations and individuals to make a lasting impact. Interested supporters can contact Ashley Volkens at 203-394-5522 or avolkens@beardsleyzoo.org for more information.
Share your Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here for the latest news at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Click here for the latest news in Bridgeport
Click here for the upcoming events in Bridgeport
Click here for the latest news in Fairfield County
Click here for the upcoming events in Fairfield County
••••• Message center •••••••
Connecticut business owners:
Connecticut with us! Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Get our news straight into your inbox daily for free!
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Looking for the latest news by region, topic and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2024 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events my region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
May 2024 • June 2024 • July 2024 • August 2024 • September 2024 • October 2024 • November 2024 • December 2024
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun