BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 29, 2022 –- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce the winners from its fourth non-juried photography exhibition, “Photography Goes Wild.” More than 100 photos were submitted from the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers, and hundreds of votes were received online for a People’s Choice winner. This year, a Youth Category was included for the first time, for children 16 years and younger.
Photographers were invited to submit up to three photos of animals from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, from current or previous years. Judges were Jesse Thompson, co-owner of Milford Photo; Roger Salls, owner of Roger Salls Photography; and Jack Bradley, Zoo volunteer and instructor of Zoo classes on animal photography. Judge for the Youth Category was Ashlie Steinau of Ashlie Steinau Photography.
Photography Exhibition sponsor Milford Photo provided the first, second, and third and youth prizes in the form of gift certificates to the store. In addition, a People’s Choice Award was selected, based on $1 votes from the audience. There was also a Zoo Director’s Choice, with Gregg Dancho selecting his favorite photo.
Winners are:
First Place: “A Little Koi Magic” by Sue Cohen of Stamford (Koi fish)
Second Place: “Lend a Helping Hand” by Robyn Abrams of Newtown (close up)
Third Place: “Snowy Wolf” by Cassandra Schellhas of Stratford (wolf)
Youth Winner: “Chillin’ on My Cliff” by Paul Zello of West Haven (Amur leopard)
Honorable Mentions:
“Kung Fu Prairie Dogs” by Lexi Crocco of Orange
“Business Portrait” by Linda Piddington of Monroe
“Summertime Snack” by Samantha DeMarco of Milford
People’s Choice:
“Glamour Tiger” by Lexi Crocco of Orange
“Speak No Evil” by Samantha DeMarco of Milford
Zoo Director’s Choice:
“Peek A Boo” by Ellie Piddington of Monroe
“Art is a natural way for people to express their love of animals and appreciation of nature,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “The Photography Goes Wild Exhibit helps to showcase the stunning diversity of species at the zoo, and we hope, encourages people to focus on preserving wild habitats and animal conservation in new ways.”
Milford Photo Co-Owner Jesse Thompson said, “It’s been great partnering with the Zoo by providing area photographers with a fun venue to shoot and display their work. Milford Photo looks forward to more events at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.”
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 100th year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolves, and Mexican gray wolves and red wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization celebrating its Centennial year when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever.
Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. Guests are required to wear masks only in indoor animal habitats: the Rainforest Building and the Research Station, as our animals are susceptible to COVID-19. Everyone over the age of two, except for those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them, should have a mask available.
About Milford Photo
Since its founding in 1995, Milford Photo continues to be the go-to location for the photo enthusiast in Connecticut. From selling the top lines in cameras, lenses and accessories to providing reprint, enlargement, graphic imagery or photo instruction for photographers of all levels, the crew at Milford Photo works hard to provide the best in product and service to their clients. www.milfordphoto.com
