Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho is retiring after 45 years [Video]

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 …