2024 Mayoral Race Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Five animal candidates are vying for the much sought-after title of Mayor of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. This important election will decide the Zoo's fourth Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. Last year's winner, Rhubarb the two-toed sloth, whose campaign slogan was "If not today, tomorrow," has spent most of his term hanging out in trees, while promoting the health benefits of life in the slow lane.

The five candidates who have made it past this year's primary rounds to the general election are:

• Tahu the North American River Otter: Mother to four playful otter pups, North American river otter Tahu says that wrangling her six-month-old offspring shows she has what it takes to keep her head above water and run the Zoo. Mayhem, Flo, River and Wilfred serve as her Advisory Panel, and insist that the other candidates are out of their depth. Tahu's campaign slogan is "Ready to Dive In!"

• Alli the Eastern Box Turtle: Coming out of her shell to enter the race for Mayor, Alli the Eastern box turtle claims to be the most grounded of all the candidates. Her hinged shell that can be tightly closed to escape predators also gives her the ability to block out distractions and focus on the job. Alli's campaign motto is "Don't Box Yourself In: Vote for Alli!"

• Major Tom the Narragansett Turkey:. At the top of the pecking order and father to thirteen poults this year, Narragansett turkey Major Tom says he can stop fowl play. He's proud that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey to the eagle as a choice for our national symbol, calling the turkey "a much more respectable bird." Major Tom says he's the best choice to speak for the Zoo with his campaign slogan, "Let's Talk Turkey!"

• Ella the Black and Gold Howler monkey: As the loudest of all monkeys, Ella says she can make herself heard. Ella has long been known for her ability to reach out and make connections. With her home in the treetops giving her a uniquely high vantage point, her campaign motto is: "Climbing to New Heights!"

• Daisy the Prairie Dog: Daisy the Prairie Dog has popped up in the polls as a dogged contender for mayor. Her tight-knit coterie of supporters say that life in a prairie dog town makes her the perfect candidate for mayor of the Zoo, as she's skilled at looking out for others. Her campaign slogan is "There's Light at the End of the Tunnel."

"Once again, the race for Mayor of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is highly contested as each candidate attempts to win the support of voters," said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. "Unlike other elections, we encourage people to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box."

The election will be decided by online votes. The general public can vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote. Voting begins on Tuesday, October 31. Polls close at four p.m. on Wednesday, November 8.