The Brights Zoo Wildlife Foundation is guided by a leadership team committed to the long-term care of the animals at Brights Zoo, the advancement of wildlife conservation, and the growth of educational opportunities for future generations.
Our Board of Directors brings together members of the Bright family and trusted individuals who share a personal commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Their role is to provide oversight, direction, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to the Foundation.
Board of Directors
David Bright — President
David Bright serves as President of the Brights Zoo Wildlife Foundation and as Zoo Director of Brights Zoo. He is closely involved in the daily operation of the zoo, long-term planning, animal care initiatives, conservation projects, and the continued development of the Foundation.
His focus is on ensuring that the Foundation’s resources are used where they can have the greatest impact for the animals, the zoo, and wildlife conservation.
Tony Bright — Board Member
Tony Bright is, in many ways, the visionary behind Brights Zoo. Without his insight, imagination, and determination, the zoo as it exists today would never have been created.
Over the years, Tony has invested countless hours envisioning, planning, and helping bring to life what would eventually become Brights Zoo. Many of the ideas, improvements, and long-term plans that shaped the zoo began with his ability to see what was possible and then help find a way to make it happen.
Tony’s contribution has also been instrumental financially. His support helped provide the resources necessary to build Brights Zoo from the ground up and allowed the family’s vision to grow into the facility it is today.
His leadership, inspiration, and continued commitment remain an important part of both the history of Brights Zoo and the future of the Brights Zoo Wildlife Foundation.
Connie Bright — Board Member
Connie Bright serves on the Board of Directors and has long been an active and familiar presence throughout Brights Zoo.
If you have visited Brights Zoo in the past—especially the giraffe feeding deck—there is a good chance you have met Connie. She is regularly out in the zoo interacting with guests, helping wherever she is needed, and supporting the day-to-day operation of the facility.
Her hands-on involvement and connection with visitors give Connie a valuable perspective on the guest experience and on the important role Brights Zoo plays in connecting people with animals.
Melinda Bright — Board Member
Melinda Bright serves on the Board of Directors and has played an important role in the growth and day-to-day operation of Brights Zoo.
She is the driving force behind the zoo’s gift shop, overseeing purchasing, merchandise selection, organization, and the overall presentation of the retail operation. Her attention to detail and understanding of what guests enjoy have helped make the gift shop an important part of the Brights Zoo experience.
Melinda’s practical experience with zoo operations and guest services brings an important perspective to the Foundation as it continues to grow and develop.
Lucy Gordon — Secretary
Lucy Gordon serves as Secretary of the Brights Zoo Wildlife Foundation and brings valuable financial and professional experience to the organization as a retired Certified Public Accountant.
Her background in accounting, financial management, and organizational oversight provides the Foundation with an important resource as it continues to grow. Lucy’s experience will help support responsible financial practices, sound decision-making, and the long-term development of the nonprofit.
In addition to maintaining the organization’s records and supporting the work of the Board of Directors, Lucy will play an important role in helping the Foundation build a strong financial and administrative foundation for the future.
Davy Bright — Treasurer
Davy Bright serves as Treasurer and helps oversee the Foundation’s financial stewardship and accountability. His role includes supporting responsible financial management as the Foundation grows and expands its charitable programs.
As Treasurer, Davy helps ensure that the Foundation remains focused on careful stewardship of the funds and resources entrusted to it.
Belle Bright — Board Member
Belle Bright serves on the Board of Directors and represents the next generation of involvement in the Bright family’s commitment to animals, conservation, and the future of Brights Zoo.
Her involvement helps carry forward the family values and long-term commitment that have shaped Brights Zoo from its beginning.
Our Responsibility
The Board of Directors recognizes that every donation represents trust.
The Brights Zoo Wildlife Foundation is committed to using charitable support responsibly and transparently to advance its mission. As the organization grows, our leadership will continue to focus on sound governance, careful financial stewardship, and projects that create meaningful and lasting benefits for animals, conservation, education, and the future of Brights Zoo.