Attleboro's beloved capron park zoo faces closure amid funding crisis
Attleboro, Massachusetts – A nearly 90-year-old institution cherished by generations is on the brink of shuttering. The Capron Park Zoo, a cornerstone of the community, is facing potential closure due to escalating financial pressures, sparking outrage from residents and staff alike.
City officials cite budget constraints as reason for potential closure
Mayor Cathleen DeSimone announced Wednesday that the city can no longer sustain the zoo's operation, citing rising healthcare costs and the significant expense of necessary capital improvements. The move would transform the 109-animal facility into preserve land with an animal rehabilitation center.
“The decision has been made to transform the zoo into something else,” DeSimone stated during a press conference. “Fundamentally it’s a funding decision.”
The announcement has ignited a firestorm of opposition. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce president, Jack Lank, estimates the zoo draws 100,000 visitors annually, warning of “disastrous” consequences for Attleboro’s economy.
Donna Lavoie, a resident who has brought her family to the zoo for decades, launched a petition that quickly garnered over 1,000 signatures. “It’s full of excitement and adventure,” she explained. “I had to do something.”
Zoo curator Casey Ribeiro, who has dedicated 15 years to caring for the animals, expressed deep concern for the welfare of the animals and the future of her staff. “We’re continuing day-to-day operations in terms of their health and welfare, but this is devastating. I don’t think it’s a well-thought-out plan,” Ribeiro said. The potential closure puts the jobs of roughly a dozen employees at risk.
City council members are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, March 24th, to discuss the proposal. While the city plans to move forward with the transformation, the timeline suggests changes won’t be implemented until September.
The zoo’s history is deeply interwoven with the fabric of Attleboro, representing countless childhood memories and a passion for wildlife. The potential loss is not simply the decommissioning of an attraction; it’s the severing of a vital connection to the community’s past – and a stark illustration of the financial strain facing municipalities nationwide.