ATTLEBORO — Mayor Cathleen DeSimone announced Tuesday evening that she has submitted a plan to the Municipal Council outlining a multi-year plan to transform the Capron Park Zoo into the Capron Park Zoo Nature Reserve & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The plan is intended to preserve the zoo as a family-friendly destination that remains free and open to the public while creating a more financially sustainable future for the property.
Under the plan, the zoo will operate as usual through Sept. 7. After that, the zoo will remain open and free to the public on select weekends in September and October. Over time, the site will gradually transform from traditional animal exhibits to wildlife rehabilitation, natural play spaces, gardens, and other outdoor recreation areas.
The Mayor emphasized that Capron Park Zoo is not closing.
“Capron Park Zoo has been part of the lives of generations of Attleboro families,” said Mayor DeSimone. “This plan keeps Capron Park Zoo open and active for the community while creating a future that is financially responsible.”
The planned transformation comes as the City faces growing budget pressures driven by cost increases in health care, energy, paving, construction, and schools, as well as the zoo’s approximately $57 million in long-term capital improvement needs.
On top of these general budgetary challenges, the existing zoo presents $57M in capital improvement projects, fluctuating and unpredictable revenues created by severe seasonal dependency, and a decade of overall declining attendance trends. In addition to the $57M that would be needed for capital improvements alone, the 2023 Capron Park Master Plan proposed two significant expansions of the zoo with estimated project costs of $59.5M and $47.6M.
Additionally, rising personnel and operational costs have increasingly required support from the City’s general fund.
Under the current FY26 budget, the City’s general fund covers more than $900,000 annually in salaries and benefits for zoo staff. At the same time, attendance trends have declined over the past decade, and severe seasonal dependency has resulted in unpredictable revenues.
For the City to maintain the zoo in its current state, it would require major new investments that would draw funding and resources away from other municipal priorities.
The nature reserve model would significantly reduce operating costs and the financial burden on taxpayers while expanding public access to the park and creating new outdoor amenities.
“Although this work will take several years to complete, the end result will be a financially sustainable City amenity that will enhance the quality of life for current and future City residents through beauty, nature, and community,” said Mayor DeSimone. “Moreover, this vision preserves the spirit of the zoo by offering children and families a place to connect with nature and enjoy quality outdoor experiences while supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts.”
Preliminary concepts for the site include nature-inspired play areas for children, expanded picnic and gathering spaces, pollinator and butterfly gardens, Miyawaki micro-forests, and continued use of existing features such as the splash pad, amphitheater, and rainforest building.
The new model would also introduce a wildlife rehabilitation program focused on caring for injured or sick native animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible.
“This is about building the next chapter of Capron Park Zoo,” Mayor DeSimone said. “Families will still come here to explore, play, and spend time outdoors. At the same time, the zoo will support wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education in a way that aligns with more modern approaches to animal care.”
The transformation would occur over several years.
The zoo will remain open in its current form through the 2026 season, with operations continuing through Sept. 7, 2026. After that date, the zoo will remain open to the public on select weekends through October while the City begins relocating animals and reimagining the site.
The City would work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Capron Park Zoo staff to create an animal relocation plan to move healthy animals to accredited zoos, sanctuaries, or nature reserves. Animals that are too old or unable to travel will remain on site and be cared for by staff but not publicly displayed. The City will comply will all applicable laws and regulations concerning transfer of animals and prioritize the humane treatment of every animal.
The City plans to establish a Transition Team in July, consisting of many City leaders and various departments, as well as representation from Friends of Capron Park Zoo.
“Although this is probably one of the hardest decisions I have made as Mayor, the current and long-term financial challenges facing the zoo and the City require a plan for the next chapter in the history of Capron Park Zoo, and a future that provides financially sustainable family-friendly recreational opportunities and enjoyment for community residents and visitors,” Mayor DeSimone said.
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