Attleboro Mayor Announces Plan to Fund Capron Park Zoo in FY27

ATTLEBORO — Mayor Cathleen DeSimone announces that the City will fund operations at Capron Park Zoo in Fiscal Year 2027 using free cash.

The Mayor said the previously discussed vision plan for the zoo — the Capron Park Zoo Nature Reserve & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center — is no longer under consideration and that the administration will instead move forward with a budget proposal that maintains zoo operations next fiscal year.

“The transformation plan is now off the table as we will fund the zoo in FY27 using free cash,” Mayor DeSimone said. “When the Council approves the zoo budget later this spring, they will do so knowing and accepting the use of free cash.”

The proposal will be presented as part of the City’s FY27 budget process and will require approval from the Attleboro City Council.

Free cash represents unspent funds from the prior fiscal year that become available as revenue in the current fiscal year. Municipal finance guidance generally recommends using free cash for one-time expenses or capital needs rather than ongoing operating costs.

“This is important because ideally free cash is not used for recurring expenses,” the Mayor said.

The Mayor noted that the City continues to face a projected $2.5 million budget deficit in FY27. Funding the zoo with free cash next fiscal year will allow the City to maintain operations while continuing to examine long-term financial options and partnerships to support the zoo.

Mayor DeSimone has had recent discussions with the Friends of Capron Park Zoo regarding expanded fundraising and operational support, and the Mayor has also been in contact with Sen. Paul Feeney to discuss potential state grant opportunities.

“My responsibility as Mayor is to look at every city service through the lens of long-term financial sustainability and what is in the best interest of Attleboro,” Mayor DeSimone said. “My original plan was rooted in that responsibility, but I also recognize how much Capron Park Zoo means to generations of families in this community. I regret that the message was delivered abruptly, and I appreciate the feedback we’ve heard from residents. Over the next year, we will work hard with community partners to determine how the zoo can become financially sustainable. Any long-term path forward will depend on increased financial support from the Friends of Capron Park Zoo or another organization willing to help support the zoo.”

Under the updated approach, Capron Park Zoo will continue normal operations beyond Sept. 7 and will remain open with regular admission. The previously discussed plan to transition to limited free weekend openings in September and October will no longer move forward.

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