Attleboro to Transform Capron Park Zoo into Nature Reserve and Rehabilitation Center

The city plans to preserve the zoo as a family-friendly destination while reducing costs and expanding public access.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Attleboro, Massachusetts has announced plans to transform the Capron Park Zoo into a nature reserve and wildlife rehabilitation center. Mayor Cathleen DeSimone unveiled the proposal, stating it will preserve the zoo as a free, public destination while creating a more financially sustainable future for the property. The zoo will gradually transition from traditional animal exhibits to wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor recreation.

Why it matters

The Capron Park Zoo has been a beloved part of the Attleboro community for generations, but the city faces growing budget pressures and $57 million in needed capital improvements to maintain the zoo in its current state. This new model aims to reduce operating costs, expand public access, and support wildlife rehabilitation efforts while preserving the spirit of the zoo.

The details

Under the plan, the zoo will operate as usual through September 7th, then remain open on select weekends in September and October. After that, it will gradually transition away from traditional animal exhibits to focus on wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor recreation. The city will work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and Capron Park Zoo staff to relocate healthy animals to accredited facilities, while animals unable to be relocated will remain onsite but not be publicly displayed. A new wildlife rehabilitation program will care for injured or sick native animals with the goal of returning them to the wild.

  • The zoo will operate as usual through September 7, 2026.
  • The zoo will remain open and free to the public on select weekends in September and October 2026.
  • The zoo will gradually transition from traditional animal exhibits to wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor recreation after October 2026.

The players

Cathleen DeSimone

The mayor of Attleboro, Massachusetts who unveiled the plan to transform the Capron Park Zoo.

Capron Park Zoo

A longtime family-friendly zoo in Attleboro that is the focus of the city's transformation plans.

Association of Zoos & Aquariums

The organization the city will work with to relocate healthy animals from the Capron Park Zoo to accredited facilities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Capron Park Zoo has been part of the lives of generations of Attleboro families. 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.”

— Cathleen DeSimone, Mayor of Attleboro

“This is about building the next chapter of Capron Park Zoo. 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.”

— Cathleen DeSimone, Mayor of Attleboro

What’s next

The city plans on establishing a transition team this summer to oversee the transformation of the Capron Park Zoo.

The takeaway

Attleboro's plan to transform the Capron Park Zoo into a nature reserve and wildlife rehabilitation center demonstrates how cities can adapt aging zoos to be more financially sustainable and aligned with modern approaches to animal care, while still preserving the spirit of the zoo as a community asset and family-friendly destination.