Attleboro's Capron Park Zoo saved from closure amid budget crisis

Attleboro's Capron Park Zoo will stay open in Fiscal Year 2027 after Mayor Cathleen DeSimone reversed an earlier proposal to potentially close it. The decision came following strong public support for keeping the zoo running. However, the city still faces a £2.5 million budget shortfall. The original plan to transform the zoo into preserve land with an animal rehabilitation centre has now been dropped. Mayor DeSimone admitted the idea was announced too abruptly, leading to backlash from residents. Instead, the city will use free cash reserves to fund zoo operations for the coming year.

The budget deficit stems largely from an 8.4% rise in health insurance costs. To balance finances, some city employees will likely face layoffs. The proposal to fund the zoo must still go through the City Council as part of the wider budget approval process. The zoo will continue operating in 2027, but the city must address its £2.5 million deficit. The final budget, including zoo funding, now awaits City Council review. Job cuts remain a possibility as officials work to stabilise finances.