Capron Park Zoo Capron Park Zoo News

And especially in terms of volunteers this used to be an area Capron excelled at. Unfortunately, just like many other volunteer-dependent programs, COVID-19 put a big toll on it by reducing recruitment. Indeed, this is an area for the zoo to evaluate the existing programs, and consider an overhaul if necessary to improve them.


Indeed. If I was to consider my recent visit, and compare it to what these exhibits used to be like, there are some notable weak spots (this isn't considering exhibits that animals were off-exhibit due to weather, such as the lemurs):
  • Australia: down to a single red kangaroo, one emu, and the African spur-thigh tortoise. This is certainly an exhibit to evaluate the future of, as it would be a great opportunity to either bring in some new kangaroos or look into replacing it with something that's a big draw (my personal top choice would be maned wolves).
  • Sloth Bear: currently empty since Vicki went to Smithsonian. Granted, it has only been a few months and hopefully the zoo has a plan for this space in the future, as it is one of the largest exhibits and a great opportunity for something new (either another sloth bear or a new species)
  • Reeve's muntjac: this former warty pig exhibit is simply too large for only a single muntjac, especially considering muntjac can be successfully mixed with so many other animals. I'd love to either see the muntjac moved into the next-door crane exhibit (freeing this habitat for something new), see the zoo get a larger herd of muntjac, or mix the muntjac with something new (e.g., some sort of pheasant)
  • former nocturnal building: half of the exhibits in here are empty. These are the perfect opportunities to think about new animals, and especially now that the building doesn't have much of a theme to it there's a lot of flexibility in terms of small mammals, birds, herps, etc. that could go here.
  • Rainforest aviary: This is an area where the animals have dwindled. Victorian crowned pigeons, turacos, and crested wood partridges were all big losses, and the zoo could certainly benefit from basically any new birds to breathe new light into the exhibit.

  • This exhibit will not hold anymore kangaroos after the remaining one goes. Maned wolves would be very cool but that exhibit would need some major changes to house them which I don’t know if Capron has the ability to do anytime soon.
  • The sloth bear exhibit is too small for multiple sloth bears now due to AZA standards. Something new will have to go in there.
  • I agree that a single muntjac is a bit out of place in that exhibit. I don’t think it would be able to live with the cranes as they are on a breeding recommendation. They are looking for potential companions but AZA hasn’t found a match.
  • This building needs a brand new heating system so the animals living in there now will need to be moved out for that to happen. Doesn’t make sense to put more animals in there just to move them out.
  • I agree the rainforest is lacking. Some of the flying foxes did just get moved in there so that’s something at least.
 
  • This exhibit will not hold anymore kangaroos after the remaining one goes. Maned wolves would be very cool but that exhibit would need some major changes to house them which I don’t know if Capron has the ability to do anytime soon.
  • The sloth bear exhibit is too small for multiple sloth bears now due to AZA standards. Something new will have to go in there.
  • I agree that a single muntjac is a bit out of place in that exhibit. I don’t think it would be able to live with the cranes as they are on a breeding recommendation. They are looking for potential companions but AZA hasn’t found a match.
  • This building needs a brand new heating system so the animals living in there now will need to be moved out for that to happen. Doesn’t make sense to put more animals in there just to move them out.
  • I agree the rainforest is lacking. Some of the flying foxes did just get moved in there so that’s something at least.
Welcome to ZooChat! I always like seeing more New Englanders around here. Indeed, I understand there are good reasons for a lot of the weak spots I mentioned, and looking at each one in a vacuum they are understandable. That said, when looked at holistically, it is clear that Capron is in a bit of an awkward transition period right now, with infrastructure that needs to be replaced, a number of species being phased out, and economic struggles that makes getting the necessary work done difficult. It isn't necessarily going to be easy, but if the zoo could find ways to fix some of these, it could substantially enhance the visitor experience. Even simple changes can go a long way. If new animals isn't possible in the old nocturnal building right now, perhaps the zoo could look into placing some graphics over the empty exhibits to give visitors something to look at. For Rainforest, housing a larger flock of an existing species could be an alternative to bringing in an entirely new species. If a new sloth bear isn't possible, hopefully the zoo moves as quickly as possible to find a new species suitable for that exhibit, whatever it may be.

There are a lot of positives about the zoo- and some of the recent changes (e.g., the new Nile monitor exhibit) give me a lot of hope for the future, and hopefully the new director is able to bring some fresh ideas in and move the zoo in a positive direction.
 
They have announced on Facebook the acquisition of a Reeve's muntjac named Marty from the Dakota Zoo.

"Capron Park Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a Chinese Reeve's Muntjac! Named by one of our keepers after a certain time traveler, Marty the Muntjac comes from the Dakota Zoo and was born on August 27th, 2022. This 1 and a half year old is shy but spunky & smart. See if you can spot him in his exhibit outside the Sadler building!"

With the timing of recent discussion on this thread, I'm curious to know if this is just a really late update and he is the individual I and other members saw.
 
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With the timing of recent discussion on this thread, I'm curious to know if this is just a really late update and he is the individual I and other members saw.
Take this as you will; I just called the zoo and the person who answered told me he is not that knew, but arrived about six months ago after plans to get a pudú dissolved.
 
Great news! The zoo has started on some new projects, including a new aviary and an event space. The Harford A. Capron Building will also be renovated (I'm not sure which building that is though). I am mildly worried that the renovation to that building will be the execution of one of those storytelling ideas, which will probably won't have the effect the new director is imagining. The new aviary will hopefully bring some new species to the zoo, and ones that the public will find really engaging!

Hopefully these pictures will help some of our other members identify where these additions are going.

"Lots of projects going on at the zoo today‐ construction of a new aviary, renovations in the Harford A Capron Building for a new exhibit experience, and finally a soon to be covered shelter for future rentals & gatherings here at Capron Park Zoo!"

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Great news! The zoo has started on some new projects, including a new aviary and an event space. The Harford A. Capron Building will also be renovated (I'm not sure which building that is though). I am mildly worried that the renovation to that building will be the execution of one of those storytelling ideas, which will probably won't have the effect the new director is imagining. The new aviary will hopefully bring some new species to the zoo, and ones that the public will find really engaging!

Hopefully these pictures will help some of our other members identify where these additions are going.

"Lots of projects going on at the zoo today‐ construction of a new aviary, renovations in the Harford A Capron Building for a new exhibit experience, and finally a soon to be covered shelter for future rentals & gatherings here at Capron Park Zoo!"

Log in to Facebook
I believe the building in question is the nocturnal building that the zoo recently announced is closed until further notice for a renovation into a "new exhibit experience."
 
Great news! The zoo has started on some new projects, including a new aviary and an event space. The Harford A. Capron Building will also be renovated (I'm not sure which building that is though). I am mildly worried that the renovation to that building will be the execution of one of those storytelling ideas, which will probably won't have the effect the new director is imagining. The new aviary will hopefully bring some new species to the zoo, and ones that the public will find really engaging!

Hopefully these pictures will help some of our other members identify where these additions are going.

"Lots of projects going on at the zoo today‐ construction of a new aviary, renovations in the Harford A Capron Building for a new exhibit experience, and finally a soon to be covered shelter for future rentals & gatherings here at Capron Park Zoo!"

Log in to Facebook
The Capron Building is indeed the Nocturnal Building, and is the oldest building in the zoo (at one point being the entire zoo). I have no clue what the current plan for that building is, but I will say renovations of it are sorely needed, and the collection in that building has been declining for the better part of a decade now. Whatever happens to that building, at minimum there is a need for behind-the-scenes improvements (e.g., heating and HVAC systems), and hopefully some of the currently empty exhibits will be filled too.

The new aviary looks to be between the otters and the monitor exhibit- using up some underutilized areas is certainly something that will improve the zoo, so I too am excited to see what species go in this aviary. I'm hopeful it'll be for something that can be outside year-round, such as red-billed blue magpies, Himalayan monals, or a native owl species (obviously these aren't the only species that'd work outside year-round, just some possible ideas I have).
 
Piece of October 2023 News Not Mentioned:

On October 6th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (3.0) slender-tailed meerkats to the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona.

African Predator Passage | Phoenix Zoo

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On April 13th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) Argentine black-and-white tegu named Fred passed away due to underlying heart disease.

Capron Park Zoo
 
Piece of October 2023 News Not Mentioned:

On October 6th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (3.0) slender-tailed meerkats to the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona.

African Predator Passage | Phoenix Zoo

Capron Park Zoo

Just to clarify!! The 3 meerkats that left Capron last year actually went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. There are 3 more meerkats lined up to go to Pheonix Zoo at some point, but like they stated permitting can take a long time.
 
The City of Attleboro has published its budget for fiscal year 2025, and there are some interesting zoo-related information in it. Information about the zoo starts on page 124: https://www.cityofattleboro.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/279

Specifically, the zoo's 2025 goals are listed as follows. Looks like a few new exhibits are in the works, which is both exciting and sorely needed:
  • Continue the relationship with MOBD and remain on their radar for future grant opportunities.
  • Complete construction of a new red-crowned crane exhibit.
  • Complete construction of new aviary next to otter exhibit.
  • Renovate the otter exhibit.
  • Begin planning renovations to the former red-crowned crane exhibit.
  • Continue collaboration with the Attleboro Public Schools and Illuminate.
  • Construct and install an outdoor event pavilion for birthday parties and education purposes.
  • Renovate the Nocturnal building into a rotational exhibit featuring different themes every few years.
  • Improve existing events and incorporate new and exciting zoo events that will attract new attendees.
  • Locate and incorporate new animals to fill empty and new exhibits.
  • Explore new ways to generate revenue inside the zoo.
 
Piece of April 2024 News Not Mentioned:

On April 17th, the zoo announced that (0.1.1) Rodrigues fruit bats named Poe and Wana were born in September and December 2023 respectively which are on display in the Sadler Building.

Capron Park Zoo

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On May 24th, the zoo announced they completed construction on a new aviary for their silvery-cheeked hornbill. The zoo also announced that they moved their red-ruffed lemurs into the hornbill's former exhibit.

Capron Park Zoo

On May 31st, the zoo announced they moved their turquoise-fronted amazon parrots into the Tropical Rainforest Building.

Happy World Parrot Day! Our blue fronted Amazon Parrots recently moved to the Tropical Rainforest Building. See if you can find Lucky and Woodstock on... | By Capron Park ZooFacebook
 
On May 24th, the zoo announced they completed construction on a new aviary for their silvery-cheeked hornbill. The zoo also announced that they moved their red-ruffed lemurs into the hornbill's former exhibit.
I wonder if this means something is going to be done with the lemur islands, as I'm assuming the black-and-white ruffed lemurs will move somewhere too. Then again, I might be making a lot out of nothing. If something is being planned, I hope it entails removing or changing the water body and the islands because they're all a waste of space, but that will cost a lot of money that I expect isn't available.
 
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