Capron Park Zoo is a small child-friendly zoo that allows close encounters with animals in an interactive setting. There are some familiar zoo favorites such as kangaroos, otters and snow leopards as well as animals people are unfamiliar with such as the Binturong, Genet and Dourcouli Monkey. The zoo also has great education opportunities from summer programs to the Halloween Spooktacular Event.
Capron Park Zoo opened in 1937. The original land was donated by the Capron family. The funding for the zoo was initiated by school children in 1925 who started a penny drive. The zoo was renovated in the late 1980's and has been steadily making improvements since then. The Education Department started in 1990 and is a vital part of the zoo to reach children in a fun and educational manner.
The zoo does have 'biofacts' or items from animals that have been confiscated from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. These items such as furs, turtle shells and ivory products are teaching tools used in educational programs.
There are no research facilities on site. The zoo does participate in collaboration with other institutions when the samples needed are non-invasive or collected opportunistically during veterinary procedures.
The Education Department offers a Docent Program, Zoo Interpreters program, special events, summer programming, vacation week programs, story hour, on-site zoo class programs and outreach programs.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: True