About 1,000 Guests Enjoy Free Admission to Capron Park Zoo

Saturday, as clouds rolled in and out while rain threatened but didn't fall, an estimated 1,000 guests enjoyed a free day at the Capron Park Zoo, along with refreshments and gifts compliments of Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

Kathi Hague, Sturdy community relations specialist, explained, “This is an event in which no family is turned away. We have been offering a day of free admission to the zoo for 11 years as a way in which Sturdy Hospital stays in touch with the Attleboro community.”

Ashley O’Brien, public relations specialist at Sturdy, said, “I love the 'face to face' aspect of this event. I enjoy talking to the people from the communities we serve.”

The zoo parking lot was filled within 15 minutes after opening and crowds of families poured into the zoo as upbeat music filled the air from the Newell Shelter.

For many of the visitors, this was their second or third year attending the event. Others learned about the event through relatives who are Sturdy employees. Many more learned about the event from their local newspapers or Patch.

The Rosa family had planned their trip to the zoo without knowing that Sturdy was sponsoring free admission, refreshments and gifts. “It was a very nice surprise,” said Dawn Rosa.

It was a multigenerational event, as many grandparents were on hand to help with their grandchildren.

Others came as part of an outing or field trip from schools. Sarah Kadari, of Foxboro, said of her big group, "We are here from Vacation Bible School. We're doing something different."

Parent Anu Suraj added, "We're here to enjoy God's creations."

It was a difficult task to identify which animal exhibit was the most popular of the day, but here's what the kids had to say.

Natalee Auld, 6 years old, said, "The llamas are most fun because they tickle you when you feed them!”

Kaylie Ragan, 7, said her favorite animals were the otters. “They are unique! They play with toys and with each other. They swim very well!”

Anisha Patil, 5, reported, “The monkey exhibit was my favorite. I love monkeys. They were eating bananas!”

Chloe Newman, 7, was very definite with her comments: “My favorite place is the zoo! I’m an animal lover! I like seeing and hearing about animals that I have never seen before.”