Friends of Capron Zoo Prepare for Passport to Africa

The Friends of have donated close to $200,000 to Attleboro's zoo. It's gone toward supporting construction of boardwalks, the popular splashpad and the transportation costs to bring the white lion to Attleboro. Now, those friends need to replenish their coffers to support the zoo's future needs.

Volunteers behind the non-profit group are hosting , an evening fundraiser, on Saturday, Sept. 17.

"We exist solely to support the zoo," said Capron Zoo volunteer, Joe Hall. "Whatever the zoo needs and can't get from the city because of the budget, the zoo comes to us."

The non-profit also helps fund continuing education seminars for zoo staff, which is necessary for accreditation.

"We really see ourselves like the Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter or Library providing support to a gem within the city and her visitors," Hall continued.

According to event organizer Valeri Nihill, the Friends' contributions to the zoo benefits the City of Attleboro directly because the zoo can continue to expand and improve without hitting that budget.

"If we we didn’t exist these things wouldn’t be here," Nihill said. "That, or the budget would need to be increased."

Plans have been underway for months to bring Passport to Africa to the Attleboro community. The group faced some challenges when it needed during the event on city-owned property.

"We're doing this for a premium ticket price and offering art, music and a night out," Nihill said. "We want to make it a night when adults come out and do not need to think of the kids for one night."

Planned exhibits include:

• Africa-inspired art show by Munir Mohammed
• Traditional African Musicians – Obuamah Laud Addy and the AS220 Criss-Cross Orchestra. (Addy has performed at inaugural events for President Obama)
• Silent Auction

The silent auction includes tickets donated by the Providence Performing Art Center, four tickets to a Celtic band event at MGM Grand, a night stay at Hampton Inn, a Christmas Tree Shop giftcard and four tickets to the Providence Bruins.

Also included in the auction is a basket full of organic bath products, wine baskets donated by the New England Raiders, and African jewlery.

The zoo itself has donated three auctions, according to Heather Townsend, a Friend of Capron Zoo volunteer. Items include a zoo birthday party ($375 value) for 25 participants, a zoo family membership ($55), and a Capron Zoo-director led tour for the highest bidder, including upclose animal encounters ($500 value). 

The friends will sell the tickets through Sunday, Sept. 11. Cost for tickets are $35 for zoo members and $45 for all others. Tickets may be purchased at the Capron Park Zoo Gift Shop or via email at friends@capronparkzoo.com.