Capron Park Zoo is always a nice visit whenever I pair it with any other zoos in the local area. It…read moreis an AZA Accredited facility, and from speaking with some of the keepers, exhibit designs, and more people from this facility, I am certain that the welfare they provide for these animals is as good as it can be. The zoo is constantly working on small improvements to improve the welfare of the species in the zoo, as well as the guest experience. For those of you with a Buttonwood Park Zoo membership, you're able to utilize your reciprocal benefits to get free admission here, which I think is a huge plus.
I think unfortunately as of late, Capron Park Zoo has been hit with a few unfortunate tragedies. With the recent passing of Nyala, the African Lion female that lived alongside Ramses, with the transfer for Vicky the Sloth Bear to Washington DC's National Zoo, it's a bittersweet feeling to know that she's going to a facility with a bigger habitat, but the zoo loses another species.
However, the zoo is still good in my opinion. I don't foresee spending much time here, especially in the winter months, but it's still worth a visit, especially in the warmer months due to more species on display, as well as the waterpark for the children. If you're hoping to avoid larger crowds though, winter is a very good time to visit regardless. The Amur Leopard, Lacey, is very active during this time, since the species is from Russia-Northern China area, she's very comfortable and active in the colder months, which is very cool to see. Same goes for the Red Pandas, which have a great indoor space as well for the warmer months for them to cool down. To me though I think Capron's indoor habitats work very well for them. Especially their tropical house, it's not the biggest around, but it's very beautiful. Tons of tropical birds, a Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman, and Red-Footed Tortoises.
Again, the zoo is not the biggest, but I think that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you're hoping to have a quicker outing with your family, I think Capron suits the bill. Always worth a visit every year from me though. Exciting to see what they're planning for the future!