Bristol County Savings Bank, through its foundation, recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Friends of Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro to help fund the construction of an ADA-compliant entrance to the red panda exhibit.
This new, wider entrance with railings will feature easy access for visitors with disabilities, provide an educational space with seating and a video monitor, and facilitate red panda encounters with zoo-goers.
Capron Park Zoo’s eight acres is home to more than 100 animals representing over 40 species. Its public educational programs and recreational activities are dedicated to furthering the understanding of animals. The zoo is an accredited member of both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and participates in the national Species Survival Plan program.
“The Friends of Capron Park Zoo are very grateful for the $5,000 grant awarded to us by Bristol County Savings Bank,” said Joscelyn Varieur, president of the Friends of Capron Park Zoo. “Our grant writing team works very hard to secure funding for our beloved zoo. This money will be put to good use when we construct our new ADA-compliant red panda exhibit.”
Since the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $38 million has been committed to hundreds of non-profits in the communities the bank serves. In 2025 alone, the foundation awarded $2.9 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations.
“This grant to Friends of Capron Park Zoo aligns with our foundation’s mission to support education initiatives and economic development in the areas we serve,” said John Silva, president and CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and president of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. “The new entrance to the exhibit will equitably educate the general public about conservation efforts while offering greater access to what everyone wants to see, the red pandas.”