City Considering New Ownership Plans For Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Buttonwood Park Zoo could be under new ownership in a few years.

While speaking on his weekly radio program, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said nothing has been decided yet regarding this plan.

However, he says they are looking at an arrangement where the city would contribute to a non-profit that runs the zoo.

Mayor Mitchell says this operational model has been popular model at many zoos across the country including the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence and they are looking to see if a similar option could work for the Buttonwood Park Zoo.

"Those organizations, around the country, have grown up to becoming the operators of the zoo, with municipal help," said Mitchell "we may end going that direction, we might not, it might look just like Roger Williams, it might be something that's a little more tailored to New Bedford, who knows, but it's being given a serious look."

Mayor mitchell says if such an arrangement were agreed to efforts would be undertaken to ensure current employees keep their jobs.

Zoo officials are schedule to make an announcement on Thursday regarding an update on the master plan for the zoo.