Melrose Mayor: Mass. Needs To Pony Up For Stone Zoo

Financial problems at Stoneham’s Stone Zoo are hardly breaking news. Back in May, the Boston Globe reported maintenance and infrastructure issues may cause the zoo to lose its accreditation, and the funds to bring the establishment up to snuff simply aren’t there.

Hence, on Thursday, Melrose Mayor Robert J. Dolan released an open letter to Governor Charlie Baker, asking him to release the $3 million in state funds already set aside for Zoo New England, the organization that runs Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

“This money will address important deferred maintenance issues and will set the stage for the zoo to move forward with public/private partnerships in the future,” he writes.

“The Stone Zoo is an important recreational resource for families in our area, as well as an attraction that brings visitors and benefits the local economy.”

Read the rest of the letter here.

Image: Patch file photo