UPDATE 6/2/15 at 11:36 p.m.: One more way you can directly support the zoo- Sign this digital petition! BUT please be sure to read through this post and email Governor Baker and Secretary Ash, leave a comment on this post, and share the heck out of this post!! (Thank you BOS Chairman, Tom Boussy and Chairman of the Greenway Committee, Anthony Wilson for this iPetition.)

As most of you are probably aware by now, we are facing a potential loss of the Stone Zoo. As stated by the Boston Globe, “The 110-year-old Stone Zoo is at risk of losing its accreditation, due to overdue maintenance and insufficient funding, and has until September to resolve those concerns.”

The Stone Zoo is a tremendous asset to our community, and is a huge part of what defines Stoneham. Just read this newly published feature story about our Town in NorthShore Magazine and you’ll see why.

The Stone Zoo has until September to resolve this issue. A loss of accreditation would be devastating to the areas in which the zoo resides. Melrose and Medford have already sent appeals to the State House urging the release of funding. Should the Stone Zoo lose this important designation, there is no other community closer than our beloved Stoneham who would feel the affect more. The Stone Zoo is a vital asset to our community. Not only is it a cultural amenity by which we are so closely identified, but it is also a very important economic tool. Thousands of people visit the zoo on an annual basis and after a day at the zoo these visitors turn into consumers supporting our stores, restaurants and businesses thus contributing to our tax base. Over the last year we have spent a great deal of time and effort in a business revitalization plan, of which the Stone Zoo is a big part. If the Stone Zoo is removed from the plan it would take years for us to recover. It is urgent that all residents reach out to Governor Baker and Secretary Ash and let them know how important the Zoo is to our community.

How did the zoo get in this position? In 2008 the state authorized a $30M bond dedicated to capital improvements. Since then only very small amounts were released for capital improvements. This money was earmarked for the funding of capital improvements so that the zoo can make the repairs necessary to achieve accreditation. The release of this already authorized funding is not throwing good money after bad. Since 2010 it has been reported that attendance has increased by 20% and private fund raising has increased by 45%. It is the capital investment portion that is in need. If Stone Zoo loses accreditation status it would be devastating to both the zoo and to our community of Stoneham.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Please take a moment and appeal to Governor Baker/Secretary Ash and request that the release of capital funding that was granted to the Zoo by the Patrick administration, but never released. Send a letter of support for release of capital funding for the Stone Zoo to:

Governor Baker and Secretary Jay Ash, Executive Office of Administration and Finance

One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02133.

Sample letter:

Dear Secretary Ash and Governor Baker,

As a resident of Stoneham I am appealing to you to release the capital funding, approved but not released by the Patrick Administration, to support the Stone Zoo. The Stone Zoo is a cultural and economic asset to our community. A loss of accreditation would translate to a major blow to our local economy. Thousands of visitors come to the zoo on an annual basis and, after an enjoyable day, frequent our local business and restaurants. We depend on these visitors to support our recent efforts to revitalize our downtown.

I can‘t think of a community who would be more negatively impacted than ours. Further, the Stone Zoo offers educational programming and opportunities that could not be replaced by a text book. I thank you for your consideration of this urgent request.

You can also send the above letter via email. Visit Zoo New England’s Call to Action page to get full details.

I am pleased to report that the BOS has sent a letter of its own, and that our State Representative, Michael Day and Senator Jason Lewis are staunch supporters of the zoo and have also sent their personal appeals.

Please share this post with as many people as possible. In addition to mailing or emailing Secretary Ash and Governor Baker, you can also add the suggested letter, your name and address to the comments of this post. On June 10th a copy of all names and addresses from the comments of this post will be submitted as a petition.