As part of Phase 4 of the state's re-opening process, the Thompson Park Zoo in Watertown is set to open Saturday. It's an opening that, because of financial issues, almost didn't happen. However, it was given a second chance, and zoo officials plan to take advantage, ensuring the zoo is in the city for years to come.

What You Need To Know

  • Watertown's Thompson Park Zoo has faced decades’ worth of challenges

  • It was originally zeroed out of the city's budget, meaning it would have permanently closed

  • Zoo's leadership believes it will make the most of the opportunity and make the zoo a regional success

"Nobody wants to give [in] to a failure," Thompson Park Zoo Executive Director Larry Sorel said.

The zoo has struggled for some time now. What had worked 30-40 years ago doesn't work anymore. This fall, the zoo had created a new strategic plan to not only continue surviving, but also become a success.

"It's always been a gem, but an uncut gem. We want to get to the point where we can create essentially, a cut gem," Sorel said.

Part of that plan, which included more exhibits, a better variety of animals, educational programs and conservation efforts, depended in part on $100,000 in funding from the City of Watertown. However, COVID-19 hit, and the city's sales tax dollars plummeted. A budget proposal zeroed out struggling zoo completely. It certainly would not have opened this year.

"If we don't open this year, we'd never open again," Sorel said in reference to the proposal.

Wanting to ensure the community didn't lose the zoo permanently, the city decided to give it $50,000, hopeful Sorel can begin to execute his vision.

"I think they're very fortunate to have him and he has great ideas. It's just getting him to that point where he can implement them," City Councilwoman Lisa Ruggiero said.

It's a chance Sorel plans to take full advantage of.

"We have a great opportunity to be something that is tremendous not only just for the city of Watertown, but really for Jefferson County and all of the North Country," he said.

To show just how much he believes in this zoo, Sorel has been working some months on a very limited salary, and some with no salary at all.

Ruggiero believes once the Thompson Park pool opens, people will, in turn, visit the zoo. She says funding for a new county transportation route will help, as well as coordinated efforts with other events at the park.