Thompson Park Zoo is one of Watertown's gems, but over the past years, the busy summer tourist attraction has been battling financial issues.

"We're very seasonal. Our attendance and revenue mostly comes spring, summer, and early fall,” said Thompson Park Zoo Executive Director Larry Sorel. “We need a line of credit to survive and pay the bills during the winter. Historically we've been able to do that successfully up until I would say five to seven years ago.”

This is why city council voted on Monday to give the zoo $25,000. The money will be used for marketing and training.

Councilors believe this will help the zoo get the publicity it needs. 

"It'll help with them to market the zoo,” said Councilwoman Lisa Ruggerio. “But there are specific things just so that the tax payers realize, there are specific things that the money will not go towards which is paying down their line of credit, paying for salaries.”

Zoo officials say this is the first step to get back on track. The new funds will help address some short-term financial demands. They also plan to create more radio, television and newspaper ads to attract more people to the zoo. 

For the future of the zoo, city council is working on a multi-year financial assistance plan.