NORTH ATTLEBORO - World War I Memorial Park Zoo will be getting some much needed updates, thanks to a donation from a local family.

David and Pat Nicholson say they decided to donate $5,000 to the zoo fund after a recent visit, and hope others might consider making a donation.

"We made the donation because we were astounded at how little money the zoo receives to help with upkeep of the animals and the facilities," David Nicholson said. "That park is just a jewel and the staff there does a terrific job. We wanted to make the donation to help support the zoo."

The Nicholsons have a long connection with the zoo. The Aviary at the park is named after their son, Danny.

Danny Nicholson was helping a disabled motorist when he was struck and killed by another car in 1979. Park Director Steve Carvalho thanked the Nicholsons for the donation, saying, "The timing couldn't have been any better. The budget is getting more difficult every year. Thanks to wonderful people like the Nicholsons we will be able to get some of our projects done."

The money will go toward improving accessibility at the zoo by installing an asphalt path around the perimeter and to fix the aviary roof.

Carvalho said a small amount will also go toward adding the words "good Samaritan" to the rock that denotes the aviary has been named in honor of Danny Nicholson.