The newest addition to the Roger Williams Zoo arrived on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Visitors were treated to a rare event with the chance to witness the birth of a Masai giraffe. The male calf was born at the Plains of Africa exhibit, and is the first delivered at the zoo in five years. At birth, the new calf measured 6 feet tall and weighed over 140 pounds. The calf will be named by the winner of a contest being held by the zoo.
What else, aside from the growing giraffe exhibit, sets the Roger Williams Park Zoo head and shoulders above the rest? A lot! The zoo has over 1,000 animals and features a diverse group of species ranging from pink flamingos to boa constrictors. They are constantly changing exhibits to keep the zoo new and fresh for its visitors. It's evident through the programs and exhibits that the zoo is dedicated to conservation, preserving endangered species, and educating the public. (Mother and child giraffe photo, used with permission. Photo by Victoria Arocho)
The Roger Williams Zoo features exhibits that are divided into geographical regions. The regions cover five continents and are categorized as Australasia, Madagascar, North America, The Marco Polo Trail, Plains of Africa, Tropical America, and Wetlands Trail. Each region is separated by winding pathways in a comfortable park-like setting.
Zoo Highlights
Some of the zoo's most playful residents are located in the Australasia region. The White-cheeked gibbon is native to Australasia, which includes Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Indonesia. This medium-sized white and black furry primate lives in closely knit families. At this exhibit, this gibbon family regularly draws a crowd as they perform their antics on a jungle gym-like structure. Maneuvering through their area with the greatest of ease, the gibbons often pause to check out their visitors.
The Plains of Africa portion of the zoo is home to the most unique animals you will find in New England. Here you can get close to the baby giraffe and his parents. Observe the wildebeest, cheetah, zebra and African elephants in their meticulously recreated habitat which is intended to closely resemble their native homeland. The newest zoo inhabitants - the African Wild Dogs- arrived last week, and are quickly making their exhibit home.
The Marco Polo Trail symbolizes the explorer's journey through Asia in the late 13th century with a blend of historically and culturally inspired animal exhibits. This multi-faceted zoo experience was designed in 1996 and is one of the first of its kind in the country. Exhibits along the trail include the Dromedary camels, the Moon bear (otherwise known as the Asian black bear), and the nearly extinct snow leopard. The relaxed environment allows visitors to take in the printed information at each exhibit and observe each animal at their leisure.
Continuous Improvements
The Roger Williams Zoo is in the middle of a $35 million overhaul which will include many capital improvements. When the renovations and construction are completed, the "New Zoo" will have a new children's zoo area, elephant nursery with an immersion pool for bathing, and a state-of-the-art polar bear habitat. Set to debut this August is a new Giant Anteater exhibit. Construction at the zoo is ongoing and the overall project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
Other On-site Park Activities
The Roger Williams Park Zoo isn't the only attraction on the park grounds. There's a Victorian-era carousel, paddleboats, riverboat rides, bumper boats, a handicapped accessible playground, and pony rides within the Roger Williams Park. The Museum of Natural History, home to the Cormak Planetarium, is also located here. These activities aren't part of the zoo but are located on the park premises. Pay for each activity on location.
The 134 year-old Roger Williams Park Zoo has stood the test of time and is a longtime Southeastern New England favorite. Located just off Interstate 95 in Rhode Island, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling Providence outskirts. The zoo is fully handicapped accessible and open daily. There's free parking, and food is available inside the zoo. To learn more about the Roger Williams Park Zoo and all it has to offer, check out their website at www.rogerwilliamszoo.com.
Leave a comment