PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO
Welcome!
By Stacey Johnson
Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society
It’s a new year, and I’m thrilled to share that your Zoo continues to thrive and grow—no matter the weather. In 2024, we enhanced our African experience with the Savanna Stroll, a vibrant new exhibit featuring hornbills, turacos, hamerkops, rollers, doves, and servals. Guests can also enjoy the enclosed giraffe aviary, now home to superb starlings, two species of weavers, and snowy-headed robin chats. Ten new species from around the world were brought to Providence by the generosity of private donors. Additionally, with the invaluable support of the City of Providence, we proudly unveiled a stunning new red panda habitat—designed to provide space, safety, and comfort for one of our most beloved animals.
Other new animal arrivals during 2024 included a young male giraffe coming to us from just up the road at Franklin Park Zoo; in Faces of the Rainforest, we welcomed the births of a golden lion tamarin and a sloth; and in Adaptations, a Matschie’s tree kangaroo recently emerged from her mother’s pouch.
In partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies from across the Northeast, our conservation and animal care teams successfully raised 51 New England cottontail rabbits – a species that appears similar to other
cottontails but is regionally distinct to our part of the country and disappearing rapidly in the wild; fourteen of the 2024 crop of rabbit kits were sent to Maine and New Hampshire for release in the wild. It was also the most successful year for the North American burying beetle recovery program in its 30-year history; the team bred and released 219 pairs of beetles on Nantucket.
That’s just the wildlife side of the equation. Among our human team’s accomplishments, we completed a new strategic plan for Roger Williams Park Zoo and will be rolling it out soon. Watch for details! We had our bestattended Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and daytime attendance peaked at over 500,000 guests. Volunteers contributed well over 5,000 hours of service to the Zoo in 2024. In addition to their daily responsibilities, Zoo staff serve leadership roles on local and regional advisory boards, national professional associations and non-profit boards.
And then there’s you. Your membership and support are the foundation of everything we do. Your generosity and loyalty make our work possible, empowering us to grow and thrive as an organization. Together with our dedicated team, you have helped expand Roger Williams Park Zoo’s impact through purchases, contributions, grants, and sponsorships.
Because of you, we remain Rhode Island’s number one attraction and a leader in wildlife conservation and professional zoo management.
As we look ahead to 2025, I’m excited for a year filled with adventure, opportunity, and continued partnership. From our Zoo family to yours, may the new year bring you happiness, success, and everything you wish for.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Winter Wonder Days
The Top Five Reasons To Visit The Roger Williams Park
1 It’s a Bargain!
Roger Williams Park Zoo offers half-price admission from January 1-February 28, 2025. (Members do not need advance tickets; all other visitors must purchase tickets online). If you have not been to the Zoo in the winter, come enjoy this season.
2 Enjoy The Peace
A winter zoo visit is usually much quieter, so not only will you have great views of your favorite animals, but you’ll be also able to spend more time enjoying the sights too. And you will likely get a great parking space too!
3 It’s Healthy
Make a start on your New Year’s resolutions and get your steps in. Getting some fresh air and surrounding yourself with nature is hugely beneficial to your mental and physical well-being. One full lap around the Zoo is at least 3500 steps.
Zoo In The Winter
4 Animals Are Active
January and February bring the perfect weather to New England for visiting the Zoo and seeing animals outside, enjoying nature’s cooler temperatures.
Snow leopards and red pandas are just some of the animals who love the colder weather and it’s easier to see our red wolves without all the foliage.
5 Warm up!
If it gets too chilly, take a break in the warm Rainforest and hang out in the Amazon-like exhibit, where you can get up close with some fun and fascinating creatures.
There is no reason NOT to visit Roger Williams Park Zoo this winter!
Recognizing
the Cooper Family
This month, we want to recognize long-time Zoo donors and members Karen, Bryan, and Justin Cooper for their many years of giving to Roger Williams Park Zoo. The Coopers have been lifelong friends and fans of the Zoo and are proud to be generous supporters. From a young age, Bryan remembers visiting the Zoo to see Alice and the elephants and watch their hijinks. Bryan remembers and has pictures of himself sitting on the Sentinel dog as a child, a Rhode Island rite of passage.
As a family, the Coopers have been coming to Roger Williams Park Zoo for decades. Bryan introduced Karen to the Zoo when they were first dating, and they have shared their love for each other and the Zoo ever since. Karen said she loves the Zoo as “a place for fresh air, sunshine, and a safe environment for children to explore.” They began taking their son Justin to the Zoo as a baby.
Justin was a dedicated volunteer for many years. As a child, Karen recalled Justin spending hours at the former prairie dog exhibit and with Alice and the elephants. Justin is an avid photographer who always liked to come in the morning before volunteering in the afternoon. As a volunteer, Justin loved connecting with guests and sharing his love of animals. As a speaker of American Sign Language, he fondly remembers connecting with a young deaf girl during her visit to the cheetah exhibit one day. “She was asking a question and signed to her mother. I answered her question by signing back
to her, and she lit up!” Karen and Bryan added that every staff member and volunteer had the same dedication to providing an engaging experience for guests. Moments like this are one of the many reasons for their support.
The Coopers are also frequent travelers and try to visit the Zoo in every city they travel to. Karen fell in love with river otters during a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, which they won in a Roger Williams Park Zoo auction. When she watched one of the river otters do a belly flop right onto a waterslide in their habitat, Karen became smitten with their playful and joyous nature. At Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Coopers have dedicated a bench in front of the North American river otter habitat so Karen can sit and watch the otters swim and engage with guests.
The Coopers say they love zoos because they build a relationship between humans and the natural world. “Our son has grown up at the Zoo, as have so many others, including me,” said Bryan. “When you bring someone to the Zoo at a young age, it creates an emotional attachment to animals, broadening your horizon. It makes you more interested in nature, preservation, and conservation.”
“Roger Williams Park Zoo is a shining example of how zoos bridge the gap between humans and animals.”
We are humbled and grateful for the generosity and support of individuals like Karen, Bryan, and Justin.
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Nine-Banded Armadillos
The Nine-Banded Armadillo: A Unique Mammal
The nine-banded armadillo is a fascinating creature known for its distinctive armor-like shell. These mammals are native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States to Argentina. Armadillos are primarily insectivores, feeding on ants, termites, and other invertebrates. They also consume fruits, roots, and carrion. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts.
Physical Characteristics
As its name suggests, the nine-banded armadillo has nine distinct bands of bony plates encircling its back, providing excellent protection against predators. These plates are connected by flexible bands of skin, allowing the armadillo to curl into a nearly impenetrable ball when threatened. They also have long, sharp claws well-suited for digging burrows and foraging food.
Unique Reproductive Traits
One of the most remarkable aspects of the nine-banded armadillo’s biology is its reproductive system. Unlike most mammals, nine-banded armadillos always give birth to identical quadruplets. This happens because a single fertilized egg splits into four separate babies, creating identical offspring.
Armadillo Pregnancies
The gestation period for nine-banded armadillos is approximately four months. The young are born fully developed and ready to leave the burrow within a few hours. Armadillo pups are born with their eyes closed and rely entirely on their mother for survival. At birth, their shells are soft and leathery. These harden within a few days to provide protection.
Our nine-banded armadillo Patsy is currently pregnant and will be due in February 2025!
You can meet our nine-banded armadillos at Connection Corner during the Zoo’s summer months!
Oinking
Our
Way
to
National Pig Day!
Every year on March 1st, we celebrate National Pig Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of these fascinating creatures. The founders of National Pig Day wanted to “accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized place, as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.”
Meet the pigs of Roger Williams Zoo!
Ossabaw Island Hog
Ossabaw Island Hog are native to Ossabaw Island off the coast of Georgia. These pigs are known for their small size, black or spotted coats, and remarkable hardiness. They are well-adapted to the harsh island environment and have a unique genetic makeup that makes them resistant to many common pig diseases. The Ossabaw Island hog is considered a critically endangered breed. While some breeding populations have been established off the island, the original feral population on Ossabaw Island is no longer in existence.
Fun Facts about PIGS
• Pigs are incredibly intelligent animals, ranking higher than dogs in many cognitive tests.
• Pigs are highly social creatures and enjoy the company of other pigs. They form strong bonds and even exhibit playful behavior like chasing and wrestling.
Babirusa
Babirusas are a unique pig species native to Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia. Most notably, males possess upwardcurving tusks that grow through their skin, resembling antlers more than traditional pig tusks. These unusual teeth serve a display function, likely used for intimidation during social interactions and mating rituals. Babirusas are primarily forest-dwelling creatures, spending their days foraging for fruits, leaves, and insects. They are excellent swimmers and are known to travel between islands. Sadly, habitat loss and hunting have significantly impacted babirusa populations, making them vulnerable.
• Pigs are surprisingly strong swimmers. Some pigs living on islands even enjoy swimming in the ocean.
Red River Hogs
Red river hogs are found in the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, living in groups led by a dominant male. They typically spend their nights foraging for food and their days resting in burrows. Red river hogs are omnivores, consuming a diverse diet of fruits, roots, insects, and even small vertebrates. Despite their name, these pigs are not particularly fond of rivers, but they are strong swimmers and often wallow in mud.
NATIONAL PIG DAY is a reminder to appreciate these intelligent and fascinating animals. Let’s celebrate their unique qualities and work towards a future where these species are protected and thriving!
• Pigs don’t sweat; they wallow in mud to cool down. The mud also protects their skin from sunburn and insects.
• Pigs have an incredible sense of smell, about 2,000 times stronger than humans!
New Education Center Groundbreaking December 4th
A new era of education begins at Roger Williams Park Zoo. The groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art Education Center marked a significant step forward in the Zoo’s mission to inspire young minds. This innovative facility will provide engaging and informative experiences for all ages, fostering a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the environment.
Speakers at the event included:
• Stacey Johnson – RWPZoo Executive Director
• Pat LeBeau, Rhode Island Zoological Society Board Chair
• The Honorable House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi
• The Honorable Senator Melissa Murray
• The Honorable Mayor Brett Smiley
• Elizabeth Winangun, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
Ren Matschie’s tree kangaroo
Born on June 13, 2024
ZOO BORNS
2024
Gustavo Southern Tamandua
Born on May 3rd, 2024
Scout
Baby Linne’s two toed sloth
Born on September 8, 2024
Leopold
Golden lion tamarin
Born on March 21st, 2024
Nora Golden lion tamarin
Born on August 29, 2024
Roger William Park Zoo Sends Staff to Help Restore North Carolina Nature Center After Hurricane Helene
After heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, the Western North Carolina Nature Center faced significant damage, including the destruction of its perimeter fence by floodwaters from a nearby river. Responding to a call for help from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Nature Center, a dedicated group of volunteers answered the plea for assistance.
The team embarked on an 18-hour journey to Asheville on Monday, November 11th, determined to help restore the facility’s safety and functionality. Early the next morning, they began the challenging task of rebuilding the perimeter fence. The flooding had washed away the land that supported the original fence, necessitating the clearing of a new path to install the replacement.
Over three days, the Zoo volunteers worked tirelessly to reestablish the fence, ensuring the Nature Center’s security and the safety of its wildlife. Their efforts underscore the spirit of collaboration and resilience that defines the AZA community in the face of adversity.
Thanks to the hard work of Vin Reilly, Wesley Morby, Tim Hage, Dave Pereira, Scott Follett, Mike Murphy, the Western North Carolina Nature Center has taken a significant step toward recovery, providing hope and inspiration for the local community.
Calling All Young Artists: Unleash Your Creativity and Help Endangered Species!
Are you a budding artist with a passion for wildlife? Then join us for the 8th annual Endangered Species Youth Art Contest.
Submissions open February 1st!
To celebrate Endangered Species Day on May 16, 2025, we invite K-12 grade students and homeschoolers in the New England area to submit their artwork showcasing threatened and endangered species. Your artwork can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
Let your imagination soar and create artwork that inspires others to join us in safeguarding these remarkable animals.
Your artwork could win incredible prizes:
• RWPZoo Family membership • Adopt-an-animal packages
• Zoo tickets
• Gift cards to Jerry’s Artarama
Click here for contest guidelines and to submit art
Special thank you to supporting partner:
Judges Choice Grand Prize Winner
Bella Tan - Golden cheeked warbler
6-8 1st Place
Abigail Duan - Red Hill Salamander
9-12 1st Place Tie
Kalina Liu - African Painted Dog
K-2 1st Place
Eamon O’Neill - Red Panda
Click here to download and print
Kids’ Corner Kids’ Corner
Upcoming Events at the Zoo & Carousel
JANUARY
• 1st to 31st: Winter Wonder Days (½ priced admission)
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Carousel Closed (open for private events)
• 4th: Free First Saturday
• 20th: MLK Day (schools closed)/Zoo Camp
FEBRUARY
• 1st to 28th: Winter Wonder Days (½ priced admission)
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12-4 pm
• 1st: Free First Saturday
• 2nd: Breakfast with the Rainforest Residents
• 17th-21st: February School Vacation Week (Zoo Open Monday through Sunday) and Zoo Camp
• 14th-17th: Great bird migration at the Big Backyard
MARCH
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12-4 pm
• 1st: Free First Saturday
• 16th: Breakfast with the Rainforest Residents
ZOO HOURS: 10am to 4pm
*Zoo closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Except for Holidays and School Vacation Weeks) through March 31st. Visit rwpzoo.org for more info
Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence
Editorial
Roger Williams Park Zoo Department of
Marketing and Public Relations
Corrie Ignagni
Vicki Scharfberg
Maxine Colvin
WILD is an online publication of the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659
For membership information call (401) 785-3510 x375 or visit rwpzoo.org.
2025 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP,® Chair
Sandra L. Coletta, Vice Chair
Margaret Ferguson, Secretary
Maribeth Q. Williamson, Treasurer
Board of Trustees
Nancy Allen
Martha Bower
Douglas Caniglia
Claire Carrabba, Esq
Cheryl Cohen
Sarah Denby
Samir Dhamija
Cindy Erickson
Pamela W. Heffernan
John Igliozzi, Esq
Howard Merten, Esq
Damaris Messina
John H. Mullen
Jack Murray
John J. Palumbo
Steven M. Parente
Karen Silva EdD, CHE
Dameian Slocum, Ed.D.
Ex-Officio
Stacey Johnson
Executive Director
Rhode Island Zoological Society/
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Wendy Nilsson
Superintendent of Parks
Providence Parks Department
Chair Emerita
Sophie F. Danforth*
Trustees Emeriti
Margaret E. Curran, Esq.
Thomas P. Dimeo*
Jocelin Hamblett
James S. Harper III, VMD*
Bradford B. Kopp
Arthur D. Little
Liz Rollins Mauran
Nancy G.R. Moger
Richard Nadeau
Jane S. Nelson
Cate M. Roberts
Philip A. Segal, Jr.
Robert F. Stoico
*deceased
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Designer Sara Beatrice Tandem Designworks
Photo Credits
Roger Williams Park Zoo
