SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2
PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO
INSIDE: faces of the rainforest world of adaptations animals where do all those pumpkins go?
welcome!
By Jeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society
It takes a team of dedicated staff to make Roger Williams
is safe while enjoying this
Park Zoo one of the most beloved Zoo’s in the country. When
exhilarating attraction.
you visit, we hope that your focus is on our amazing animals,
The ride is
our knowledgeable staff, and the many activities that may
sensational
be going on during your visit such as train rides, the zip ride
during the day
Construction is still underway for the Zoo’s new rainforest exhibit, and with it comes the
and animal encounters. What you may not see is the Zoo’s
as passengers look
anticipation of fun and exciting new animal additions. Although not set to open until summer of
team of more than 200 highly trained professionals. Men and
out over the City of
2018, we want to give you a sneak peek into the lives of these incredible creatures.
women in all fields from finance to veterinary care operate
Providence and the
You will get excited when you see the South American giant river otter. Did you know that this
this organization efficiently, ensuring that our guests have a
Narragansett Bay. The
incredible animal can reach lengths of up to six feet long when full-grown?
marvelous experience during every visit.
scenery at night with the
Wait until you meet the Titi monkeys who mate for life, and can typically be seen sitting or
dazzling glow of more than
sleeping in pairs with their tails intertwined.
With the advent of our beautiful New England falls and
5,000 pumpkins and the city lights add to the magnificence
often-cold winters, we are less crowded than in the summer.
of the popular pumpkin extravaganza.
Therefore, fall and winter are the perfect time to seek out our animal keepers, and ask them about the animals in their
As always, we will host our Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular for 32
care. The keepers are highly knowledgeable in all aspects of
nights. It takes a committed team to organize and host this
husbandry, the history of each species, and the personality of
signature fundraising event, which involves every member of
each animal. They enjoy sharing the joy and love they have
the staff as well as hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers.
Of course, a howler monkey’s cry, often heard at a distance of up to two or three miles away, will keep you amazed as you walk through this new exhibit. These three animals are just some of the fun and fascinating creatures you will discover in the Zoo’s awe-inspiring new rainforest exhibit. We don’t want you to miss out on your old favorites like the giant anteater, Chilean flamingos and white-faced saki – who will also call the new rainforest home. Whether you are interacting with toucans and troupials (troupials are a large passerine bird species found in Central America and tropical South America) inside the exhibit’s free-flight aviary or viewing an anaconda and colorful tropical fish, this immersive
for each animal with everyone. Remember the next time you visit to stop and chat with
wildlife experience will take you on a journey to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Adults
We are making tremendous progress on our new rainforest
anyone on the staff. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, make
and children will discover how these diverse species, big and small, create the complex
building. Most of the summer we were busy installing
a comment, or give us your opinion. As I stated at the
ecosystem rainforests thrive on, and learn what we can all do to ensure they survive.
necessary underground pipes and wires. You can now see
beginning, it takes a dedicated team to run a Zoo, and our
Although you may have to endure the cooler months before greeting these spectacular
the structure begin to take shape, and soon the team will be
goal is to provide you as well as our other 650,000 annual
animals, construction on the rainforest exhibit will be heating up this fall! We have wrapped up
inside the building focusing on the variety of inhabitants that
guests the best experience possible!
all underground plumbing, stabilization and foundation work, and continue to pull full steam
will call the Roger Williams Park Zoo rainforest home. Dr. Jeremy Goodman, DVM Our new zip ride will offer breathtaking views 115 feet above the Zoo during our nighttime Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. A highly-skilled group of ride operators and admissions staff is overseeing the zip ride, and making sure that everyone
ahead on our next phase of production – framing, windows and life support installation. From backhoes and cement mixers to cranes lifting upwards of 100+ tons (or 200,000 lbs.), guests may witness these massive and powerful vehicles in action all season long. Construction fans young and old will marvel as this exhibit comes to life before their very eyes. Watch as carpenters and heavy equipment operators assemble the rainforest’s entire exterior foundation to create a spacious and sunlit structure – made for a tropical oasis. The real fun begins as we work to secure a weather-tight exhibit just in time for the winter months. Exotic horticulture will create an immersive experience through beautifully detailed cascading waterfalls and primate viewing areas allow unique, close-up animal encounters. With the grand opening set for next summer, we hope you will embark on this WILD adventure with us, and all of the rare and exciting creatures waiting for you!
1
2
World of Adaptations Has a House Full of Charismatic Animals
Do All Tho e r e se h W
Pumpkins Go?
If you are one of the hundreds of thousands that has seen the
Albaugh also explains that while many of the Zoo’s animals love a
Walk in the World of Adaptations building off Wilderness Plaza,
The Bali Starling also known as Rothschild’s Mynah, Bali
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular presented by Citizens Bank, you
pumpkin treat, staff cannot feed them pumpkins treated with any
and one will see children and adults alike marveling at two of
Myna or Bali Mynah, is a medium-sized (about 9.8 inches/25 cm)
know that on each night of the 32-night extravaganza there are
kind of chemical or parchment paper. “The folks at Passion for
the Zoo’s small but charismatic animals, the Australia Snake-
stocky bird of the starling family. British ornithologist Lord Walter
over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins along the Zoo’s Wetlands Trail.
Pumpkins do give us pumpkins that are whole and fresh for the
Neck Turtle, most prevalent in the eastern part of Australia, and
Rothschild discovered this stunning bird in 1910. The species is
Did you ever wonder what happens to all those pumpkins when
animals.” Often guests will see the animals enjoying those special
the Rothschild’s Bali Mynah, the national bird of Bali. World of
almost completely white with a long, drooping crest, and black
the event is over?
yummy fall treats during the Spooky Zoo event the last weekend
Adaptations is also home to some of the Zoo’s most popular
tips on the wings and tail. The bird has blue bare skin around
and exciting animals. Visitors spend time watching the colorful
the eyes, greyish legs and a yellow bill. Males and females look
hornbill, adorable Matschie’s tree kangaroo, endangered
similar. Ruggiero explains, “If you listen carefully, you will hear the
radiated tortoise, the active gibbons and one of the newest in the
bird make a loud ‘tschcik tschick tschick tschik’ sound. When the
family – the Komodo dragon.
bird takes off, it makes a ‘creer’ sound and then a loud ‘kwik-
The Australian Snake-Neck Turtle hails from Australia, primarily Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and southeastern South Australia. Lisa Ruggiero, lead keeper in World of Adaptations says, “Generally the reptile is about 26 cm or 10 inches long, with a long neck, about half the length of its shell. It uses its webbed feet for swimming and digging. “The color of the shell varies but tends to be
kwi.’ Often the song includes loud chattering notes, whistles and high-pitched sounds.” The Bali Starling qualifies as critically endangered, hovering immediately above extinction in the wild. The last true home of the species is at Bali Barat National Park,
the only event that is
illuminated pumpkins,” continues Albaugh, “Artists carve about
going green at the Zoo.
20,000 pumpkins between the first Thursday of October and first
Zoobilee Feast with the
Sunday in November. That is a lot of pumpkins, and we do not just
Beasts, had the greenest
throw them in the trash once the Spectacular ends.”
event in its 26-year
the Bali Starling’s survival. The wild population was at an all-time
multi-media production
Neck Turtle’s time is in freshwater environments, but it will make overland movements in search of new waterholes and nesting areas. “The
glands giving the animal its nickname - stinker,” Ruggiero
in Charlestown, RI. While guests on any given night see 5,000
for Pumpkins, the
the Australian Snake-
threatened, it will emit an offensive smelling fluid from its musk
Spectacular is not
so much in danger that that national park has been set up just for
explains that most of
tadpoles and small fishes,” she says. “When the turtle feels
Jack-O-Lantern
is over, the pumpkins go to a compost pile at Earth Care Farms
Mike Finizza at Passion
shades.” Ruggiero
in October.
grounds manager at Roger Williams Park Zoo, “Once the show
where about 1,000 birds may be living. In fact, the Bali Starling is
within a variety of brown
animal is carnivorous and feeds on aquatic invertebrates,
According to David Albaugh, horticulture and buildings and
history this past June. “Five years ago,” says Albaugh “We had 20 overflowing dumpsters of trash. This year, we had only 28 bags of trash. Plus we were able to compost over one ton of materials.”
low of just six birds in
company that carves and
2001, after poachers
illuminates the pumpkins
Year-round, Roger Williams Park Zoo strives to keep the
for the illegal pet trade
says, “Pumpkins may
environment clean. Every day, guests encounter opportunities to
reduced the late-
last a couple of days
recycle plastics, paper, and other articles. Drinks served in plastic
1990s wild population
depending on the
cups do not come with plastic covers or straws, and we do not
of only three to four
weather. If the weather is
offer plastic shopping bags in the gift shops all to reduce the
dozen. Additionally,
cool and dry, a pumpkin
amount of plastic in landfills, and keep it out of the environment
reasons for extinction
may stay fresh for a week. If we endure a damp, warm October,
include urbanization of
the pumpkins do not stay crisp. The goal is to keep the pumpkins
the island and illegal
always looking fresh. Additionally, once we carve the design, we
trapping for the caged-
want the glow to be perfect so we use a special type of parchment
bird trade. Unfortunately, the number of captive birds bought on
paper that helps with the glow and keeps the rain out; the great
the black market may be twice the number of legally acquired
thing is it’s 100% compostable.” Albaugh adds that the paper
birds in the captive breeding program.
composts quickly, making it environmentally friendly.
comments with a knowing smile. During the summer, females dig
Next time you are in World of Adaptations, stop by and visit
holes in sand or in soft sediments along stream banks and lay
both the Australian Snake-Neck Turtle and the Mynah bird.
about ten eggs. The eggs occasionally provide a meal for water
Spend a few minutes watching the turtle swim and listening to
rats and lizards; and fish and birds eat hatchlings while moving
the Mynah bird sing.
where wildlife may ingest the plastics and die. We know that many of you are also striving to participate in activities at home to help our environment. We want to hear from you. Tell us what you do at home to be “green!” Post to our Facebook page and share your great ideas with all our fans too!
cars overland may kill adults. 3
4
e t a br e cel us g in p el h or f ou y k t han
What’s Happening at the zoo Breakfast with the Elephants (Ages 7+) Saturday, September 30 (rain or shine); 8:30 am
Zoo Career Workshop Thank you to our Zoobilee 2017 Food & Beverage Providers
The 26th annual Zoobilee, held on Saturday, June 24th, raised over $250,000 to support Roger William’s Park Zoo’s education and conservation programs. We gratefully thank our sponsors, volunteers and party guests:
Presenting Sponsor
Elephant Entourage
Leopard League Janci Foundation
Bison Brigade B Street Foundation Sophie F. Danforth
NESCTC Rhode Island Monthly Maribeth, Abby & Sam Williamson
WPRI 12 & Fox Providence Yoder & Tidwell, Ltd.
Kangaroo Crew Dimeo Construction Company First Hartford Realty Corporation Frank & Liz Mauran
A.B. Munroe Dairy, Inc. Susan Aguiar Domenic & Sandy Coletta Coventry Lumber DCI Construction
Meridian Printing Jonathan M. Nelson Pawtucket Credit Union Phenix & Coventry Home Care
Skurka Construction Inc. Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Wines & More
Gibbon Gang Abbott-Action, Inc. Bank Rhode Island Mark & Ellen Borreliz Duffy & Sweeney, Ltd. Essilor of America Feinberg & McBurney Realty/ Development LLC
Budd & Robin Fisher Barry & Sandy Gertz Dr. & Mrs. James S. Harper, III The Hilb Group of New England, Richard & Mary Padula and Kevin & Lori Lovett
Ivory Ella Patrick Lebeau & Meghan Rawson Massage Envy Spa Miles River Direct Jane S. Nelson New England Fence Company
Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP David L. Renaud DDS LTD Sensata Technologies Signature Printing, Inc. Swarovski Tarbox Toyota Textron
Chair
The Aviary Restaurant & Bar Avvio Ristorante Barefoot Wine & Bubbly Boston Culinary Group Cape Cod Ice Cassarino’s Ristorante Chomp Kitchen & Drinks Douglas Wine & Spirits Dunkin’ Donuts Edgewood Cheese Shop & Eatery Edible Arrangements El Rancho Grande Mexican Cuisine Frenchy’s Carousel Cafe, Inc. Gilded Tomato Company Go Nuts Co. GPub Gregg’s Restaurants Harpoon Brewery India Restaurant Iron Works Tavern Legal Sea Foods Little Rhody Foods McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks Mill’s Tavern New Harvest Coffee Roasters Not Your Average Joe’s Pepsi Bottling Company Pure Beverage Systems, Inc. Red Stripe Restaurant Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel Rhody Fresh Milk & Cheese Rick’s Roadhouse Snookers Sports Billiards Bar & Grill Starbucks Coffee Company Sweet Indulgence Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille Texas Roadhouse Trinity Brewhouse TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill Union Station Brewery Uno Pizzeria & Grill Vino Gelato Vino Veritas
Patrick Wholey, President and General Manager, WPRI 12/Fox Providence/myRITV
Michael Colabella Bob Conrad Jacqueline Daly Brooke Fairman
Jennifer Foster Jeremy Goodman, DVM Elizabeth Grover Kathy Haronian
Mark Haskins Patrick T. Lebeau Debra LeClerc Judy Lockard
9:30 am – 4:00 pm (rain or shine)
A Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Family Overnight (Families with children ages 6+) Saturday, October 21 and Saturday, October 28 6:30 pm – 10:00 am
Spooky Zoo Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular presented by Citizens Bank October 5 – November 5 Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday sold online only.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Breakfast with the Moon Bears (Ages 7+) Sunday, November 5 (rain or shine); 8:30 am
Visit rwpzoo.org for more info!
Erin McKenney Byron M. McMasters Dave Oberlander Mary Searle Sara Whitney
Rhode Island Zoological Society • Roger Williams Park Zoo • 401.941.3910 • rwpzoo.org
Bronx Zoo Day Trip: Special Fall Edition
Winter Festival
(Ages 5+) Saturday, November 11, 2017; 7:30 am - 10:00 pm
12:00 – 3:00 pm and 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Rock & Roar A Rock-A-Baby Concert Series Saturday, October 28 HALLOWEEN HOP Two shows! 10:30 am & 12:00 pm Saturday, November 18 BIRD BALL, 10:30 – 11:15 am Saturday, January 20, 2018 DINO STOMP, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Saturday, December 2
Carousel Village – open year round Carousel Hours: Post Labor Day – October 31 Daily 12:00 – 4:00 pm November 1 – December 31 Weekends 12:00 – 4:00pm Please Note: School Holidays & Vacation Weeks 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, February 10, 2018 RAINFOREST REEL 10:30 – 11:15 am
Thinking about the holidays already?
wild
¡ Holiday
Gift Ideas:
• Purchase a Zoo membership and give a gift that lasts all year long. • Priceless memories with the purchase of day passes, or certificates for animal encounters. • Visit Wildlife Trading and give the gift of a warm hoodie, festive t-shirt or other exciting gift items.
Please follow us online and share your photos and stories! 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 Marketing and Public Relations Department Corrie Ignagni Diane Nahabedian Beth Pincince Missy Wade
Designer Sara Beatrice Falcone Communications & Design
Photo Credits David Silverman Missy Wade
WILD is published in conjunction with Rhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc. by the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659
Committee Members Nancy Allen Sara Beatrice Douglas Caniglia Katharine Ciszewski
(Ages 13 – 17) Saturday, October 14
Boo at the Zoo
Subscription by membership only. Call (401) 785-3510 x375 for membership information or visit rwpzoo.org.
2017 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers Maribeth Q. Williamson, Chair Howard Merten, Vice Chair Sandra L. Coletta, Treasurer Margaret Ferguson, Secretary Board of Trustees Kristen Adamo Nancy Allen Douglas Caniglia Barbara Cottam Dana L. Goldberg Suzanne M. Hall James S. Harper III, VMD Mark Haskins Lisa P. Koelle Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP® Kimberley M. Little
Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org
Liz Rollins Mauran Elaine Moy-Gederman John J. Palumbo Martha Roberts John D. Sinnott Trustees Ex-Officio Jeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo Wendy Nillson Superintendent of Parks Providence Parks Department
Chairman Emeritus Sophie F. Danforth Trustees Emeritus Margaret E. Curran, Esq. Thomas P. Dimeo Rosalie Fain* Jocelin Hamblett Stephen Hamblett* Bradford B. Kopp Arthur D. Little Nancy G. R. Moger Richard Nadeau Jane S. Nelson Michael C. Noble Cate M. Roberts Michael A. Salvadore, Sr.* Philip A. Segal, Jr. Robert F. Stoico * In Memoriam
6
Always AN Adventure!
Nonprofit org US Postage Paid Permit No 168 Providence, RI
Rhode Island Zoological Society, Inc. Roger Williams Park Zoo 1000 Elmwood Ave. Providence, RI 02907-3659
NEW THIS YEAR Ride the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and witness 5,000 pumpkins from 115 feet in the air.
presents
PRESENTING SPONSOR
October 5 – November 5
GIANT PUMPKIN SPONSOR
MASTER CARVER SPONSOR
For more information visit rwpzoo.org/jols
LAUGHING TREE
HARVEST SPONSORS
PUMPKIN PATCH SPONSORS