JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1
PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF R O G E R W I L L I A M S PA R K Z O O
WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO WORK AT THE ZOO? Amphibian Conservation in Chile WE ARE ALL PART OF THE RAINFOREST
welcome 2018! By Jeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society
A frog once sang, “It’s not easy being green.” We, at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, respectfully beg to differ. Being “green” is something everyone can and needs to do to keep our planet healthy. We continue to emphasize to all staff and Zoo guests to be green by developing simple, common sense habits. At the Zoo we have recently replaced many of our old light bulbs with highly efficient LED bulbs, installed motion sensors that turn lights off when
We are so excited about our new Rainforest exhibit that will be opening later this year. All of our guests who wander through this new exhibit will experience and learn about some of the most fascinating animals from the South American rainforest like toucans, howler monkeys, and critically endangered giant otters. Additionally, everyone will learn about what you can do to make a difference to keep the Rainforest healthy, and how your actions here in New
people are not in a room, eliminated costly water leaks, recycled over 51 tons of material every year, and composted 630 tons of animal waste – just to name a few of our many actions. We cannot do it alone however. We need everyone to join our efforts.
England matter to the survival of the Rainforest.
We are continuing to go green in 2018 by putting WILD Magazine online, and eliminating the print version saving reams of paper. This new digital “WILD” will offer additional content, publish quarterly, and have no adverse impact on our environment.
We have an incredible Zoo that truly does great things in the fields of conservation, animal care, and education, but we need your help. Together we can make an impactful difference! I look forward to seeing you at the Zoo. Dr. Jeremy Goodman, DVM
Ever wonder what it would be like to work at a zoo? Check out the positions below at: www.rwpzoo.org/about-us/careers CAREERS:
INTERNSHIPS:
Our Big Backyard Safety & Play Specialist
Conservation Internship
Program Registrar
Volunteer Opportunities:
ZooCamp Inclusion Specialist
Zoo Crew (Students in grades 7-12)
Lead Conservation Heroes ZooCamp Counselor ZooCamp Conservation Heroes Counselor ZooCamp Counselor ZooCamp Junior Counselor ZooCamp Director Wild Bunch Exhibit Staff 1
Wild Bunch Lead
Animal Care Internship
Horticulture Volunteer (Ages 18+) Play Partner (Age 16+)
Nearly two-thirds of all amphibian species are known
This initiative first began in 2007 as a conservation
to be threatened or in danger of extinction, with most
breeding facility for endangered Darwin’s frogs in Chile.
of these species rapidly declining. Lou Perrotti, expert
The project has since expanded to maintain critically
snake handler and Roger Williams Park Zoo’s director of
endangered populations of numerous endemic Chilean
conservation programs is doing what he can to protect
amphibians. While continuing the program’s long-term
the species including a trip to the lush, temperate forests
captive reproduction study, these efforts include an
of southern Chile this autumn. Commissioned by Dante
important field component: understanding the causes for
Fenolio, Ph.D, vice president of conservation and research
decline of these species. Testing for emerging wildlife
at the San Antonio Zoo and in partnership with the Austral
pathogens such as chytrid fungus, an infectious disease
University of Chile, Lou will bring his expertise to the
in amphibians, helps identify the species greatest
Chilean Amphibian Conservation Center to assist in field
conservation needs.
conservation work.
Amphibian Conservation in Chile
with Louis Perrotti With the aim of restoring these imperiled species
Lou believes it is his duty to protect the species for future
populations, identifying suitable release sites also comes
generations to come and to share his knowledge and raise
into play. Lou and a team of conservation experts will
awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.
assess the environmental needs of specific amphibian groups, and pinpoint appropriate natural habitats for future releases. Although the trip will only last a few weeks, the preservation of these endangered amphibians will be an ongoing battle. Protecting these species from the spread of fungal diseases, deforestation, and human involvement is a challenge, but it’s one these conservationists,
DID YOU KNOW? The male Darwin’s frog is the embodiment of the stay-at-home dad. When Darwin’s frog tadpoles hatch, a male frog swallows the tadpoles. These tadpoles will continue to develop in his vocal sac for two months until he coughs them up…as fullfledged frogs!
organizations and partners have gladly taken on. 2
Who’s Joining the
As the Rainforest building begins to take shape, the next logical question is who is going inside? What kind of animals will the public be able to see? More important, how did all those animals get to Rhode Island? We know they don’t hop on a plane or in the back seat of a car – or do they? Tim French, deputy director of animal programs at Roger Williams Park Zoo says, “Careful and exact planning goes into securing animals for a Rainforest or any exhibit at a Zoo. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, I am in touch with accredited Zoos across the country who may have an animal or animals that are perfect for our Rainforest. Our two howler monkeys joined us in late 2017, hailing from Cleveland and Houston. Both animals flew into T. F. Green airport, and veterinary staff picked them up from baggage claim. We will be awaiting our two helmeted curassows from San Diego as soon as the weather warms up. They will also arrive into T. F. Green Airport.” Generally, French explains, an animal keeper from the animal’s home zoo will make sure an animal is safe and comfortable in an animal carrier. The home zoo staff will take the animal to the airport, and help load the animal onto the plane. Generally, the animal arrives at the cargo office where Roger Williams Park Zoo staff pick-up the animal, and get him/her to his new home in Rhode Island. 3
PJ Jones, animal care manager at the Zoo, smiles as she recalls her recent “road trip” to and from the Tennessee Aquarium to pick up the two beautiful hyacinth macaws. Unlike a plane ride, an animal on a car ride gets time to interact a bit with Zoo staff before arriving in Rhode Island. Although an extended car ride may be difficult for the driver or drivers, a car ride allows temperature regulation, and a less stressful trip for the animals. “Additionally,” says Jones, “going to pick up the animals allows us to see them interacting in their old environment. It gives us as animal managers and care staff a much better idea of what is “normal” for the animal so we can help recreate a familiar environment in their new home, and settle them into our Zoo more quickly.” Two tamandua and two Linne’s two-toed sloths enjoyed a road trip from the mid-west to Rhode Island in January. The Rainforest, slated to open this summer, will be home to a number of animals new to the Zoo. In addition to the animals mentioned above, visitors will see Titi monkeys, a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish and birds including keel-billed toucans. Animals currently residing at the Zoo that will join the Rainforest include the Saki monkeys, tamarins, flamingoes, and giant anteater, for about 40 species total when the Rainforest opens.
We Are All
Part of the Rainforest
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall Excitement is building in anticipation of the opening of The Faces of the Rainforest exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo this summer. What does “Faces of the Rainforest” mean? Shareen Knowlton, director of education at Roger Williams Park Zoo, smiles as she answers. “Many might think, quite logically, that the title suggests the exhibit will focus on the indigenous people who live in the rainforest. However, at its core, the exhibit emphasizes that regardless of where we live, we are all part of the rainforest. Our actions, whether we realize it or not, affect the rainforest and it is up to us to decide what type of difference we want to make. That makes everyone a Face of the Rainforest.” Knowlton explains there are easy actions anyone can utilize that will make a positive difference. “Most of us go to the grocery store to buy food,” says Knowlton, “well now have some fun and Follow the Frog.” Products that have the “Follow the Frog” green frog symbol on them are Rainforest Alliance certified, meaning the ingredients have been grown in a rainforest-friendly manner. You can find the Follow the Frog symbol on many items, which may include a child’s favorite cereal, a morning cup of coffee at a local coffee chain, favorite chips, candy, shampoo, soaps – the list is endless. Knowlton explains that she challenges her son to find the frog on products when they shop thereby turning a shopping trip into a scavenger hunt. Buying products with sustainably grown palm oil also helps protect the rainforest. How does a consumer know which products contain sustainable palm oil – there is an app for that! AZA accredited Cheyenne Mountain Zoo developed a free app that lists products with certified
sustainable palm oil making it easy for consumers to purchase products that are rainforest-friendly. Want another rainforest-friendly action? Buy local, grassfed beef. Growing soybeans, which are turned into feed for cattle in the US and elsewhere, is one of the major causes of deforestation of the rainforest. So grass-fed beef is a better choice as it does not contribute to this deforestation. Finally, you can look for the FSC’s (Forest Stewardship Council) https://us.fsc.org/en-us tree logo on paper products. According to the FSC website, the mission of the organization is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. Why is this so important? The FSC label ensures that the product was created with material from a responsibly managed forest. “Making rainforest-friendly choices does not need to be difficult or expensive,” adds Knowlton. “Many companies, large and small, are following the wishes of their consumers and making sure their products are rainforest-friendly.” No matter where one shops, rainforest-friendly products are on the shelves at reasonable costs. Making a difference begins with small steps by each of us. It is good to know that through living our daily lives we can do something good for the rainforest. Now, if you are ready to go out and save the world…well watch this wonderful video first before you make any life altering decisions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iIkOi3srLo
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Jane Goodall
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YOU
Can Help Save Frogs Looking for a fun family activity? Love spending time outdoors? Want to help save frogs? As a FrogWatcher, you can! Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. FrogWatch trainings cover the importance of amphibians in the environment in an exciting, interactive class setting. Open to adults and children eight years of age and older, students learn how to: tell frog species apart by their calls, monitor local frog populations, and report findings to FrogWatch USA. There are ten species of frogs and toads located in Rhode Island. During the training participants learn to observe these native frogs through recordings, gain insight into their natural habitats, enjoy hands-on activities, and test the learned knowledge in this course to becoming a citizen scientist. “FrogWatch is an easy, enjoyable way for people who have an interest in amphibians and the environment to help,” states Lou Perrotti, the Zoo’s director of conservation programs. For more information or to register for FrogWatch, go to rwpzoo.org.
TRAINING DATES AT THE ZOO: • Saturday, March 3: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm • Sunday, March 4: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm 5
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO HELP: Start with keeping a pesticide-free lawn. Pesticides are toxic chemicals that end up in waterways, where amphibians live and breed. Next, be smart about creating an eco-yard –add native plants to attract local wildlife and create a safe-haven for amphibian species. You can even turn your yard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org). Stay responsible, if you or even your pet encounters an amphibian, study, look, listen, and then leave alone. Lastly, be an amphibian advocate! Spread the word, and share your newly gained knowledge with friends and family.
What’s Happening at the Zoo and Carousel Village Winter Wonder Days in January & February
Amazon Adventure
Admission half price every day at the Zoo. Half price admission does not include the Carousel.
Join Roger Williams Park Zoo at the Showcase Cinema, 1200 Quaker Lane, East Greenwich RI for the film AMAZON ADVENTURE. The film traces the extraordinary journey of naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates the most influential scientist you’ve never heard of who provided “the beautiful proof” to Charles Darwin for his then controversial theory of natural selection, the scientific explanation for the development of life on Earth.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ride the Carousel February 1 - March 31 Weekends: Noon – 4:00 pm April 1 - June 30 Weekdays: Noon – 6:00 pm Weekends: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm July 1 - Labor Day Daily: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Post Labor Day - Oct. 31 Daily: Noon – 4:00 pm November 1 - December 31 Weekends: Noon – 4:00 pm Please Note: School Holidays & Vacation Weeks 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Carousel Village is open year round for birthday parties and private events. For more information contact gsales@ rwpzoo.org.
Easter Bunny at the Carousel
March 22
Guests will enjoy animal encounters before the movie; and a question and answer session after each showing of the movie with Roger Williams Park Zoo executive director, Dr. Jeremy Goodman and director of conservation Lou Perrotti. 5:00 pm (doors open) movie at 5:30 pm – Free for Zoo Members only 6:30 pm (doors open) movie at 7 pm – General Public - $10 per person Tickets go on sale February 12. Tickets for members and general public ONLINE ONLY at rwpzoo.org. No tickets will be sold at the door.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday, March 24, Sunday, March 25 Friday, March 30 , Saturday, March 31
Party for the Planet April 16 – April 20 at the Zoo Enjoy a celebration of our environment and conservation efforts. Special animal party encounters, exciting for the guests and activities planet for all ages.
Camels, Ponies, Zip Ride and Trains – OH MY As the weather warms up, the rides open up. The camel and pony rides will be back in April, and be available through Labor Day. The train rides at the Carousel and Zoo, as well as the Zoo’s Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, will open in early April (weather permitting). Both rides will run on the weekends in April and May. Train and Soaring Eagle Zip Ride will open daily Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day. Please Note: The Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and Trains will operate every day during the Rhode Island April School Vacation April 16-20 weather permitting.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Roger Williams Park Zoo will close early on: Saturday, June 30, 2018 for Zoobilee; Saturday, August 25, 2018 for Brew at the Zoo. For complete information on closings, please visit rwpzoo.org; or follow us on Facebook.
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 Tandem Designworks
Photo Credits David Silverman Missy Wade
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.
2018 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
Liz Rollins Mauran John J. Palumbo
Chairman Emeritus Sophie F. Danforth
Trustees Ex-Officio Jeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo
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
Wendy Nillson Superintendent of Parks Providence Parks Department
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
* In Memoriam
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