2020 Fall WILD Magazine

OCTOBER 2020 VOLUME 23, ISSUE 4

P U B L I S H E D F O R F R I E N D S O F R O G E R W I L L I A M S PA R K Z O O

October 1 – November 1

welcome!

By Jeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society

Providence, RI has long been known as one of the top food

generous grant from The Champlin Foundation, the Zoo has a

cities in the US. Now some of that culinary magic has come

new animal commissary located behind the education center

to the Zoo! I am pleased to announce that our Zoo’s new

where all the food that our animals eat will be stored and

partner, SSA is now providing an all new food experience

prepared for consumption.

for our guests. The Zoo will has reinvented our eateries into Tuskers and Nourish 401. A third location, Slice will hopefully

Providing a high-quality experience for our guests, ensuring

be opening in 2021. People dining in the park will be treated

that our animals have top-notch facilities, and producing

to meals with fresh ingredients prepared just for them. In

exceptional events like our Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular are

feedback provided by guests like you, we heard that we had

not inexpensive endeavors. As the Zoo continues to recover

to step up our game when it came to our food offerings. I’m

from the devastating financial effects of the Covid-19 virus

sure you will be pleased with the changes. Make sure to try

I once again urge you to give to the emergency fund and

them out and let us know what you think!

support us in any way possible. Your contribution will ensure that your Zoo will remain New England’s premier institution

Our animals also require the best food possible to stay happy

for education, conservation, and animal care.

and healthy. They eat restaurant quality produce as well as the highest quality diets available. Up until now, all animal

I look forward to seeing you at the Zoo!

diets were prepared in a small room behind the Sophie Danforth administration building. Now, thanks to a very

DISCOVER A WORLD OF

October 1 – November 1 1

Tickets are online sales ONLY Click here to purchase 

click to donate!

CELEBRATE OCTOBER AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO October in New England is a time to enjoy the autumn leaves, cooler temperatures and of course Halloween. Many are asking how we can enjoy a beautiful October and be safe and healthy as we enjoy some of our traditional Fall events.

read on to find out!

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October 1 – November 1 YES, YES, YES – Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is BACK!!! A slightly different version due to COVID 19 restrictions, Citizens presents a drive-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, November 1, 2020. Celebrate Special Places while staying safe inside your car enjoying thousands of intricately carved pumpkins as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Halloween season.

Driving through Roger Williams Park Zoo is much different than strolling on the Wetlands Trail. We ask that all our guests adhere to the following:

through a portion of the Zoo itself! Patrons will view pumpkins from trees, on the side

• Large commercial or oversized vehicles, motorcycles, open side vehicles, and recreational devices (bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc.) are not permitted.

of the trail, and just about everywhere the eye can see.

• No busses or RVs.

This is the tenth season Citizens is sponsoring Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, one of New

• Minivans and pickup trucks are permissible.

England’s most signature events. Thanks to Citizens adults and children can participate

• Roofs must be on Jeeps and convertibles.

The trail will wind from the Zoo’s parking lot, into the admissions plaza and even

in this explosion of sights, sounds, colors, and music that make October such a special time in Rhode Island.

The Zoo is also grateful for the continuing support from Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses. Cardi’s supports the Zoo year-round and increases the Zoo’s Jack-OLantern Spectacular visibility through their promotion.

The trail will be open every night 6:30 – 11:00 pm. Gates will close at 10:30 pm. Tickets

• NO HONKING. Maximum speed 3 mph.

• NO PASSING • Guests may not exit their vehicle during the duration of the tour.

• Tailgates, doors, and hatchbacks must be closed.

the gate. Tickets, on sale now at rwpzoo.org/jols, are $50 per vehicle; Zoo members

• Smoking and alcohol are not permitted within the zoo.

$45 per vehicle. Reciprocal membership discounts, and AAA discounts are not offered

• No pets in vehicles.

are online sales ONLY and sold for each half hour. Absolutely no tickets will be sold at

in 2020.

thank you to our sponsors

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IMPORTANT VEHICLE INFORMATION

thank you citizens!

For more than two decades, Citizens has had the distinct

the customized virtual backgrounds, snap and share.

pleasure of supporting the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of our

We’re looking forward to seeing your photos!

region’s foremost centers for conservation and environmental

(citizensmemories.com/jols)

education. Since our founding in 1828, our customers and the communities we serve have been the cornerstone of our work, and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which welcomes more than a 100,000 visitors annually from across New England and beyond, celebrates that mission.

As you leisurely cruise through the trail in the comfort of your own vehicle during this first-ever drive-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, be sure to take in the more than 5,000 artfully carved

This year, we looked with eager anticipation to marking our 10th

glowing pumpkins

anniversary of sponsorship of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular;

that exemplify this

a one-of-a-kind event inviting people of all ages to behold

year’s theme, “Special

the breathtaking creativity of local artists and community

Places.” More than just

organizations – and enjoy some good ‘ol spooky family fun!

stunning pumpkins,

As the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact our community,

the Jack-O-Lantern

we all experienced unprecedented challenges as workplaces,

Spectacular is a feast for

organizations and individuals were forced to rethink, reset and

the senses; an explosion

recalibrate in every way possible. At Citizens, we’ve learned

of sights, sounds, colors

that it is in times like these; times of hardship and adversity, that

and music that shows

we witness the true resilience of the human spirit, and watching

why October such an

the Jack-O-Lantern be reinvented in a new and exciting way has

extraordinary time in

been nothing short of inspirational.

Rhode Island, nowhere

We applaud the tireless efforts of the staff of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and organizers of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular who

more so than here at the Zoo.

never gave up on bringing this event, one of the most highly

As we continue our long-

anticipated of the fall season throughout all of New England, to

standing commitment

the public in a safe, healthy, engaging and enchanting way. We

to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and the communities we

encourage Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular visitors to take part in the

serve, we are confident you’ll enjoy every moment of this

virtual photo booth – a fun, simple and exciting new way we can

unparalleled event that raises funds for the zoo’s animal welfare

digitally experience the event together while making memories

and conservation initiatives. Have fun, make memories and

with family and friends. We may not be gathering in real life right

share your images from the virtual photo booth. See you on the

now, but that’s no reason we can’t connect. Choose from one of

pumpkin trail!

SPOOKTACULAR October 31 and November 1 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Roger Williams Park Zoo is known for its annual Spooky Zoo held the last weekend in October. Due to COVID-19 restrictions Spooky Zoo is different in 2020. Instead of a daytime event – kids can enjoy SPOOKTACULAR on October 31 and November 1, 6:30 - 9:30 pm as they drive through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Every child will receive trick or treat bags provided by our friends at Tarbox, as they sit in the comfort of their vehicle. Along the trail, as kids witness the extraordinary pumpkins – they will spy RI Comic Con costumed characters safely giving out sealed candy thanks to Citizens. What would Halloween be without some sweet treats? SPOOKTACULAR is included in the price of the drive-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular ticket.

Children 12 and under who visit the Zoo in costume during the day on October 31 and/or November 1 will receive admission for half price. There will be no Spooky Zoo activities nor any candy available. Be assured that Roger Williams Park Zoo is committed to providing family fun everyone safely and in compliance with all State of Rhode Island COVID-19 regulations. See you on the pumpkin trail!

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Meet the Zoo’s Wild Neighbors

By David Gregg and Jo Yellis

More and more, people are seeing coyotes around their

Roger Williams Park Zoo. Roger Williams Park Zoo is a partner

neighborhood, and in their yard. The animals we see in rural

on an important research project investigating these questions

towns, suburbs, or even in the center of Providence, are

by using GPS technology to track coyotes in urban, suburban,

eastern coyotes, descendants of the western coyote with a

and rural spaces around Rhode Island.

small amount of wolf and dog DNA woven in during a period of interbreeding many years ago. Eastern coyotes have been established residents of coastal New England since the 1970’s.

“hot spots,” places with especially heavy coyote traffic. She then sets up specially designed soft-hold traps at these hot

Before European settlers came to America and cleared the

spots. When she catches a coyote, she and a veterinarian

forests, wolves were a top predator in eastern North America.

collect data on the coyote’s age, size, sex, and health and

Over the last century, the forests have come back and along

attach a collar with a GPS tracker and other radio beacons.

with the trees have come deer, turkey, beaver, fisher, and the

They then release the coyote back to the wild. The process

eastern coyote.

enables Dr. Mitchell to follow the coyote’s activities observing

The questions often asked are: How has the eastern coyote been able to spread so rapidly? How can they live successfully

where he/she sleeps, hunts, and dens; and how he/she interacts with humans and coyotes from neighboring packs.

so close to humans? What is the effect of these new predators

Two coyotes were collared in Roger Williams Park in the

on the ecology of New England?

spring. One was an “alpha” male—a pack leader—who was

Dr. Numi Mitchell, of The Conservation Agency, has studied Rhode Island coyotes for over 15 years, mostly in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. Now a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is allowing her to expand her

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Dr. Mitchell uses reports from the public to help identify coyote

given the name “Nicker,” and the other was an alpha female who was named “Whinny.” Unfortunately, Nicker’s career in research was cut short when he was hit and killed by a car, an all too common occurrence, but Whinny went on to give birth to a litter of pups at a most unusual location.

research statewide. Additionally, working on the project with

Whinny’s tracking data shows that the athletic fields at

Dr. Mitchell are the Rhode Island Natural History Survey and

Johnson & Wales University are part of her pack’s territory.

While it normally would make no sense for a coyote to

By learning more about coyote habits, this research will point

excavate a den so close to human activity, that’s exactly what

out ways that humans can co-exist with coyotes, ways that are

this alpha female did. It may be related to COVID. In the early

safe for both humans and coyotes. Safe co-existence is vital

days of the pandemic, the fields were closed, and human

because the coyotes are not going away; tricks of their biology

activity subsided, creating the perfect conditions for coyotes to

and territoriality make it virtually impossible to hunt them

give birth and raise a family.

out of Rhode Island. And besides, coyotes perform valuable

Since the pups arrived and made their presence known, their safety became a concern. Left alone coyotes are naturally shy and stay away from people. However, when humans give

ecological services: as they forage, coyotes help control the populations of deer that are overgrazing our forests and of rodents and with them the ticks that carry Lyme disease.

food to coyotes, especially pups, it teaches them to connect

Eastern coyotes are beautiful animals that have proven to

food with humans. That is unsafe for both the humans and

be highly adaptable. Their habitat includes a variety of

the coyotes. If the coyote becomes too bold, people then call

natural and human surroundings: forests and fields,

to have them removed. In response, the Zoo, along with the

scrublands and wetlands, parks and golf courses, suburban

study partners and their public outreach arm, CoyoteSmarts,

backyards and even built up urban areas like those around

are putting up signs around the area to discourage contact and

Roger Williams Park.

feeding. It is expected that the animals will disperse before athletic activity resumes in the fall.

So, if you happen to see a coyote, enjoy the sight of this beautiful, adaptable wild animal. But please don’t feed

As coyotes are becoming more common in our area, conflicts

them. Help us keep our wildlife wild and our pets and

with human residents and domestic animals are increasing.

communities safe.

For more information about the coyote study, please visit the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study website at www. theconservationagency.org/coyote or the coyote research page at www. coyotesmarts.org. ********************************************* David Gregg is executive director of the RI Natural History Survey. Jo Yellis is project coordinator for CoyoteSmarts, a public information initiative of the Potter League for Animals, Norman Bird Sanctuary, Aquidneck Land Trust, Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, Eastern RI Conservation District, RI Natural History Survey, and The Conservation Agency, home to the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study.

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Saving the New England Cottontail

augment existing populations.” Alongside the reintroduction efforts, he added, is a habitat restoration component in which several other partner institutions participate.

According to Perrotti, the National Wildlife Refuge serves as a perfect location in which to introduce captive-bred New England cottontails into their natural habitat. The park’s 350In July, Roger William Park Zoo’s director of conservation

acre release site is the ideal spot to ease the rabbits into their

programs Lou Perrotti was joined by agents from U.S. Fish &

transition to life in the wild.

Wildlife Service and University of Rhode Island biologists in releasing a pair of New England cottontails at Charlestown’s Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.

said Perrotti, referencing the park’s voraciously growing grasses, shrubs and thickets which provide excellent food

The New England cottontail, a species of rabbit native to

and shelter for native wildlife. “The Refuge is also the last site

parts of New England and New York, is closely related to

where we observed wild New England cottontails in Rhode

the non-native Eastern cottontail, the most common rabbit

Island, back in 2006.”

species in North America. Both habitat loss and competition with its Eastern cousin have decimated New England cottontail populations over the last 50 years.

Since 2010, New England Cottontail captive breeding institutions have made promising progress toward boosting cottontail numbers, releasing over 300 captive-bred

Researchers from the International Union for Conservation

specimens into the wild. Partners also work to protect and

of Nature estimate there are less than 17,000 New England

restore habitat throughout the range of this species. Roger

cottontails left in the wild, spread throughout southern

Williams Park Zoo continues to play an integral role in restoring

Maine, southern New Hampshire, parts of Massachusetts,

New England cottontail populations through breeding and

Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York east of the Hudson

reintroduction programs.

River. The remaining cottontails in the wild occupy less than one fifth of their historic range.

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“It’s a perfect early successional habitat, which they prefer,”

The Zoo’s New England cottontail program, like many others, was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in early

“It’s our only native cottontail rabbit,” said Perrotti. “The goal

2020. After successful years in 2018 and 2019 - seeing over

for the project is to breed rabbits in captivity and reintroduce

150 specimens released into locations around New England

them throughout New England to create new populations and

- the rapid spread of the virus brought the 2020 breeding

season to a grinding halt. According to Perrotti, there were too many uncertainties to continue the captive breeding programs.

“At the Zoo, we had to split the staff up, we didn’t know what interstate travel would look like or whether we could do releases across state lines,” Perrotti said, noting that many state and federal biologists were left in a similar state of flux.

“We were unable to go out in groups and do field work so that hampered what we could do, how we could do it, and when we could

“It’s our only native cottontail rabbit,”

do it. Unfortunately, we decided it would be best to just take the rest of 2020 off. Luckily the Zoo managed to sneak a couple of broods in before the pandemic struck, which is how we ended up with the pair of rabbits that were released in July.”

Perrotti is hopeful that the breeding program will resume stronger than ever in 2021, helping to create strong New England Cottontail populations across the region.

“I would like to see self-sustaining populations established across the range to the point where we don’t have to augment or create new populations,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal, of any recovery program.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL MEDIA SPONSORS!

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 Department of Marketing and Public Relations Corrie Ignagni Andrea E. McHugh Sam Vaccaro

Designer Sara Beatrice Tandem Designworks Photo Credits Roger Williams Park Zoo

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.

2020 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers Maribeth Q. Williamson, Chair Howard Merten, Vice Chair Sandra L. Coletta, Treasurer Margaret Ferguson, Secretary

Liz Rollins Mauran Jeffrey Mello John J. Palumbo Steven M. Parente Dr. Karen E. Silva

Board of Trustees Kristen Adamo Nancy Allen Douglas Caniglia Barbara Cottam Teresa A. Crean, AICP Sarah Denby Dana L. Goldberg Marta Gomez-Chiarri Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP® Kimberley M. Little

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 Jocelin Hamblett James S. Harper III, VMD* Bradford B. Kopp Arthur D. Little Nancy G. R. Moger Richard Nadeau Jane S. Nelson Cate M. Roberts Philip A. Segal, Jr. Robert F. Stoico *deceased

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

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Kids’ Corner

Pinecone Owls (From WhiMsyLove)

Supplies you will need:

‘Tis the season for black cats, bats, and spiders! As the leaves begin to change colors and the air is crisp and cool, Autumn and Halloween are right around the corner. Can you get into the spirit of Jack-O-Lantern season and answer these WILD trivia questions?

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Black cats have DNA in their genes that causes their fur’s iconic dark coloring. Some scientists believe that the same genes that cause their black fur may also: a. Make their eyes glow in the dark b. Make them more resistant to diseases c. Make their whiskers extra long d. Make them more likely to have a bushy tail

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Vampire bats are the only mammals that are hemophages (animals that survive on a diet of blood). These bats mostly feed on the blood of animals like pigs and goats, and can be found in: a. South & Central America b. Asia c. Africa & the Middle East d. Australia

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Owls are skillful hunters and masters of sneaking up on their unsuspecting prey. Which of the following adaptations help owls to hunt effectively? a. They have extra bones in their spine, allowing them to turn their heads almost 360° around b. Their specially adapted feathers allow them to fly almost silently c. They have specialized hearing and ear shapes allowing them to listen carefully for prey d. All of the above

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While many people are afraid of spiders, they are a very important part of the ecosystem, snacking on pesky insects and stopping the spread of disease. How many insects does the average spider eat in a year? a. Less than 200 b. Over 2,000 c. Over 8,000 d. 42

1. Have a parent or guardian help you to cut out felt or construction paper for the owl’s eyes, beak, and wings. You can mix the colors any way you want.

2. Once you have your pieces cut out, carefully use a stapler or glue to arrange the pieces into a face for your owl.

3. Have a parent or guardian help you to hot glue the felt or construction paper pieces onto the pinecone body of your owl.

4. Decorate your owl any way you want to. Every animal is one-of-a-kind, and yours should be just as fun and unique as you are!

Try this: Make some woodland friends to keep your new owl company! A hedgehog or two could be a good start— Get creative!

Can you identify these Zoo animals snacking on pumpkins?

Answers located on bottom of page.

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Wild Trivia Answers: 1: B • 2: A • 3: D • 4: B; Guess Zoo Answers: 1. Cheetah 2. Goat 3. Harbor Seal 4. River Otter 5. White Cheeked Gibbon 6. Red Panda

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Instructions:

Answers located on bottom of page.

Guess Zoo?

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• pinecones • felt (or construction paper) • googly eyes • scissors • hot glue gun • stapler (or tacky glue)

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