welcome!

By Stacey Johnson Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society

Welcome to a new year, and thank you for a fantastic 2022!

After a chart-topping return from pandemic restrictions in 2021, last year turned out to be the second best-attended in Roger Williams Park Zoo’s history; that was a fine way to celebrate the Park’s and the Zoo’s 150th anniversary.

Although you might consider spring, summer and fall the best time to spend a day at the Zoo, wintertime has a lot to offer. First, we ensure our pathways are clear of snow and ice so your stroll outside can be safe and leisurely. Second, while a handful of animals with primarily outdoor habitats are not visible in cold weather, you might be surprised to discover just how many of the Zoo’s residents are perfectly comfortable and visible every day this time of year. And, finally, don’t forget that your Zoo has indoor habitats where both you and the critters can enjoy a tropical heatwave no matter the weather. Elephants and giraffes will often be found indoors at the Textron Elephant and Giraffe Pavilion during the winter, and, of course, the South American creatures in Faces of the Rainforest and wildlife from the South Pacific that live in Adaptations are always part of an immersive climate experience.

Your adventure in both the Rainforest and Adaptations might well include a glimpse of young animals recently born at the Zoo, including Paia, a Matschie’s tree kangaroo who should begin exploring the world outside her mother’s pouch sometime during February. We often see her tail or a hand, and occasionally her face poking out of the pouch already!

In this issue of Wild, look for further information about Winter Wonder Days and World Wildlife Day. We are also launching this year’s edition of the Endangered Species Youth Art Contest and hope you will encourage the young people among your family and friends to join in the creativity and fun.

Finally, I am excited to announce that we are presenting an opportunity to join a safari in Kenya next October. If a visit to Africa is on your bucket list, there is no time like the present. Details about the trip can be found in this issue of your Zoo membership magazine.

Every day is a new day at the Zoo! We are glad to have you along on the journey, and I look forward to seeing you here soon.

Winter is an exciting time to see some animals at the Zoo

Winter is an exciting time to see some animals at the Zoo, such as red pandas and snow leopards, that are happy and active during the winter months. And you’ll be happy with half-price admission throughout January and February.

If you have yet to visit the Zoo in the winter, come and enjoy the season.