Roger Williams Park Zoo
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| Date opened | 1872; 1980 (renovated/expanded) [1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Coordinates | 41°47′24″N 71°24′59″W / 41.7899°N 71.4163°WCoordinates: 41°47′24″N 71°24′59″W / 41.7899°N 71.4163°W |
| Number of animals | 1000+ [2] |
| Number of species | 139 [2] |
| Memberships | AZA |
| Website | http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org |
The Roger Williams Park Zoo of Providence, Rhode Island, USA houses over 1000 animals representing 139 species in naturalistic settings. The park and zoo are named after the founder of Providence, Roger Williams, the 17th-century proponent of religious tolerance.
The zoo began a renovation program in 2008, which included expansions to its polar bear exhibit, the 'Hidden Zoo' veterinary hospital and clinic, and a children's adventure trail. A seasonal butterfly exhibit was introduced in the summer of 2009.[citation needed]
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[edit] History
The Roger Williams Park Zoo opened in 1872. It has since provided great entertainment to the public, and is the third oldest zoo in the country. It was called The Menagerie until the 1920s, and started with a small collection of animals and birds.
In 1978, the zoo closed for two years to build new exhibits. A children's nature center was added, as well as a polar bear exhibit, a boardwalk, and a North American bison exhibit. In the 1980s, a South American Pampas exhibit and a Lemur exhibit were built. One of the most exciting things happened in 1986 when the zoo became the first zoological park in New England to receive accreditation from the American Zoological Association. This was not an easy feat, because about 115 requirements had to be met. Accreditation was a huge achievement.[3]
[edit] The Rhode Island Zoological Society
Unfortunately, in the mid-1960s, the zoo started to show signs of neglect. There was one woman who was determined to help the zoo through organized assistance. In 1962, Sophie Danforth founded an organization to increase public awareness of the neglect, and to raise funds for improvement. She called it the Rhode Island Zoological Society. Its goal is to provide public support for improvements to the Zoo, such as funding new exhibits, improving old exhibits, and providing the groundwork for research, educational programs, and zoo conservation. The Zoological Society wants to increase public awareness of the zoo and its programs, as well as keep an effective board of trustees and staff who are dedicated to the society's goals.
The organization's first project was to build a membership program. Like any other organization, the Society needed members to help complete their goals. Members would be kept informed and help promote visiting the zoo. Members had to pay dues, which went towards the buying of animals and zoo supplies. However, the membership dues were not enough. The organization desperately needed more funds. In 1970, the Society opened a gift shop as well as food concessions, and all funds benefited the zoo.[3]
In 1974, Danforth and the then Society president fought to adopt a bill for federal support of non-profit zoos. In 1976, they won their battle, and were awarded $2,500,000 for a zoo upgrade. Today, the Society continues to raise funds towards zoo expansion and improvement.[4]
[edit] Wildlife
At Roger Williams Park Zoo, one can expect to see a large variety of animals from all over the world. The zoo is arranged by "continent". Starting with North America, there is an underwater exhibit where harbor seals can be seen through a viewing window. There are also bald eagles, penguins, polar bears, American bison, and red wolves. In Africa, there are giraffes, zebras, African Wild Dogs and elephants. Some of the other animals that can be seen are snow leopards, lemurs, Asian black bears, moon bears, tropical birds, monkeys, alligators, and tree kangaroos.[5] Overall, there are more than 130 different species at the zoo, and many of them are rare. The zoo can be visited any day of the year (except for holidays) and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.[6]
This zoo no longer has Lions or Cheetahs, Their last Cheetah Togo died 2 year ago, they have not had lions if ever in a very long time
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/about/history.cfm retrieved October 22, 2006
- ^ a b http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/about/main.cfm retrieved October 22, 2006
- ^ a b http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/about/historyRIZS.cfm
- ^ Benjamin, Richard. Roger Williams Park: A Gift of Seasons. Retrieved 16 October 2009
- ^ Marshall, David. The Jewel of Providence: An Illustrated History of Roger Williams Park 1871-1961. Retrieved 16 October 2009
- ^ http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/rhode-island/roger-williams-park-zoo
[edit] External links
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