JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1
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
Welcome! By Stacey Johnson
Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society Welcome to 2024! If you
Along similar lines, coming very soon, we will introduce a
spent time with us last year,
handful (yes: at least five) of African species not previously
you saw new construction
seen at Roger Williams Park Zoo. They will make up the
throughout the Zoo along with
first animals you encounter upon arrival. Though none is
new features and events. This year, we plan to unveil some of
a member of the Big Five – the traditional safari checklist
those projects and bring you more surprises.
including buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino – they will undoubtedly add depth to the rich canvas of the habitats we
With half-price Winter Wonder Days playing through the
call Fabric of Africa.
end of February – and some actual snow on the ground this year! – I encourage you to visit your outdoor furry friends who
Once the kids are good and inspired, it’ll be time to create
particularly enjoy cold weather, and then you can duck indoors
a beautiful piece of endangered species art in our annual
to warm up and observe our tropical residents. Although we
Endangered Species Youth Art Contest.
are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday this time of year, the Zoo is open every other day.
When you are at the Zoo and still following an African theme, be sure to take a selfie with the remarkable new giraffe
You won’t be surprised to discover that we continue to expand
sculpture. She’s a unique character, and we are grateful and
our wildlife conservation partnerships. Check out the stories
proud to share this original art as part of a complete zoo
about the wildlife heroes on our team who make the world
experience.
a better place for elephants and help us better understand North American migratory birds. Just when it might seem we
It may be quieter, with fewer guests on the pathways during
have a pretty good handle on zoological knowledge, we find
the first quarter of the year, but a lot is still going on. Thanks
out that we haven’t even scratched the surface.
for being part of it and we are ready to share!
adopt an animal for your zoo adventurer Support an animal friend of your choice through our Animal Adoption Program. Adoption fees help contribute to animal care, nutrition and enrichment!
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adopt me!
A New Long-Necked Resident Joins the Herd Thanks to the generosity of longtime supporters Sarah and Charley Denby, a stunning new resident has taken up a permanent abode in the African plains area – a life-size baby giraffe crafted by renowned sculptor Joseph Fichter! For Sarah and Charley, the love of animals and art intertwined beautifully. Longtime admirers of Fichter’s work, they saw a perfect fit in his expertise with welded and forged horse sculptures and the idea for a magnificent giraffe sculpture took root. With the Zoo’s 150th birthday looming in 2022, the Denbys saw a unique opportunity. They connected with Fichter and sparked a conversation about the similarities between giraffes and horses, and voila! The perfect artist for this magnificent project was found.
and Zoo board member, while Charley champions art for all. They envisioned this sculpture as a gift to the public, and, a chance for everyone to enjoy a little whimsy – a touch of steel-forged wonder amidst the real-life wonders of the Zoo. The unveiling took place this past November with a gathering of local officials, the artist and his family, the Denbys, and a whole zoo full of press, community members, Zoo volunteers, and staff. This is just one example of how the Roger Williams Park Zoo continues to grow and evolve, thanks to the dedication of supporters like Sarah and Charley Denby. Now, our metallic marvel stands proud outside the giraffe habitat, greeting visitors. So, the next time you visit the Zoo, keep your eyes peeled for this charming resident.
But the Denbys aren’t just animal and art lovers, they’re also local advocates. Sarah’s a dedicated community volunteer
Sarah Denby, Joseph Fichter, Charley Denby
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WINTER WONDER DAYS January and February bring the perfect weather to New England for visiting the Zoo and seeing animals outside, enjoying nature’s cooler temperatures. Roger Williams Park Zoo is open Thursday-Monday from 10 am to 4 pm with half-price admission from January 1 February 29, 2024. Red wolves acclimate well to colder weather. Zoo guests can often witness these charismatic creatures frolicking in the snow or lounging near heat sources, showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing seasons. And the Zoo’s snow leopards live up to their name; they are happy during the winter months. Snow leopards have adapted to live in colder environments, including their stocky bodies, thick fur, and small and rounded ears, all of which help minimize heat loss. A snow leopard’s large, fur-covered forepaws help the animal travel on rocky surfaces and avoid sinking into the snow. If you have not been to the Zoo in the winter, come and enjoy this season. It is always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo.
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Taking Flight with Motus Wildlife Tracking Tower!
What is Motus? The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative research network that uses a system of fixed radiotelemetry towers to track the movements of migratory animals. By studying their migration patterns, habitat use, and stopover locations, Motus provides valuable data that helps us understand and conserve these vital species.
Find Our Station Our Motus tower, proudly perched on the roof of the Education Center, is officially up and running! While
From left: Pam Loring, USFWS - Migratory Bird, Hannah Petrarca and Lou Perrotti of Roger Williams Park Zoo, and April Alix, Program Coordinator of the Providence Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership
we haven’t yet detected any feathered friends, you can follow our station’s progress and explore the Motus network through the interactive map at www. motus.org. Simply zoom in on Rhode Island and look for our yellow dot! Clicking on the dot will reveal
Roger Williams Park Zoo is thrilled to announce the official
station details and any detections that come through.
installation and registration of our very own Motus Wildlife
We encourage you to explore the site and discover
Tracking Tower! This exciting project - made possible through
these creatures’ incredible journeys.
the incredible collaboration of the USFWS Migratory Birds Program, Zoo staff, Providence Parks Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, and the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island - will allow us to study the movements of birds, bats, and large insects in our area for the benefit of
CLICK HERE to access the Motus Data Dashboard and find Roger Williams Park Zoo’s station!
conservation.
Left to right, April Alix, Pam Loring, Clayton Graham, RWPZ Maintenance Chief Kenny, and Lou Perrotti
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d l r o W ife l d l i W ay D M 2 A R C H 3,
2024 Theme: Global Cooperation in Wildlife Care Celebrating World Wildlife Day with a story of international collaboration and dedicated care At Roger Williams Park Zoo, protecting wildlife and wild places isn’t just a mission statement - it’s the beating heart of our community. Every day, our dedicated staff and passionate volunteers pour their hearts into protecting threatened and endangered species locally and globally. World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on March 3rd, is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the incredible diversity of life on our planet. This year, we are especially proud to shine a spotlight on the inspiring work of our elephant zookeeper, Brett Haskins, and his recent contribution to elephant conservation efforts in Nepal.
Elephant Health Camp:
A Valuable Program for Endangered Elephants and People This past fall, thanks to the generous support of the Katie
Brett’s dedication and expertise resonated deeply with the
Adamson Conservation Fund, Brett embarked on a two-
Nepali community, who often face limitations in resources
week journey to volunteer at the National Trust for Nature
and access to specialized knowledge. His hands-on
Conservancy’s (NTNC) Elephant Health Camp in Nepal.
training empowered them with the skills and confidence
This vital program provides specialized care for nearly 100
to provide their elephants with the best possible foot
endangered Asian elephants, a species facing numerous
care, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and
threats to its survival.
longevity.
Joining forces with fellow elephant experts from NTNC,
The Elephant Health Camp is more than just a medical
McClure International Consulting, Elephant Care
facility; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of Asian
International, and Elephant Aid International, Brett shared
elephants in Nepal. By providing essential care, raising
his expertise in elephant foot care. This seemingly simple
awareness, and fostering international collaboration, the
aspect of elephant well-being is crucial to their overall
camp plays a vital role in securing the survival of this
health and happiness.
endangered species for generations to come.
Elephants, the largest land animals on Earth, rely heavily
Brett’s journey to Nepal is a testament to the power
on their feet to support their immense weight and
of individual action and the transformative impact
navigate diverse terrains. However, their feet are also
of international collaboration in the fight for wildlife
highly sensitive and susceptible to infections and injuries
conservation. On this World Wildlife Day, let us all be
if not properly maintained. Regular foot care, as Brett
inspired by his dedication and commitment to playing our
meticulously demonstrated to mahouts (elephant handlers)
part, however big or small, in protecting the wonders of our
and owners at the camp, can help prevent problems,
shared planet.
detect issues early, and ensure a lifetime of mobility and comfort for these gentle giants. 5
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Unleash your creativity and help endangered species! Calling all young artists! Mark your calendars and join us for our 7th annual Endangered Species Youth Art Contest starting February 2024. In celebration of Endangered Species Day (May 17, 2024) local K-12 grade students and homeschoolers in the New England area are encouraged to submit their artwork depicting threatened and endangered species. Raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and wild places and get the chance to win wild prizes including a family membership, adopt-an-animal package, Zoo tickets and gift cards to Jerry’s Artarama. Let your artwork roar with passion and inspire others to join us in protecting these
2023 Winner: Alen-Xu (Florida grasshopper sparrow)
remarkable animals and their habitats. Special thank you to supporting partner:
Click here for contest guidelines and to submit art
2023 Winner: Vahinveer Karthik (Tiger)
2023 Honorable Mention: Caroline Du (Puerto Rican wetland frog)
Share the love this Valentine’s Day while supporting wildlife! Send your loved one the cutest Valentine’s Day card around! Or GO BIG and make your Valentine a symbolic Zoo animal parent by adopting an animal in their name.
All gifts must be received by Wednesday, February 7th to arrive on time to your loved one. 7
Click to Send a Valentine
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Guess Zoo Answers: 1. Cardinal 2. Eastern Grey Squirrel 3. Fur Seal 4. Killer Whale 5. Lynx 6. Red Fox 7. Red Panda 8. Siberian Tiger
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Guess Zoo? Can you identify these animals?
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Answers located on bottom of page.
winter wildlife word search
Kids’ Corner
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL MEDIA SPONSORS!
Upcoming Events at the Zoo & Carousel
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 Vicki Scharfberg Maxine Colvin
Designer Sara Beatrice Tandem Designworks Photo Credits Roger Williams Park Zoo
JANUARY
WILD is an online publication of the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Carousel Closed
For membership information call (401) 785-3510 x375 or visit rwpzoo.org.
• January 1 - 31: Winter Wonder Days (1/2 price admission)
FEBRUARY • CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12-4pm • February 1 - 29: Winter Wonder Days (1/2 price admission) • February 15: Career & Volunteer Fair at Carousel Village • February 19 - 23: February School Vacation Week (Zoo Open Monday through Sunday)
MARCH • CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12-4pm
2024 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP,® Chair Nancy Allen, Vice Chair Sandra L. Coletta, Vice Chair Margaret Ferguson, Secretary Maribeth Q. Williamson, Treasurer Board of Trustees Martha Bower Douglas Caniglia Claire Carrabba, Esq Cheryl Cohen Sarah Denby Cindy Erickson Pamela W. Heffernan John Igliozzi, Esq Howard Merten, Esq Damaris Messina John H. Mullen John J. Palumbo Steven M. Parente Karen Silva EdD, CHE
Ex-Officio Stacey Johnson Executive Director Rhode Island Zoological Society/ Roger Williams Park Zoo Wendy Nilsson Superintendent of Parks Providence Parks Department Chair Emerit 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 Liz Rollins Mauran Nancy G.R. Moger Richard Nadeau Jane S. Nelson Cate M. Roberts Philip A. Segal, Jr. Robert F. Stoico *deceased
• March 23, 24 & 29, 30: Photos with Easter Bunny
ZOO HOURS: 10am to 4pm *Zoo closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Except for Holidays and School Vacation Weeks) Visit rwpzoo.org for more info 9
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