Roger Williams Park Zoo Roger Williams Park Zoo News

Went to the zoo the other day. I'm pretty sure I was the only person there since it was about 10 degrees outside. Even the animals (the few that were out) were looking at me strange wondering what kind of idiot would go to the zoo on a day that cold. Saw the Great Horned Owl in the new exhibit next to the River Otters where the Tamarins and Lemurs used to be. Pretty small so I'm assuming he was fairly young. The upcoming Tree Kangaroo exhibit looks to possibly be an inside/outside exhibit at the glass door entrance to the Australasia building. Just signs up right now. The whole farmyard area is completely gone and fencing blocks off the Penguin and Cavy exhibits. The most interesting new addition is a new walkthrough Aussie walkway that loops through the Kangaroo/Emu yard. Curious to see what animals will be in there when it opens in the Spring??
 
I was pretty surprised too. Hadn't heard anything about it before. Had small entrance and exit buildings and a curving pathway with rope fencing on the sides of the walkway. It goes through the existing Kangaroo/Emu yard but none of the animals were out that day because of the weather. Signs just said something like "Aussie walkway. Coming Spring 2014". Should be interesting to see.
 
wensleydale said:
I hope it passes, the Zoo could use it.
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Yeah, hopefully they can add onto their south american tropical building. I doubt they will get the money, though. If they didn't get the money for polar bear & friends, I don't think this will happen. If it did, members and visitors will be upset as it is roughly the same amount for the wildlife heros starring polar bears. The new director is exploring options for a building of some sort to double as rental/function hosting site while still displaying animals of some sort. The Zoo isn't that bad. Its weakest parts are between Africa and Marco Polo. Phase 1 of Farmyard, will help, as will the new Tree Kangaroo exhibit, and the already opened Outback Trail. They added some seasonal things to charge extra fees to bring revenue into the Zoo. Butterflies, Rock Climbing Wall and Camel Rides will help. Those added to the giraffe and seal feedings, will keep visitors in the Zoo longer. Spending more time, making them thirsty, hungry, etc to drive concessions and gift sales. It should help their summer season transition into the popular Pumpkin festival. All good things. I, personally, would like to see a Reptile Complex using the Education Center and expanded from there. We can all wish. Sigh..
 
I don't think they will get the money either. The problem is that they did get the money for the polar bears and it never happened. Back in the mid 2000's the voters of Rhode Island approved $11 million dollars for their major renovations with the polar bears coming back to R.I. as their major highlight for asking for the approval. They blew through all the money and then had to regretfully announce that all the money was gone and the polar bears wouldn't be coming back....even as far as having to remove the polar bear symbol from their logo (which they had kept on their logo until a couple of years ago). It was pretty embarrassing for the zoo and unfortunately I'm sure many voters will remember that. I really like the zoo and have nothing against it but the facts are the facts.
 
wensleydale said:
That's nice, a baby tree kangaroo. Did they have to put that stupid music in the background though? Do they think people won't be interested without it?
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Yes, a little female. I don't know. It's their choice. I don't think it's stupid, though. Helps the video flow. The new Tree Kangaroo exhibit will be open by the jack-o-lantern spectacular (early fall).
 
“Alex and Ani Farmyard to open mid to late July 2014
The new Alex and Ani Farmyard opening this summer will have even more of the furry, wooly, and fluffy friends we all love! Plus, there will be a brand new walkthrough barn, a farmhouse stage for shows, and interactive features like play spaces, a giant tractor that kids can climb on, a contact yard where people can touch some of the farm animals, and even animal feeding areas.
The exhibits will feature three species of goats, Texel sheep, alpacas, Guinea hogs, silver fox rabbits, and more! And of course, Willy the miniature donkey will be there as well!
The exhibit will be free with Zoo admission, with a nominal fee for the food to feed the animals.
Like all construction projects, it's hard to pinpoint a date of completion because of the wacky and wild things that can delay our work crews. Please see our newsletter in July for an official opening date." from newsletter email
 
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