NNM.
Well-Known Member
Having just reviewed ZNE Franklin Park Zoo, I figured I may as well try my hand with another low-key New England zoo. While the general consensus of that one is mixed, that of today’s is largely positive. Roger Williams Park Zoo, or just the “Providence Zoo,” as I sometimes call it, is one that I have a lot of fondness more. It’s probably the zoo that I am the most familiar with, besides Franklin Park. I also think it’s better than Franklin Park, in conditions, at least. And I’m going to specify why I think so.
Fabric of Africa:
Something to notice is that many of the exhibits at the zoo are arranged by continent, and this is the first and possibly most clear example of that. I think it does a good job of representing such a wild and exotic world.
Large multi species exhibit:
It probably wasn’t wise to start the first exhibit of the entire zoo with its worst. This enclosure features zebras, wildebeest, and Ankole cattle, and supposedly hooded vultures, but I never see them. It is much too small for so many large species, and I would expect more from the zoo given later enclosures. 6/10
Cheetahs:
This is more like it. What was once the African wild dog enclosure is honestly better suited to the cats, who have plenty of room to run and sprint. There are also two very good viewing areas. 8/10
Small multi species exhibit:
Both multi species exhibits in Fabric of Africa I think are too small, but this one works a bit better because of the sizes of the animals within. You can unfortunately tell that this enclosure was originally meant for just the West African crowned cranes, and that the dik-diks and bat-eared foxes are later additions. Supposedly there is a serval somewhere in Fabric of Africa, but it did not see it on my last visit, nor have I heard of where exactly it is. 6/10
Elephants:
I actually saw talk on ZooChat about the zoo needing to get rid of its elephants, but honestly, this is exhibit gives what one wants for an elephant enclosure. It’s big (obviously), has lots of enrichment, a nice big pool with a waterfall, and even an indoor viewing for both these animals and the giraffes. Maybe the fencing is a bit hard to ignore, but otherwise, it gets the job done. 8/10
Red river hogs:
I remember when this one was added. And it still looks good. Like some other enclosures previously, it could do with just a tiny bit more space, but it’s well-suited for a pig lifestyle. 7/10
Giraffes:
The other biggest animals on land have a quality enclosure to match their elephant roommates. I think it could use more plants, but it’s a good giraffe exhibit regardless. 8/10
Aldabra tortoise:
This one was closed when I last visited, so I can’t say for certain what it’s like now, as every time previously, this enclosure had housed African spurred tortoises. I hope it’s been enlarged to fit how huge Aldabras are, or else the decent structure of the spurred exhibit might not be enough. 6 or 7/10
Overall: 8/10
Hasbro’s Big Backyard:
Something odd about this zoo is that there are a few exhibits that feature very few animals and focus more on other ideologies. This one is so often closed that I honestly have no idea what it’s really meant for.
Ravens:
The only current animal housed here, I think it’s decent, but probably too small. I remember when the rainforest exhibit was under construction, and some animals from that were kept in honestly sub-par conditions. Maybe this isn’t the best part of the zoo to keep animals? 6/10
Overall: 5/10
Alex and Ani Farmyard:
I mentioned in my Franklin Park review that I wasn’t that big a fan of their farm exhibit. Roger Williams has a better one, I think. It’s still not my favorite, but as zoo farms go, it’s perfectly decent.
Chickens:
It’s smallish, but they have a larger indoor area. But then thsi part is not accessible to guests. Whatever… 6/10
Flemish giant rabbits:
These are constantly on-and-off exhibit whenever I visit. When they are on exhibit, the enclosure is about what you’d expect. Maybe it could be roomier, though. 6/10
Overall barn area:
I like the selection of farm animals here. You have expected goats, sheep, pigs, and a donkey, but then there are also alpacas and indoor-only barn owls. The owls probably need more space, but otherwise, I think the animals have about as much space as they would probably have in an actual small farm. 7/10
Overall: 6/10
Faces of the Rainforest:
The zoo peaks relatively early, as this is definitely the best exhibit. Which is interesting, because it used to be the worst. I saw a list of rainforest buildings from different zoos, and the early version of this one, “Tropical America,” was described as “borderline terrible,” and looking back, it was a crammed and unnatural-looking ordinary building with a few trees inside. This new aviary-esque build is infinitely better. I honestly think it’s about on par with the Tropical Forest from Franklin Park. I admit to not liking how out-in-the-open the ventilation is, and I miss the prehensile-tailed porcupine and Jamaican fruit-eating bats that once lived here, but those are small complaints.
Monkeys:
There is a half-inside, half-outside enclosure for howler monkeys, gray titis, and sakis which I think is fine. It’s an odd structure, but I think it has enough space and enrichment to keep the monkeys happy. 7/10
Giant otter:
I didn’t see this last time, but the enclosure is big and provides plenty of land for the otters to rest. I think it could be more planted, though. 8/10
Anaconda:
A very nice semi-aquatic terrarium that could probably be just a *tiny* bit bigger. I remember the old version of this having an anaconda eating an entire goat. Just thought I’d say that. 7/10
Toucan and tamandua:
I find it a bit odd that the keel-bellied toucan is kept inside a smaller enclosure instead of being allowed to fly around the building like the other birds, but it’s not a bad enclosure. And sharing it with the tamandua is also a strange choice, but both seem to have plenty of climbing tools and shelters, so I guess it works. 7/10
Terrariums:
Some lizards and frogs, most notably poison dart frogs, are positioned at the front of the building, and they are all up to standard. There are also two fish tanks, one of which has piranha, that could be bigger. Overall it’s fine. 7/10
Free-roaming animals:
The highlight. There is a vast array of tropical plants and trees throughout the building, especially in the center, along with a small water feature. In addition to the beautiful hyacinth macaws that serve as the trademark animal for this exhibit, and the other free-flight birds, there are golden lion tamarins and a two-toed sloth that happily climb around above the guests’ heads. 8/10
Giant anteater:
Oh, yeah, this exhibit has outdoor enclosures, too. And this one is am excellent construction for this bizarre animal, including water and a huge indoor area that the guests can actually look inside. The highlight of both the exhibit and the zoo. 9/10
Flamingos:
What are flamingos doing in a South American rainforest area? Simple, they’re Chilean flamingos…which still don’t live in rainforests, but neither does the anteater. They still both fit better than the Patagonian cavy and humboldt penguins that were once considered part of this area before its renovation.This is a fairly standard flamingo exhibit, and is an improvement over the last one. I think the fencing needs some work, though. 7/10
Overall: 8/10
World of Adaptations:
This exhibit frustrates me. It was once called “Australasia,” and this old theme remains, even without featuring animals from Australia, Asia, and Indonesia, which is a cold idea. Back in the day, it housed Chinese alligators and Northern tree shrews, not to mention a large walkthrough exhibit for emus and gray kangaroos. All of that is gone, and not really replaced with that many animals. What is here now is still good, I just may be a bit bitter. And supposedly there are peafowl walking around here, but I’ve never seen them.
Radiated tortoises (outdoor):
What’s funny is that these were featured here back when it was Asia/Australia-themed, even though these tortoises come from Madagascar. It’s an okay enclosure that I would have more issues with if there wasn’t an indoor section. 6/10
Kookaburra:
Are kookaburra not allowed to have good exhibits in New England zoos? This one is even worse than the Franklin Park one, and has the same problems of ugly fencing and not much to do. What I think is the worst exhibit at the zoo. 4/10
King vultures:
It gets better from this point, I think. The first animal seen here not from the original version, it was moved from the rainforest area into a walk-in enclosure with unattractive netting, but a good structure within. 7/10
Babirusas:
Overall pretty good. I don’t like that it’s so low-elevated, but I like how big it is and I honestly just enjoy this species in particular for how hideous it is. 7/10
Binturong:
A not very big enclosure, but it works for a not very big animal. It has a good climbing structure that also provides decent shelter. 7/10
River otters:
These are the animals that single-handedly trashed the old theme. At least the exhibit is well-made and has underwater viewing as well. And it’s definitely better than their old one from a later area in the zoo. 7/10
Wallabies:
A bit barren, but that fits wallabies. It’s one of the better enclosures in this exhibit. 7/10
Wrinkled hornbill:
Inside the building, things are a bit more consistent. Just a *bit.* This is my favorite part of it, as it almost looks as if it’s been carved from the wall and peeking into another realm. It’s really cool, and has no barrier on it…if I remember correctly. 8/10
Tree kangaroos:
Another improvement from an old version, as the original enclosure for this species was only visible through a weird bubble window. This one isn’t very naturalistic at all, but I guess it doesn’t really need to be if what’s there Matschie’s (heh…I’m sorry) what the animal needs. 7/10
Radiated tortoises (indoor):
Neither tortoise enclosure in this exhibit is all that big, but they make each other better by existing. I like the indoor one better, largely because they are safe from the New England winter and I prefer the substrate. 7/10
Komodo dragons:
Such an impressive animal is oddly not very heavily advertised for the zoo. And honestly, the enclosure quality makes me see why. For the largest lizard in the world, it is quite small, and I don’t like how at this size, it is entirely indoors. A disappointment. 6/10
Other indoor animals:
I appreciate the Bali mynah popping up again, and even without it the exhibit for rosellas and the aquatic terrarium for snake-necked turtles and Emerald tree boa (an odd combination…but explained by the former presence of the extremely similar green tree python and the Emerald being moved from the rainforest) is very nice too. 7/10
Gibbons:
This was under construction when I last visited, supposedly being made bigger. The enclosure was already pretty decent, so this should be impressive. 7/10
Overall: 7/10
Marco Polo Adventure Trek:
We’re back on the continental theme, this time for Asia. And it’s a unique idea too, the animals Marco Polo may have seen on his travels. Thankfully, it’s one of the better exhibits.
Camels:
Like Fabric of Africa, we unfortunately start with the weakest the exhibit offers. Once again, it’s just too small, especially for the large Bactrian camels that replaced the dromedaries that were once here. It’s also rather barren, but I guess that’s the point with camels. 6/10
Moon bears:
Technically these are called Asiatic black bears, but this is what the zoo calls them. Either way, this is a pretty good enclosure. It’s steep and rocky, but still has some flat land, and a sizable pool. 8/10
Red-crowned cranes:
You have to look down at them from a wooden walkway, which I don’t know how to feel about, but I honestly don’t remember much about this one, probably because the animals surrounding it are just much more exciting. It’s probably fine. 7/10
Snow leopards:
The highlight of this already impressive exhibit. Snow leopards have it good in New England it seems, as even the less-than-favorable Stone Zoo has a really good enclosure for them. This one is probably still better, if only because it’s less vertical, and has better viewing opportunities. 9/10
Red pandas:
So this enclosure was blocked off on my last visit because it too was being renovated. I’ve seen exactly one photo of what it looks like right now, and it’s very promising. I’ll throw it a 7/10 until I see it myself.
Takin:
I remember this one being too small as well, if only a tiny bit. At least it’s the right biome, high and mountainous. Also, didn’t a takin escape from the zoo once? 7/10
Overall: 8/10
North America:
I always get sad whenever this exhibit comes up, because it would mean the visit was almost over. I also remember it having harbor seals, but that’s getting renovated into an improved penguin exhibit. It also was the original home for the river otters, whose dirty enclosure remains empty, and had porcupines and great horned owls at other points.
Snake den:
A small wooden hut stands early on, holding coppperheads and rattlesnakes in decent terrariums. It was a later addition, and it shows, but in a good way. 7/10
Eagles:
A pretty but smallish enclosure for bald and golden eagles stands on one side of a double-sided path. I wish their wings weren’t clipped. 6/10
Pronghorns and turkeys:
The other side of the path looks over a vast field of pronghorn, who are joined by wild turkeys in a very nice prairie. There’s a closer view down the path. The highlight of this area. 8/10
Red wolves:
This is an exciting animal to see in a zoo. Last visit, I remember thinking the enclosure was not big enough for wolves, until I was reminded how small red wolves actually were. It’s pretty decent, all things considered. 7/10
Bison:
These are visible all the way from the pronghorn view, and the path does get closer, but I have never been able to do so, as almond every time I have been here, it has been at the same time as the “Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.” It still looks like a sizable plane for the continent’s biggest animals. 8/10
Overall. 7/10
Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail:
I have a confession to make…I have never actually seen this exhibit. It’s always blocked off by the pumpkin spectacular. It’s a dumb excuse, but it’s the one I have. So I have to go off of outside sources for this one.
Muntjac:
Like Big Backyard, there is one sole enclosure on this trail, and the pictures and videos I’ve seen of it make it look…fine. It’s fine. I think I’d have to see in person, honestly… 7/10
Overall: 6/10
I did have some notable criticism for this zoo, but I do genuinely think it’s better than Franklin Park, despite that zoo being more personal and familiar to me. It just has better conditions, mostly larger enclosures, and lacks the terrible fencing problem that zoo has. It doesn’t have the most iconic animals, except for elephants and giraffes, obviously, but I actually like that it focuses more on little-known creatures like babirusas, moon bears, and red wolves, because it educates guests about them and raises conservation awareness, a great strength of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. If you’re in Rhode Island, or even if you want something new to see in New England, I recommend checking it out.
Overall: 8/10
Fabric of Africa:
Something to notice is that many of the exhibits at the zoo are arranged by continent, and this is the first and possibly most clear example of that. I think it does a good job of representing such a wild and exotic world.
Large multi species exhibit:
It probably wasn’t wise to start the first exhibit of the entire zoo with its worst. This enclosure features zebras, wildebeest, and Ankole cattle, and supposedly hooded vultures, but I never see them. It is much too small for so many large species, and I would expect more from the zoo given later enclosures. 6/10
Cheetahs:
This is more like it. What was once the African wild dog enclosure is honestly better suited to the cats, who have plenty of room to run and sprint. There are also two very good viewing areas. 8/10
Small multi species exhibit:
Both multi species exhibits in Fabric of Africa I think are too small, but this one works a bit better because of the sizes of the animals within. You can unfortunately tell that this enclosure was originally meant for just the West African crowned cranes, and that the dik-diks and bat-eared foxes are later additions. Supposedly there is a serval somewhere in Fabric of Africa, but it did not see it on my last visit, nor have I heard of where exactly it is. 6/10
Elephants:
I actually saw talk on ZooChat about the zoo needing to get rid of its elephants, but honestly, this is exhibit gives what one wants for an elephant enclosure. It’s big (obviously), has lots of enrichment, a nice big pool with a waterfall, and even an indoor viewing for both these animals and the giraffes. Maybe the fencing is a bit hard to ignore, but otherwise, it gets the job done. 8/10
Red river hogs:
I remember when this one was added. And it still looks good. Like some other enclosures previously, it could do with just a tiny bit more space, but it’s well-suited for a pig lifestyle. 7/10
Giraffes:
The other biggest animals on land have a quality enclosure to match their elephant roommates. I think it could use more plants, but it’s a good giraffe exhibit regardless. 8/10
Aldabra tortoise:
This one was closed when I last visited, so I can’t say for certain what it’s like now, as every time previously, this enclosure had housed African spurred tortoises. I hope it’s been enlarged to fit how huge Aldabras are, or else the decent structure of the spurred exhibit might not be enough. 6 or 7/10
Overall: 8/10
Hasbro’s Big Backyard:
Something odd about this zoo is that there are a few exhibits that feature very few animals and focus more on other ideologies. This one is so often closed that I honestly have no idea what it’s really meant for.
Ravens:
The only current animal housed here, I think it’s decent, but probably too small. I remember when the rainforest exhibit was under construction, and some animals from that were kept in honestly sub-par conditions. Maybe this isn’t the best part of the zoo to keep animals? 6/10
Overall: 5/10
Alex and Ani Farmyard:
I mentioned in my Franklin Park review that I wasn’t that big a fan of their farm exhibit. Roger Williams has a better one, I think. It’s still not my favorite, but as zoo farms go, it’s perfectly decent.
Chickens:
It’s smallish, but they have a larger indoor area. But then thsi part is not accessible to guests. Whatever… 6/10
Flemish giant rabbits:
These are constantly on-and-off exhibit whenever I visit. When they are on exhibit, the enclosure is about what you’d expect. Maybe it could be roomier, though. 6/10
Overall barn area:
I like the selection of farm animals here. You have expected goats, sheep, pigs, and a donkey, but then there are also alpacas and indoor-only barn owls. The owls probably need more space, but otherwise, I think the animals have about as much space as they would probably have in an actual small farm. 7/10
Overall: 6/10
Faces of the Rainforest:
The zoo peaks relatively early, as this is definitely the best exhibit. Which is interesting, because it used to be the worst. I saw a list of rainforest buildings from different zoos, and the early version of this one, “Tropical America,” was described as “borderline terrible,” and looking back, it was a crammed and unnatural-looking ordinary building with a few trees inside. This new aviary-esque build is infinitely better. I honestly think it’s about on par with the Tropical Forest from Franklin Park. I admit to not liking how out-in-the-open the ventilation is, and I miss the prehensile-tailed porcupine and Jamaican fruit-eating bats that once lived here, but those are small complaints.
Monkeys:
There is a half-inside, half-outside enclosure for howler monkeys, gray titis, and sakis which I think is fine. It’s an odd structure, but I think it has enough space and enrichment to keep the monkeys happy. 7/10
Giant otter:
I didn’t see this last time, but the enclosure is big and provides plenty of land for the otters to rest. I think it could be more planted, though. 8/10
Anaconda:
A very nice semi-aquatic terrarium that could probably be just a *tiny* bit bigger. I remember the old version of this having an anaconda eating an entire goat. Just thought I’d say that. 7/10
Toucan and tamandua:
I find it a bit odd that the keel-bellied toucan is kept inside a smaller enclosure instead of being allowed to fly around the building like the other birds, but it’s not a bad enclosure. And sharing it with the tamandua is also a strange choice, but both seem to have plenty of climbing tools and shelters, so I guess it works. 7/10
Terrariums:
Some lizards and frogs, most notably poison dart frogs, are positioned at the front of the building, and they are all up to standard. There are also two fish tanks, one of which has piranha, that could be bigger. Overall it’s fine. 7/10
Free-roaming animals:
The highlight. There is a vast array of tropical plants and trees throughout the building, especially in the center, along with a small water feature. In addition to the beautiful hyacinth macaws that serve as the trademark animal for this exhibit, and the other free-flight birds, there are golden lion tamarins and a two-toed sloth that happily climb around above the guests’ heads. 8/10
Giant anteater:
Oh, yeah, this exhibit has outdoor enclosures, too. And this one is am excellent construction for this bizarre animal, including water and a huge indoor area that the guests can actually look inside. The highlight of both the exhibit and the zoo. 9/10
Flamingos:
What are flamingos doing in a South American rainforest area? Simple, they’re Chilean flamingos…which still don’t live in rainforests, but neither does the anteater. They still both fit better than the Patagonian cavy and humboldt penguins that were once considered part of this area before its renovation.This is a fairly standard flamingo exhibit, and is an improvement over the last one. I think the fencing needs some work, though. 7/10
Overall: 8/10
World of Adaptations:
This exhibit frustrates me. It was once called “Australasia,” and this old theme remains, even without featuring animals from Australia, Asia, and Indonesia, which is a cold idea. Back in the day, it housed Chinese alligators and Northern tree shrews, not to mention a large walkthrough exhibit for emus and gray kangaroos. All of that is gone, and not really replaced with that many animals. What is here now is still good, I just may be a bit bitter. And supposedly there are peafowl walking around here, but I’ve never seen them.
Radiated tortoises (outdoor):
What’s funny is that these were featured here back when it was Asia/Australia-themed, even though these tortoises come from Madagascar. It’s an okay enclosure that I would have more issues with if there wasn’t an indoor section. 6/10
Kookaburra:
Are kookaburra not allowed to have good exhibits in New England zoos? This one is even worse than the Franklin Park one, and has the same problems of ugly fencing and not much to do. What I think is the worst exhibit at the zoo. 4/10
King vultures:
It gets better from this point, I think. The first animal seen here not from the original version, it was moved from the rainforest area into a walk-in enclosure with unattractive netting, but a good structure within. 7/10
Babirusas:
Overall pretty good. I don’t like that it’s so low-elevated, but I like how big it is and I honestly just enjoy this species in particular for how hideous it is. 7/10
Binturong:
A not very big enclosure, but it works for a not very big animal. It has a good climbing structure that also provides decent shelter. 7/10
River otters:
These are the animals that single-handedly trashed the old theme. At least the exhibit is well-made and has underwater viewing as well. And it’s definitely better than their old one from a later area in the zoo. 7/10
Wallabies:
A bit barren, but that fits wallabies. It’s one of the better enclosures in this exhibit. 7/10
Wrinkled hornbill:
Inside the building, things are a bit more consistent. Just a *bit.* This is my favorite part of it, as it almost looks as if it’s been carved from the wall and peeking into another realm. It’s really cool, and has no barrier on it…if I remember correctly. 8/10
Tree kangaroos:
Another improvement from an old version, as the original enclosure for this species was only visible through a weird bubble window. This one isn’t very naturalistic at all, but I guess it doesn’t really need to be if what’s there Matschie’s (heh…I’m sorry) what the animal needs. 7/10
Radiated tortoises (indoor):
Neither tortoise enclosure in this exhibit is all that big, but they make each other better by existing. I like the indoor one better, largely because they are safe from the New England winter and I prefer the substrate. 7/10
Komodo dragons:
Such an impressive animal is oddly not very heavily advertised for the zoo. And honestly, the enclosure quality makes me see why. For the largest lizard in the world, it is quite small, and I don’t like how at this size, it is entirely indoors. A disappointment. 6/10
Other indoor animals:
I appreciate the Bali mynah popping up again, and even without it the exhibit for rosellas and the aquatic terrarium for snake-necked turtles and Emerald tree boa (an odd combination…but explained by the former presence of the extremely similar green tree python and the Emerald being moved from the rainforest) is very nice too. 7/10
Gibbons:
This was under construction when I last visited, supposedly being made bigger. The enclosure was already pretty decent, so this should be impressive. 7/10
Overall: 7/10
Marco Polo Adventure Trek:
We’re back on the continental theme, this time for Asia. And it’s a unique idea too, the animals Marco Polo may have seen on his travels. Thankfully, it’s one of the better exhibits.
Camels:
Like Fabric of Africa, we unfortunately start with the weakest the exhibit offers. Once again, it’s just too small, especially for the large Bactrian camels that replaced the dromedaries that were once here. It’s also rather barren, but I guess that’s the point with camels. 6/10
Moon bears:
Technically these are called Asiatic black bears, but this is what the zoo calls them. Either way, this is a pretty good enclosure. It’s steep and rocky, but still has some flat land, and a sizable pool. 8/10
Red-crowned cranes:
You have to look down at them from a wooden walkway, which I don’t know how to feel about, but I honestly don’t remember much about this one, probably because the animals surrounding it are just much more exciting. It’s probably fine. 7/10
Snow leopards:
The highlight of this already impressive exhibit. Snow leopards have it good in New England it seems, as even the less-than-favorable Stone Zoo has a really good enclosure for them. This one is probably still better, if only because it’s less vertical, and has better viewing opportunities. 9/10
Red pandas:
So this enclosure was blocked off on my last visit because it too was being renovated. I’ve seen exactly one photo of what it looks like right now, and it’s very promising. I’ll throw it a 7/10 until I see it myself.
Takin:
I remember this one being too small as well, if only a tiny bit. At least it’s the right biome, high and mountainous. Also, didn’t a takin escape from the zoo once? 7/10
Overall: 8/10
North America:
I always get sad whenever this exhibit comes up, because it would mean the visit was almost over. I also remember it having harbor seals, but that’s getting renovated into an improved penguin exhibit. It also was the original home for the river otters, whose dirty enclosure remains empty, and had porcupines and great horned owls at other points.
Snake den:
A small wooden hut stands early on, holding coppperheads and rattlesnakes in decent terrariums. It was a later addition, and it shows, but in a good way. 7/10
Eagles:
A pretty but smallish enclosure for bald and golden eagles stands on one side of a double-sided path. I wish their wings weren’t clipped. 6/10
Pronghorns and turkeys:
The other side of the path looks over a vast field of pronghorn, who are joined by wild turkeys in a very nice prairie. There’s a closer view down the path. The highlight of this area. 8/10
Red wolves:
This is an exciting animal to see in a zoo. Last visit, I remember thinking the enclosure was not big enough for wolves, until I was reminded how small red wolves actually were. It’s pretty decent, all things considered. 7/10
Bison:
These are visible all the way from the pronghorn view, and the path does get closer, but I have never been able to do so, as almond every time I have been here, it has been at the same time as the “Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.” It still looks like a sizable plane for the continent’s biggest animals. 8/10
Overall. 7/10
Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail:
I have a confession to make…I have never actually seen this exhibit. It’s always blocked off by the pumpkin spectacular. It’s a dumb excuse, but it’s the one I have. So I have to go off of outside sources for this one.
Muntjac:
Like Big Backyard, there is one sole enclosure on this trail, and the pictures and videos I’ve seen of it make it look…fine. It’s fine. I think I’d have to see in person, honestly… 7/10
Overall: 6/10
I did have some notable criticism for this zoo, but I do genuinely think it’s better than Franklin Park, despite that zoo being more personal and familiar to me. It just has better conditions, mostly larger enclosures, and lacks the terrible fencing problem that zoo has. It doesn’t have the most iconic animals, except for elephants and giraffes, obviously, but I actually like that it focuses more on little-known creatures like babirusas, moon bears, and red wolves, because it educates guests about them and raises conservation awareness, a great strength of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. If you’re in Rhode Island, or even if you want something new to see in New England, I recommend checking it out.
Overall: 8/10
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