Roger Williams Park Zoo Celebrates Its 150th Birthday

Roger Williams Park Zoo Celebrates Its 150th Birthday

In 1872, a portion of Roger Williams Park was officially designated as the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This year the zoo celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Zoo is the third oldest in the United States.

What started as a scattered collection of small animals purely for entertainment has today evolved into one of our region's foremost centers for conservation and environmental education. In 1986, Zoo became the first zoo in New England to earn accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2018, the Zoo was humane certified by American Humane.

 

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April 1-3 Kick-Off Weekend

April 1- Media Event. Select dignitaries and others are invited to watch as a time capsule is buried beneath The Sentinel Dog. 

April 2 - Free Saturday for Providence City Residents (with valid id or proof of city residency)  Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration!  In partnership with the Providence Parks Department and P3, exhibits about the city’s parks and neighborhoods.  Entertainment by Fiddle N’ Fun.

April 3- Visitors will enjoy $1.50 admission, entertainment, treats from Dunkin Doughnuts and more surprises. Watch how our animals celebrate the day with birthday treats, we couldn't leave them out of the party.

 

What else is happening in the Zoo:

•          Timeline throughout the Zoo

The Zoo's timeline will be shown through the zoo showing photos and sharing milestones from through the years

•          Surprises daily

One guest per day, for 150 days, will win a grab bag filled with commemorative goodies and other treats starting on April 1. And follow us on social media for contests and ticket giveaways

•          Photo opportunities throughout

Smile when you take a photo with Roger the Red Panda and a birthday cake. Look for other historic markers that will make you say "cheese" 

•          Zoobilee returns in 2022

Zoobilee! - Feast with the Beast returns to celebrate its 30th year. Zoobilee is the Zoo's largest single-night fundraiser featuring fine fare from dozens of the area's best restaurants and caterers. Guests enjoy fabulous entertainment, including live music and dancing and other fun surprises! This is an adults-only evening event (21+)

The Zoo is open every day except Saturday, June 25, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Last entry at noon August 27, 2022.

Zoo Hours: October 11 – March 31, 10 am – 4 pm; April 1– October 10, 9 am – 4 pm.