2024 Summer WILD Magazine

PUBLISHED FOR FRIENDS OF ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO

Closes August 11th

Welcome!

By Stacey Johnson

Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society

This month, during National Zookeeper Week, we honor our professional animal caretakers, shining the spotlight on the skilled and talented team of keepers who provide opportunities for more than 400 animals, representing 145 species of amphibians, arthropods, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, to thrive.

Far beyond the old-fashioned notion that zookeepers simply offer food and clean up after beasts and fowl, they play an active and vital role in every aspect of the animals’ physical and behavioral well-being. They closely monitor the health and activity of each creature, furnishing the means to think and behave according to their natural adaptations. Keepers train animals of all types to participate in their own health care. They observe and document every aspect of the animals’ lifecycles, learning about them to enhance their success. Keepers innovate and adapt to produce attractive and functional wildlife habitats, providing the proper

THANK YOU CENTERVILLE BANK FOR YOUR SUPPORT

arrangement of food, water, shelter and space, based on a combination of zoological science and practical problemsolving. Daily public interactions to share their knowledge and advance the Zoo’s mission to empower our guests to conserve wildlife and wild places fit into the mix. And, yes, zookeepers accomplish all that while also spending much of their day ensuring a clean, safe environment for every creature under their care.

Theirs is a commitment to animal welfare of the highest order. Zookeepers brave all kinds of weather, working holidays, weekends and even the middle of the night. It is often hard work and requires a special kind of dedication, yet a zookeeper will look you straight in the eye and tell you they consider it a privilege. On your next visit to Roger Williams Park Zoo, find a moment to chat with one of our amazing keepers. I hope you will learn something new about the fascinating creatures they care for and that you thank them for their dedication to animal welfare.

At Centreville Bank, we are committed to investing in programs that support student learning. That’s why we are very excited to award a grant to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in support of their Environmental Science Classroom on Wheels. We believe that learning can happen in many ways – including inside and outside of a traditional classroom. The new Zoomobile will be able to reach communities that may not normally have access to Roger Williams Park Zoo with valuable educational and environmental science programs. Our hope with this grant is to inspire and foster a desire for continued learning through the Zoomobile’s accessible, interactive and dynamic learning experience.

Our Amazing Armadillos at Connection Corner

At the Roger Williams Park Zoo, we have over 50 individual animals that live behind the scenes, all of whom have the important role of being ambassadors for their species.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums defines an acting ambassador animal as “when it is being presented to visitors, and the animal leaves its primary enclosure, or it is being presented to visitors (inside or outside of its enclosure), and visitors are intended to have direct contact.”

Now through Labor Day, our energetic armadillos can be found at Connection Corner, allowing guests an up-close encounter. The four armadillos found there include Sheldon and Patsy and their children Dorothy and Blanche. Nine-banded armadillos are unique and will always give birth to identical quadruplets. Sheldon and Patsy had two other girls, Sophia and Rose, who now live at other zoos, completing the Golden Girls group. These armadillos make a huge impact. In 2023 alone, they met around 54,000 people just at Connection Corner.

Closes August 11th

Dragons & Mythical Creatures exhibit closes on August 11th. Don’t miss your chance to embark on a journey where folklore meets reality!

Step into a world teeming with over 60 life-size animatronic dragons, griffins, unicorns, and other legendary creatures. Watch in awe as these mythical beasts come alive, roaring, moving, and even breathing smoke! Learn about the myths and legends that gave birth to these fantastical creatures and explore the scientific inspirations behind their forms.

This interactive exhibit is a portal to a world of imagination. Uncover the fascinating symbolism behind these creatures across cultures and feel like a true adventurer.

Limited time only! Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in the magic of dragons and mythical creatures at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity for the whole family to learn, explore, and ignite their imaginations.

Note: This is an add-on experience, and non-members will also require a separate admission to the Zoo and can be purchased online.

Interactive Bird Show Closes September 2nd

Last chance to soar with the Zoo’s feathered wonders!

Shows are daily at 11am & 2pm

This incredible display showcasing majestic birds like falcons, cranes, and owls ends on September 2nd.

Witness a breathtaking daily spectacle where these avian ambassadors take flight, showcasing their unmatched skill and grace. Prepare to be amazed by their unique calls, some even mimicking their trainers! Be ready for surprises—this interactive show guarantees an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss your chance to get closer than ever to these magnificent creatures! This immersive experience offers a unique window into their fascinating world. See the power and beauty of flight before it takes off – included FREE with Zoo admission (weather permitting).

Young Artists Roar with Creativity:

2024 Endangered Species Art Contest Winners

Congratulations to our 2024 Endangered Species Youth Art Contest winners! This year’s record-breaking entries (over 500!) showcased incredible creativity and a passion for protecting endangered species. You can see their masterpieces on display at the Zoo’s Big Backyard building! Don’t miss it!

These inspiring masterpieces ignite a love for endangered species and the fight for their survival. Their creativity inspires us to protect these creatures and their wild homes.

A HUGE thank you to all participants and our supporting partner, Jerry’s Artarama of Providence! You’re all helping to inspire the future of conservation, raise awareness, and inspire action.

JUDGES CHOICE

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

6-8

6-8 1st Place

6-8 Honorable Mention 1

6-8 Honorable Mention 2

3-5

Honorable Mention 1

Honorable Mention 2

K-2

Honorable Mention 1

Honorable Mention 2

Project Selva

By supporting indigenous communities, Project Selva hopes to empower stewardship and safeguard the Amazon’s biodiversity. This past April, Director of Conservation Lou Perrotti, alongside partners at San Antonio Zoo, completed another successful trip to Peru in support of Project Selva. As the first trip to Peru since the pandemic, this was an important milestone in reinforcing the relationship with the team in Peru and delivering needed art supplies to the team in Iquitos so they could continue to make their art.

Project Selva is a collaborative project that aims to protect a vital ecosystem, the Amazon rainforest, while also supporting the indigenous communities that live there. This is done by helping to conserve their land through sustainable income generation. Project Selva has empowered these indigenous

artists to create and sell their traditional crafts. It has also provided training to artists in Iquitos by teaching gyotaku, a Japanese fish printing technique on rice paper. Artists have adapted this technique to celebrate Amazon’s rich aquatic diversity by showcasing the many species that live there.

The artworks created by the indigenous artists are not just beautiful, they are also a lifeline for the communities in the upper Amazon region of Peru. The sales of these artworks, exported to zoos and sold in gift shops, provide the communities with much-needed resources such as clean water and medicine. This direct support helps prevent the sale of rainforests to logging and mining interests, ensuring the sustainability of the project and the communities it serves.

Earth Agents, the Zoo’s community conservation engagement program, is thriving!

This year, the program has tripled in size, boasting 11 families and 42 individual members. With a focus on climate change, the group has participated in valuable training sessions led by the Zoo’s Director of Education, Andrea Stein, a trained NNOCI (National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation) presenter. Stein provided participants with numerous resources, including Project Drawdown (drawdown.org), a website rich with climate change solutions.

Earth Agents are taking action!

2024 Highlights:

• One of our Earth Agents families hosted a beach clean-up and clothing swap on June 2nd. Participants cleaned up Buttonwoods Beach and then swapped or recycled used clothing.

• Willow, from Team Campbell, participated in a project involving ocean rights and support of the Rhode Island Bottle Bill. She and some friends sent letters to all 75 state representatives, and they were encouraged to speak at the public hearing in support of the bill. Willow spoke at the State House, explaining the importance of passing this bill. To learn more about the Bottle Bill, visit www.clf.org/blog/bottle-return-programs-new-england/.

• The Green Jaguars team launched a “May Meatless Monday” campaign to promote reduced meat consumption. They challenge others to go one day or meal per week without eating meat. You can read more about May Meatless Mondays here, and even participate if you like!

• Another family has received permission from the owner of Camp Champlin in Cranston to get certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. During their homeschool co-op field day, they will educate other families on the process of getting certified and provide activities for kids, such as seed bomb creation.

• One member organized the Narragansett Bay Commission Watershed Explorers Conference, where her daughters had a table and led activities for other students.

The program is bustling with additional initiatives, including family-organized clean-up events (for example, a clean-up at Conimicut Point Park on June 9th) and a work-in-progress project to develop a climate changethemed escape room for a local library.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Earth Agents program and its impactful projects, visit www. rwpzoo.org/programs/earthagents/.

NEW at the Zoo

Welcome Enzi!

Enzi, a one-year-old Masai giraffe, whose name translates to “powerful” in Swahili, joined the Zoo’s existing female giraffes, Cora and Providence, becoming the third member of the herd. He came to Roger Williams from Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo, where he was born in 2023.

Enzi’s arrival is a significant milestone, reinforcing the Zoo’s commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for giraffes. SSPs are collaborative breeding programs aimed at maintaining robust, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species. The current Masai Giraffe SSP population consists of 137 animals distributed among 35 AZA facilities. By actively participating in SSPs, Roger Williams Park Zoo is playing a crucial role in securing the future of giraffes, a responsibility shared by accredited zoos, like Zoo New England and Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Masai giraffes are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Masai giraffe populations have declined 50 percent in the last 30 years.

The biggest threats to the Masai giraffe population are habitat loss and illegal hunting. Masai giraffes are poached for meat and products such as hide, bones, and tail hairs. As of May 2024, the IUCN estimates that there are 32,200 Masai giraffes; they are starting to slightly rebound due to conservation efforts.

The Masai giraffe is the tallest land animal on Earth. Bulls, like Enzi, typically outweigh and outgrow females, reaching up to 2900 pounds and a height of up to 18 feet. In the wild, these giraffes can live up to 25 years, with lifespans often extending further in managed habitats. One of its most distinctive features is its long neck, composed of seven vertebrae, which account for about one-third of its body height. Enzi, at 11 months, weighs 730 pounds and is about 10 feet tall.

Guests will have the opportunity to observe the complex social interactions between giraffes, witness their fascinating physical adaptations, and learn more about giraffe conservation efforts.

Born on March 21st, 2024

Born on May 3rd, 2024

New Red Panda Habitat

This spring, we opened a newly built, cutting-edge habitat designed specifically for our red pandas, Kendji and Zan. This meticulously crafted sanctuary prioritizes optimal animal welfare and comfort while offering enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.

Kendji and Zan’s new home boasts a spacious two-story, climate-controlled indoor space designed to mimic their natural Himalayan habitat. This ensures their well-being, regardless of fluctuating Rhode Island temperatures and humidity. Strategically placed viewing windows offer guests clear views of the red pandas’ playful antics, offering a balance between animal comfort and visitor engagement. A remote camera system ensures the red pandas’ safety and well-being even when out of sight.

The outdoor habitat also spans two stories and features an enriching landscape with climbing structures and multiple viewing angles, allowing visitors to observe the red pandas from various perspectives.

More than just a visually stunning environment, the new habitat focuses on enriching the pandas’ lives in numerous ways:

• Enhanced Space and Stimulation: Both indoor and outdoor areas provide ample space for exploration, exercise, and engaging in natural behaviors.

• Private Retreats: Comfortable off-exhibit “bedrooms” equipped with nestboxes offer tranquil hideaways for relaxation and undisturbed sleep.

• Improved Keeper Facilities: Upgraded workspace and kitchen areas significantly enhance animal care and management efficiency.

• Future Adaptability: The flexible design allows for potential expansion to accommodate additional red pandas in the future.

The red panda habitat is now open to the public during regular zoo hours. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with these captivating creatures and learn more about their crucial conservation needs.

Upcoming Events at the Zoo & Carousel

JULY

• CAROUSEL HOURS: Open daily 11am - 6pm

• Zoo Camp

• 1st to 31st: Dragons & Mythical Creatures

• 7th: Sensory-friendly Dragons & Mythical Creatures experience (8 - 9am)

• 13th: Bowling for Rhinos

• 18th: Sip and Stroll: Battle of the Bands 2000s night

• Fridays: Weekly Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village

• Daily: Interactive Bird Shows 11am and 2pm

AUGUST

• CAROUSEL HOURS: Open daily 11am - 6pm

• Zoo Camp

• 10th: Family Night Dragons & Mythical Creatures

• 11th: Dragons and Mythical Creatures FINAL DAY

• 11th: Breakfast with the Giant Otters

• 24th: Brew at the Zoo

• Fridays: Weekly Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village

• Daily: Interactive Bird Shows 11am and 2pm

SEPTEMBER

• CAROUSEL HOURS:

Through Labor Day: Daily 11 am – 6 pm Post Labor Day: Daily 12 Noon – 4 pm

• 2nd: Bird Show FINAL DAY (Labor Day)

• 8th: Breakfast with the Zebras and Wildebeest

• 22nd: Breakfast with the Elephants

• 15th: Yoga with the Elephants (16th Rain Date)

• 27th: Final Food Truck Friday

• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs Sept 27th- November 2nd

• 28th-29th: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Sensory Nights

• Fridays: Weekly Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village (Final FTF - September 27th)

ZOO HOURS: 9am to 4pm Daily

Visit rwpzoo.org for more info

Pamela W. He ernan Co-Chair

Judy Lockard

Beth Mattera

Damaris Messina

John H. Mullen

Jack Murray

Ron Patalano

Zachary Remson

Sara Slahetka

Tempie Thompson

Lauren Ustaszewski

Eric Weiner

unique educational experience where guests can improve their significantly to the conservation of our earth’s animals, plants audience to act as responsible environmental stewards.

Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI 02907

rwpzoo.org

Janci Foundation

Yolanda L’Archevesque

Kenneth & Barbara Ruscetta

Saturday, June 29, 2024

DiSanto Priest Charitable Foundation

Nancy J. Allen

Happy Birthday Jean Aubin

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort

Big Blue Bug Solutions

Bock Foundation

Donna Welk Cameron Gricus

Cherry Chun

Deal Electric LLC

Sarah Denby

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Eastern Ice

The Stoico / FIRSTFED Foundation

Tortoise Troop

Cindy & Michael Erickson

EW Burman, Inc.

Meg Ferguson

Ferestien Feed & Farm Supply

Mr. & Mrs. John Forcino

Jennifer Foster

General Environmental Services, Inc.

KPMG LLP

Pier Fish Company

Lahlaf Geotechnical Consulting, Inc.

Kathryn Lewis

Liberty Cedar, Inc.

Lincoln Energy Mechanical Services, Inc.

Mather Rescue

Navigant Credit Union

Donna M. Ottaviano, Ed.D. East Bay Educational Collaborative

Karen & Stephen Prest

Providence Periodontics

R.I. Container Products, Inc.

Roxanne Beretta, Realtor RE/MAX

Signature Printing

Spirol

Storrens Consulting Corp.

Warwick Mall

David & Jill Wolff

Thank you for supporting Zoobilee - Party With A Purpose!

The 32nd annual Zoobilee, held on Saturday, June 29th, raised over $270,000 to support Roger William’s Park Zoo’s education and conservation programs. We gratefully thank our sponsors, volunteers and party guests!

National Zookeeper Week! July 21-27

Sure, zookeepers feed the elephants and clean the giant otter pool, but a whole world of unseen work goes into keeping these incredible animals thriving. National Zookeeper Week is a time to peek behind the curtain and discover the surprising variety in their daily routine. Animal care is at the heart of it all, but these dedicated professionals wear many hats to keep zoos running smoothly.

Culinary Care:

Zookeepers become culinary experts, preparing specialized diets mimicking what animals eat in the wild. Chopped fruits, leafy greens, and even specially formulated biscuits are all crucial to keeping well-balanced diets for our animals. Diana (pictured) is one of the keepers behind the scenes in the commissary, prepping nutritious meals for all of the animals in our care daily!

Educating:

Zookeepers become ambassadors for animals, educating the public through interactive talks and demonstrations. One of our elephant keepers, Brett Haskins, even traveled to Asia to share his knowledge on elephant foot care! Brett spent

nearly two weeks at the National Trust for Nature Conservancy’s Elephant Health Camp, educating mahouts (elephant handlers) and elephant owners on the best practices for maintaining healthy elephant foot care. He provided handson training to properly trim, treat, and regularly care for elephants’ feet.

Cleaning:

Keeping habitats clean is essential, but zookeepers go a step further. They become creative set designers, helping to craft stimulating environments with climbing structures, hidden treats, and even puzzles to keep animal minds active.

Training:

Animal training in zoos isn’t about teaching tricks, it’s about building positive relationships and communication for everyone’s benefit. Training allows our animals to participate in vet checkups voluntarily. They are taught to target specific body parts to a keeper’s cue, letting vets examine their teeth, paws, or ears without undue stress. Animal training in zoos is about positive reinforcement, building trust, and creating a better experience for animals and staff. It’s a key part of good animal welfare practices!

For example, our zookeeper, Khaz, has been working with our North American river otters on positive reinforcement training for vaccine administration. Khaz has helped train the otters to “place” in a vaccination tube and press their hip against the opening for easy access to administer their vaccines. The river otters are rewarded with plenty of treats for these beneficial behaviors!

During National Zookeeper Week, let’s give a big shout-out to these multi-talented heroes. They’re the chefs, enrichment experts, trainers, and caregivers who ensure zoos are a haven for amazing animals. They inspire us to appreciate the natural world and play a vital role in conservation efforts. The next time you visit the Zoo, take a moment to thank a zookeeper for their incredible work!

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

WILD is an online publication of the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659

For membership information call (401) 785-3510 x375 or visit rwpzoo.org.

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

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Kids’ Corner Kids’ Corner

Frog Handprint Craft

Supplies Needed

• Paper Plates

• Colored Cardstock

• For the water lilies – white, purple or pink.

• For the frog – red, white and black.

• A dark green cardstock for the frog

• Black Sharpie

• Yellow Tissue Paper

• Green Paint

Directions:

Make your lily pad.

1. Cut a shape like a pie piece out of the paper plate to make it look like a lily pad.

2. Paint your paper plates- feel free to use different shades of green!

3. Make your water lilies. We made one white, pink and purple flower. Cut out the template and trace and cut out 4 flowers for each water lily. You can get the free template here!

4. Glue the 4 flowers together alternating where the petals rest so that it fills the gaps. Bend/crease/pull the petals up on each flower except for the bottom one.

5. Cut out small squares from the yellow tissue paper. Put around the bottom of a pencil and then dip in some glue. Glue down to the center of the flower.

6. Glue the flowers to your lily pads.

Now make your frog handprint!

1. Trace your handprint on dark green cardstock. Cut out your handprint.

2. Make your frog eyes. You can trace around a toilet paper roll for the white part on white cardstock. Cut smaller black circles to glue inside the eyes.

3. Glue your eyes onto your frog handprint.

4. Draw the mouth with a black sharpie.

5. Cut out a little strip of red cardstock and curl around a pencil for the tongue and then glue it down.

6. Take the same color green paper as the frog and make a loop. Glue or tape the loop together so it looks like a toilet paper roll. Glue down to your lily pad.

7. Glue your handprint frog to the roll on the paper plate so it stands up.