Phase 2 of the Governor’s reopening plan begins Monday, June 1st; this includes the beaches and parks and the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Go here for the zoo’s enhanced safety protocols and a message from executive director Jeremy Goodman.
Do not just show up. The zoo is opening in phases over the coming week — read the details carefully. The zoo will employ a timed ticketing system to control the number of guests inside the zoo at any time. Tickets must be purchased online!
The zoo is reopening in phases as well:
June 1 & 2 — Zoo is open to active RI Zoo members only. (Become a member.)
June 3-7 — Zoo is open to Rhode Island residents only (members and non-members).
Monday, June 8 — Zoo opens to all members and the general public.
All buildings are closed, as well as the carousel and the farmyard exhibit.
You need to wear a mask. A one-way traffic flow has been designed to keep everyone moving in the same direction. Snacks are for sale. There are some new babies to see.
Details for the Phase 2 can be found (pdf) at ReopeningRI.com. WPRI has a comprehensive breakdown as well.
(Seen here is a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) from the North America exhibit, a common visitor to our waters. Like many of us, the harbor seal prefers a diet of sardines, squid, and smelts.)