All hail the lowly porcupine*. The charismatic megafauna may get all the attention, but they eat up a huge chunk of a zoo budget. Zoos across the country are under increasing stress right now and ours is no exception. Consequently, from now through the end of the year, the Roger Williams Park Zoo will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays**. The Covid closure last spring, decreased attendance now, and new safety measures have all taken a toll, but you can help. WPRI spoke with zoo director Jeremy Goodman,
“We encourage folks to participate in and support many of our upcoming programs like our all new Private Insider Tours or take part in our virtual animal experiences,” Goodman said. “Each time someone visits, contributes to our emergency fund, or even attends our annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, they are helping us continue our mission of saving wildlife and wild places.”
So go visit the zoo. Or make a donation to the emergency fund. Maybe you have some gift-giving coming up — why not a membership? Maybe there’s a young family in your orbit who would really appreciate something like this.
New carousel hours: Noon to 4pm, Thursday through Monday.
The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular runs the month of October and will now be a drive-through experience.
*Found in the North American exhibit, the porcupine can weigh up to 30 pounds on its diet of “rodent chow, lettuce, apple, sweet potato, carrot and pears.” Not all exhibits are open: The indoor exhibits are closed, as is Our Big Backyard. Faces of the Rainforest has limited hours and capacity.
**The zoo will open the first Wednesday of every month for members only beginning on October 7. The zoo will also be open on state holidays and during school vacation days that fall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Time ticketing procedures are in place.
Adults $17.95, 9am to 4pm, Thursday thru Monday, 1000 Elmwood Avenue (directions)