Roger Williams Park Zoo

More than 150 animals from all over the world are housed in natural habitats at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. It received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1986, making it the first zoo in New England to do so.

In its early years, the Roger Williams Park Zoo housed just a modest variety of creatures, such as raccoons, guinea pigs, mice, squirrels, rabbits, hawks, peacocks, and anteaters. The Menagerie, its first structure, was completed in 1890. The park's infrastructure, which featured a range of creatures including monkeys, hoofstock, bears, and large cats, started to expand in the 1900s. The Menagerie structure was transformed into a birdhouse in 1929, and an elephant barn opened its doors the following year in 1930. A new sea lion pool was built in the 1930s. In 1949, one of the zoo's most well-liked attractions, Bunny Village, opened.

For the following 20 years, a new master plan was announced in 2015. It involves developing a new rainforest structure that will be finished in 2018, as well as a shorebird aviary, a new exhibit for California sea lions and Humboldt penguins, and a new tiger habitat. Grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep will all be included in a completely revised version of the North America display.

Year Opened: 1872
Location: Providence, Rhode Island