Rhode Island Zoos and Aquariums: Complete Wildlife Guide

Discover Rhode Island's wildlife attractions featuring New England's only African elephants, interactive marine science centers, and educational farms. Explore the nation's third oldest zoo plus hands-on aquarium experiences in Narragansett Bay.

1

AZA-Accredited Zoo

1872

Roger Williams Zoo Founded

800+

Animals at RW Zoo

160

Species Represented

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence) 3rd Oldest in Nation

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
Website: rwpzoo.org
Phone: (401) 785-3510

Hours

Thursday - Monday: 10 AM - 4 PM (last admission 3:30 PM)
CLOSED: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

Admission

  • Adults: $22
  • Children (2-12): $16
  • Seniors (62+): $18
  • Toddlers (under 2): Free
  • Zoo Members: Free

Highlights

  • Founded: 1872 - Third oldest zoo in the United States
  • Size: 40 acres of beautifully landscaped woodlands
  • Animals: 800+ animals representing 160+ species in naturalistic settings
  • AZA Accreditation: First zoo in New England to earn AZA accreditation in 1986; continuously accredited for 37+ years
  • Only in New England: African bush elephants (Alice, Ginny, and Kate)
  • Conservation: Participates in 41 AZA Species Survival Plans including red wolf, Matschie's tree kangaroos, snow leopards, wrinkled hornbill
  • International Elephant Foundation: Annual gift of $5,000; total contribution $50,000 to date

Featured Exhibits

  • Himalayan Trek: Opened 1996 as Marco Polo's Adventure Trek (renamed 2024)
  • Humboldt Penguin Exhibit: Opened Memorial Day weekend with dozen sun-loving penguins from Chile and Peru
  • Alex & Ani Farmyard: Opened 2014; petting zoo with Flemish Giant rabbits, Guinea hogs, Huacaya alpacas, mini Nubian goats, miniature donkey, Shetland sheep, various chicken breeds
  • Jambo Junction: African elephants in 13,500 sq ft enclosure with indoor Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion
  • Rainforest Pavilion: Must-see exhibit with tropical species
  • Hasbro's Our Big Backyard: Nature play and exploration area for children

Notable Animals

Komodo dragon, zebras, red pandas, African elephants (Alice, Ginny, Kate), Masai giraffes, snow leopards, moon bears, anteaters, flamingoes, sloths

Elephant Update: In February 2025, the zoo announced plans to relocate the three African elephants (Alice, Ginny, Kate) to a larger herd setting in 2027. After nearly 40 years together, this proactive decision ensures none end up alone as they enter twilight years. No plans to acquire more elephants after their departure.

Special Events

  • Jack O'Lantern Spectacular: October walk through mile+ trail with thousands of beautifully decorated pumpkins
  • Zoobilee: Adult evening events
  • Brew at the Zoo: Adult programming
  • Christmas Lights: Holiday seasonal displays

Aquariums in Rhode Island

Save The Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium (Newport) NEW 2024

Opened: Early 2024

Location: Newport's downtown transportation center

Year-round aquarium and interactive marine science center operated by Save the Bay. Hands-on exhibits with dozens of displays featuring creatures collected from and returned to Narragansett Bay. Touch tanks allow visitors to hold sea stars, pet sharks, and marvel at jellies.

Save The Bay Exploration Center (Newport Easton's Beach)

Size: 1,500 square feet

Animals: 140+ species of local marine life from Narragansett Bay

Beachfront location at Easton's Beach with 40+ species including rare lobsters, crabs, octopus, seahorses, sea robins, terrapins. Three touch tanks for hands-on interaction with skates, sharks, and crabs. Educational experience teaching children about local ecosystems and marine conservation.

Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut - Near RI)

Address: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355

Phone: 860-572-5955

Nation's 6th largest aquarium. Only beluga whales in New England. One of only two U.S. facilities with Steller sea lions. 5,000+ marine animals including penguins, sharks, reef fish, turtles, dart frogs. Four touch exhibits. Free parking.

Petting Zoos and Educational Farms

Festival Farm (Hope Valley) FREE

Animals: Alpacas, Jacob sheep, Barbados sheep, Pygmy goats, pony, two mini-donkeys, emu, bunny, barn kitties, Lady Amherst pheasants

Hours: Open every day whenever you want to stop by

Admission: No admission charge

Website: festivalfarmri.com

Barn Babies Traveling Petting Zoo

Service Area: Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 1994

Animals: 20-40 animals including bunnies, chicks/ducklings, diapered goat/lamb, potbellied pig, kittens, puppies

Educational hands-on experience for all ages. Services for birthday celebrations, school programs, pet therapy.

Website: barnbabies.com

The Rusty Buckle Petting Zoo & Pony Rides

Hand-raised farm animals providing joy and stress relief. Cuddle bunnies, goats, sheep; rub pig bellies and donkey ears; groom mini horses and mini highland cows; waddle with ducklings and chickens; visit emu couple, pheasants, peacocks.

Summer Farm Camp 2025: Learn basic care for horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and more.

Website: therustybucklepettingzoo.com

Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery (North Smithfield)

Address: 200 Woonsocket Hill Rd, North Smithfield, RI 02896

History: Over 100 years serving families; fifth-generation family-owned farm, creamery, and bakery

Animals: 120 Holstein cows milked daily

Milking Viewing: Daily 3 PM - 4:30 PM. Walking trail with educational signage about farm operations and dairy process. Part of National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island

Founded: 1993

Annual Care: 6,000+ wild patients

Location: North Kingstown, RI (physical facility + network of home rehabilitators)

Licensed by state and federal government. Care for ALL species of injured or orphaned wildlife including reptiles, raptors, songbirds, RVS species, large and small mammals.

Website: riwildliferehab.org

Wild Things Rescue Cove (Warwick)

Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife in need. Works directly with Wildlife Clinic of RI as hub within network of rehabilitators across Rhode Island.

Provides medical care, nourishment, and safe environment. Services include setting broken bones, treating infections.

Website: wildthingsrescuecove.org

West Place Animal Sanctuary (Tiverton)

Provides care for horses and farm animals from neglect and cruelty cases.

Wildlife rehabilitation for waterfowl and game birds.

Website: westplace.org

Emergency Contacts

Wildlife Rehabilitators of RI: 401-294-6363

RI Department of Environmental Management: 401-222-3070

Rhode Island DEM maintains Wildlife Rehabilitator Directory with licensed rehabilitators for proper care of injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roger Williams Park Zoo was founded in 1872, making it the third oldest zoo in the United States. The zoo sits on 40 acres of beautifully landscaped woodlands and houses more than 800 animals representing 160+ species from around the world. In 1986, it became the first zoo in New England to earn accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has maintained continuous accreditation for over 37 years.

Yes, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Rhode Island. It was the first zoo in New England to receive AZA accreditation in 1986 and has been continuously reaccredited, with its most recent reaccreditation in 2023 valid through September 2027. AZA accreditation is a rigorous process evaluating animal welfare, veterinary care, keeper training, safety, education, conservation, finance, risk management, governance, and guest services.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is the only zoo in New England that houses African elephants. The zoo's three African bush elephants—Alice, Ginny, and Kate—have lived together for nearly 40 years in a 13,500 square foot enclosure at Jambo Junction with an indoor Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion. In February 2025, the zoo announced plans to relocate the trio to a larger herd setting in 2027 to ensure none of the elephants end up alone as they enter their twilight years. The zoo does not plan to acquire more elephants after their departure.

Yes, Rhode Island has several aquarium options. The Save The Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium opened in early 2024 in Newport's downtown transportation center, featuring year-round interactive exhibits with dozens of displays of Narragansett Bay creatures. The Save The Bay Exploration Center at Easton's Beach in Newport showcases 140+ species of local marine life in a 1,500 square foot facility with three touch tanks. For a larger experience, Mystic Aquarium in nearby Connecticut is the nation's 6th largest aquarium with 5,000+ marine animals, the only beluga whales in New England, and one of only two U.S. facilities with Steller sea lions.

Festival Farm in Hope Valley offers a free petting zoo open every day with no admission charge. Visitors can interact with alpacas, Jacob sheep, Barbados sheep, Pygmy goats, a pony, two mini-donkeys, an emu, a bunny, barn kitties, and Lady Amherst pheasants. For a small admission fee, Roger Williams Park Zoo's Alex & Ani Farmyard petting zoo features Flemish Giant rabbits, Guinea hogs, Huacaya alpacas, mini Nubian goats, a miniature donkey, Shetland sheep, and various chicken breeds with animal feeding opportunities.

The Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island has been providing care to injured and orphaned wildlife since 1993, helping over 6,000 wild patients annually. Located in North Kingstown with a network of home rehabilitators statewide, the clinic is licensed by state and federal government to care for ALL species including reptiles, raptors, songbirds, and mammals. Wild Things Rescue Cove in Warwick works directly with the Wildlife Clinic as a hub within the rehabilitator network. For wildlife emergencies, call Wildlife Rehabilitators of RI at 401-294-6363 or the RI Department of Environmental Management at 401-222-3070.

Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts seasonal events throughout the year. The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular in October features a walk through a mile-plus trail with thousands of beautifully decorated pumpkins in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Christmas lights displays illuminate the zoo during the holiday season. Adult evening events include Zoobilee and Brew at the Zoo. The zoo also provides educational programs and camps year-round. Check the official website at rwpzoo.org for current event schedules and special programming.

Roger Williams Park Zoo actively participates in 41 AZA Species Survival Plans to propagate endangered and threatened species, including red wolf, Matschie's tree kangaroos, snow leopards, and wrinkled hornbill. The zoo contributes $5,000 annually to the International Elephant Foundation with a total contribution of $50,000 to date, supporting worldwide elephant conservation projects. The zoo's conservation efforts include funding The Tarangire Elephant Project in Africa, which has collected demographic data on over 800 individual elephants since 1993, creating the second largest elephant database in Africa.

Last updated on November 27, 2025