JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 1
P U B L I S H E D F O R F R I E N D S O F R O G E R W I L L I A M S PA R K Z O O
Keeper Bri
Welcome! By Stacey Johnson
Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society
In the depths of winter, many
you will see other upgrades begin on Zoo facilities.
faith traditions emphasize
Although they come with a bit of dust and noise, I hope
shining light into the
you are as excited as I am to move RWPZoo forward. We
dark. The days are short, and we have recently experienced
have begun planning for some important new animal
troubling and tragic events. Sometimes it feels like we are
habitats over the coming five years. It won’t happen all at
engulfed in darkness, but hope persists. In fact, hope grows
once, but when it's complete, I am hopeful…no, confident
when we nurture it.
that we will look back with a smile and say, “Wow!”
So often we expect that growth to come in a blinding flash,
On behalf of everyone at Roger Williams Park Zoo, thank
but I almost always find that the most hopeful moments arrive
you for being part of our community. We are truly grateful
as a soft flicker, like a nod and smile from a stranger, or the
for your trust, enthusiasm, and partnership, and we can’t
quiet acknowledgement of a gesture of goodwill. Somehow,
wait to share the ever-brighter days, months and years
those things feel more important, and they resonate far
ahead with you.
longer. And there are few things on earth that can inspire me more than the giggle of a child whose hand has just been tickled by a goat’s nose! As we begin a new year, I want to share my sincere gratitude for your continued support. Your membership strengthens every part of our mission, from exceptional animal care to conservation efforts that extend far beyond our gates. We simply could not do this work without you. For one example, together we take small and medium-sized steps to protect the Amazonian rainforest through a partnership called Project Selva. Meanwhile, in Providence, you can experience a reasonable approximation of how that forest feels. And squeaks. And chirps. And splashes. Your connection to Roger Williams Park Zoo and your interest in its connections in the wider world are the reasons we can do those things. Next spring, we will complete construction of a conservation learning center that will be home to the Zoo’s many amazing programs designed to spark curiosity and expand both knowledge and capacity for students, families and community partners. No doubt you have watched as this new building has taken shape. Almost as soon as it is complete, 1
d n a l ng
r e t in uide
E w e eN
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Wvival G
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Welcome to the unofficial, highly scientific, absolutely essential, guide to surviving winter in New England…. just by visiting the Roger Williams Park Zoo!!
Step 1: Warm Up Your Wallet
Half-price admission from January 1–February 28 means you can treat yourself to a day out without freezing your budget.
Step 2: Bask in the Quiet
Winter visits come with built-in serenity. Short lines, peaceful paths, and your pick of parking.
Step 3: Move Your Body
Take one lap and you've logged 3,500 steps. No machines. No gym playlists. Just nature doing its thing.
Step 4: Follow the Animals
Some species truly shine this time of year. Snow leopards perch proudly, red pandas can play outside, and red wolves are easier to spot with the leaves gone. Winter is their moment.
Step 5: Retreat to the Tropics
Too cold? Head to the Rainforest for instant warmth and a dose of tropical humidity; works every time.
plete. m o c n o i Miss uered! q n o c r e Wint 2
SPECIAL DELIVERY
ZOO BABIES
The past year has been full of new arrivals at Roger Williams Park Zoo, but none more historic than the birth of twin red panda kits. Born on July 4, these bundles of fluff are the first red pandas ever born at the Zoo, marking the first successful birth of red panda kits in the Zoo’s history. Their arrival is not only adorable but also very meaningful. With fewer than 10,000 red pandas remaining in the wild, each birth is a vital step for the species. As part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), our red pandas play an important role in safeguarding genetic diversity for this endangered species.
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red panda
armadillo
sloth 4
In case you missed it, our new and improved binturong habitat is
A HOME MAKEOVER FOR THE BINTURONGS
officially open and Ricky and Poppy are already making themselves right at home. The upgraded space features a warm, roomy building, dynamic climbing structures and a seasonal pool perfect for splashing and exploring. Their care team also benefits from a more efficient layout, including expanded workspace and a smoother, safer system for shifting the pair between their habitat and behind-the-scenes areas. All these enhancements were designed with one goal in mind, ensuring Ricky and Poppy can truly thrive in a space that supports their natural behaviors and everyday comfort. A huge thank-you to our Operations team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this project to life!
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VETERINARIAN PROFILE:
JESSICA LOVSTAD Jessica Lovstad, the associate veterinarian at Roger
strengthen clinicians’ research skills alongside their clinical
Williams Park Zoo began her career in animal care early, as
expertise.
a 4-H member showing dairy goats at county fairs. While studying at the University of Chicago, she discovered
Since joining Roger Williams Park Zoo, “Dr. Jess,” as she
a passion for zoo medicine through her senior thesis,
is known at the Zoo, has balanced a demanding clinical
which examined great ape blood types in collaboration
workload with mentoring students and early-career
with Lincoln Park Zoo. That experience revealed a career
veterinarians, lecturing at multiple institutions, and raising
path that uniquely combined research, conservation, and
her five-year-old daughter, Alanna.
veterinary medicine.
She also dedicated significant time to preparing for her
She went on to attend veterinary school at the University of
board certification exam in zoological medicine. The
Wisconsin–Madison, where she focused on exotic and large
comprehensive, two-day exam spans all aspects of wildlife
animal medicine. Driven by a longstanding interest in small
and exotic animal medicine, from fish and exotic pets to
ruminants, she completed a post-graduate domestic large
megafauna, and draws from an extensive body of textbooks
animal internship at the University of Missouri–Columbia,
and peer-reviewed research and had a reading list of
followed by another internship at the Phoenix Zoo. Her
approximately 20 textbooks and 2000 journal articles.
advanced training continued with a residency at Lincoln Park Zoo and a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation through Northwestern University. Dr. Lovstad was the first veterinarian to complete this degree, a program 7
designed to
The rigorous exam includes short-answer questions, essays, and multiple-choice sections. With its successful completion, she earned board certification in zoological medicine; this distinction is considered the pinnacle of training for zoo veterinarians. While not required for zoo practice, this credential elevates both her work and Roger Williams Park Zoo, signaling to other AZA institutions a commitment to the highest standards of specialized veterinary care and opening new opportunities for research, collaboration, and conservation. Roger Williams Park Zoo proudly celebrates Dr. Lovstad’s achievement and the expertise she brings to advancing animal health, conservation science, and the Zoo’s mission.
THE POWER OF THE TEACHER INSTITUTE Since 2014, Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Providence
The impact on participants is powerful. Teachers consistently
Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership have welcomed
describe the Institute as transformative, both personally and
Providence teachers for a unique week-long professional
professionally. One educator reflected that the experience
learning experience. The Teacher Institute immerses
“changed my perception of zoos and gave me a lot of ideas
educators in local biodiversity, endangered species
to teach my class about conservation.” Another shared how
conservation, community science, and the power of outdoor
meaningful it was to see “how many people dedicate their
learning. Designed to build both knowledge and confidence,
life’s work to caring about animals, plants, and the greater
the program helps teachers bring real-world science and
environment.”
environmental stewardship directly into their classrooms and schoolyards.
Many teachers emphasized how the Institute renewed their commitment to outdoor learning. “It reaffirmed the
A favorite feature of the Institute each year is the hands-on
importance of real-world experiences for children,” one
conservation work. Teachers join Lou Perrotti, the Zoo’s
wrote. “Heading into our schoolyard or a local park is
director of conservation, in several Providence parks to set
worthwhile and impactful.” Others found inspiration in the
traps for native carrion beetles; this is a unique opportunity
compassion and expertise of Zoo staff: “Hearing how much
to contribute to monitoring the state’s beetle populations
the animals are cared for really moved me… it was healing.”
and learn firsthand how local research informs species protection.
When asked if they would recommend the Institute, the response was unanimous. Teachers called it “the best PD of
Over the past decade, 81 teachers from 18 Providence
my career,” “an eye-opening experience,” and “well worth
schools have taken part, with some even returning for a
the time.” One summed it up simply: “In a heartbeat, I cannot
second experience. In 2025, the Institute welcomed 10
express enough how amazing this experience truly was.”
new teachers from six schools, continuing its tradition of meaningful, place-based professional development. The
With each summer cohort, the Teacher Institute strengthens
program is made possible through the Providence Urban
the connection between Providence educators, their
Wildlife Conservation Partnership, with additional 2025
students, and the natural world around them, ensuring that
support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, RIDEM, and the
conservation learning begins right in our own communities.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island. 8
Calling All Kid Creatives:
Join the 9th Annual Endangered Species Youth Art Contest!
Is your child an animal lover who loves to draw, paint, or create? We're inviting young artists in Grades K-12 across the New England area to submit original artwork that features a threatened or endangered species. Your child's drawing or painting will help raise crucial
2025 Winners
awareness about the animals that need our protection and why protecting their homes is so important.
Winning artwork will receive incredible prizes, including: • RWPZoo Family Membership • "Adopt-an-Animal" Package
Win Wild Prizes !
• Zoo Tickets for the whole family • Gift Cards to Jerry's Artarama (Providence, RI)
Mark your calendars and start sketching! Submissions open on February 1st!
Mary Koushiappas 3-5 Judges Choice blue whale
Help us celebrate the beauty of endangered species— one incredible piece of art at a time!
CLICK HERE for full contest rules and submission guidelines Special thank you to supporting partner:
Tiffany Weng 9-12 Winner Andean Bear
Varun Mohankumar 3-5 Winner bengal tiger
Ellianna Dolan K-2 Winner cheetah
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A DONATED ZOOMOBILE
DRIVES LEARNING FORWARD
Pictured above: Beth Caporelli, Manager of Family Programs – RWP Zoo, Olivia Webb, Camp Administrator – RWP Zoo, Mackenzie Westfeldt, Early Childhood Program Specialist – RWP Zoo, Andrea Stein, Director of Education – RWP Zoo, Nicole Chiello, Assistant Director - Office of Child Care, DHS, Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director - RIAEYC, Stacey Johnson, Executive Director – RWP Zoo, Ron Patalano, Chief Operating Officer – RWP Zoo
The Education team extends its gratitude to the RI
(NGSS), the Education team also facilitates programming at
Department of Human Services and BrightStars, Rhode
nursing homes, libraries and community organizations. There
Island's tiered quality rating system and family referral
is programming throughout the entire year, regardless of
specialist for childcare and early learning programs, for
the weather. The addition of a new vehicle enables the safe
donating a new RAV4 Zoomobile.
passage of both staff and animal ambassadors, who enrich programs by fostering connections between learners and
As of November, the Zoo’s fleet of Zoomobiles traveled over
lesson content.
3,000 miles in 2025 to provide high-quality environmental education throughout New England. Last year, the Education
For more information on BrightStars and their services, visit:
team facilitated programming for approximately 5,600
info@RIAEYC.org
learners during one-time visits. The team also collaborates with organizations on out-of-school time programming, including before- and after-school initiatives. These programs enable educators to establish strong relationships with our learners, promote community engagement, and share conservation education at various schools and facilities. Though the Zoomobiles and their (sometimes scaly, furry, or feathery) passengers are most seen at schools leading
THANK YOU AGAIN TO
Bright Stars and the
Rhode Island Department of Human Services for this vital contribution!
lessons aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards 10
Upcoming Events at the Zoo & Carousel JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
• 1st - 31st - Winter Wonder Days (½ priced admission)
• 1st - 28th: Winter Wonder Days (½ priced admission)
• ZOO HOURS: Thursday through Monday 10am to 4pm
• ZOO HOURS: Thursday through Monday 10am to 4pm
• ZOO HOURS: Thursday through Monday 10am to 4pm
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12pm to 4pm
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Carousel Closed for the month of January (Open for private events)
• CAROUSEL HOURS: Weekends 12pm to 4pm
• 7th: First Free Saturday
• 3rd: First Free Saturday • 8th: 10th- Young Explorers in the Big Backyard • 19th: MLK Day (schools closed) • 19th: Zoo Camp • Note: Zoo closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Except for Holidays and School Vacation Weeks) through March 31st
Spread
• 7th: First Free Saturday
• 12th - 14th: Young Explorers in Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard
• 8th: Tapas and Tamarins
• 22nd: Rainforest Breakfast
• 12th - 14th: Young Explorers in the Big Backyard
• 28th: Photos with the Easter Bunny
• 14th - 16th: Great Backyard Bird Count in the Big Backyard
• 29th: Photos with the Easter Bunny
• 16th - 20th: February School Vacation Week (Zoo Open Monday through Sunday) and Zoo Camp
• Friday and Saturday Nights: Education Snore & Roar Overnights
Kindne
For more information visit rwpzoo.org
s Valen ay i D h s t ' tine ss
while supporting the animals you love!
For a donation of any amount, you'll receive six
Your donation supports
exclusive, family-friendly digital
efforts at Roger Williams Park Zoo
valentines to download and print.
and beyond, ensuring our animals are
Featuring messages straight from
showered with love all year-round!
vital animal care and conservation
the hooves, paws, and snouts of our beloved Zoo residents, these wildly cute cards are a perfect way to share the love.
More Ways to Give Back Purchase a Symbolic Adoption in your loved one's name and receive a cuddly plush of your choice!
Visit our Valentine Gift Guide
Share the love all year round! A Zoo Membership is the perfect gift for that special someone.
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Roger williams park zoo treats turtles rescued from trafficking Ten Gulf Coast box turtles are beginning a new chapter at Brevard Zoo after surviving wildlife trafficking and completing a critical recovery period at Roger Williams Park Zoo. The turtles were among many animals rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) during a trafficking investigation earlier this year. In August, Wei Qiang Lin of New York pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York to falsely labeling live turtles as “plastic animal toys” and attempting to ship them overseas to Hong Kong. According to USFWS, the animals endured a weeks-long journey sealed inside shipping boxes. Authorities discovered them bound and taped inside knotted socks, concealed within delivery boxes, conditions that are often fatal for trafficked wildlife. Eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, native U.S. species, are prized for their colorful markings in both domestic and international pet markets, particularly in China and Hong Kong. Both species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Following their rescue, the turtles were transported to Roger Williams Park Zoo, where veterinary and animal care teams provided the specialized treatment and rehabilitation they needed. In December, the group was transferred to Brevard Zoo in Florida. Today, the turtles are healthy and active, living in an outdoor habitat alongside others of their species. Their long-term goal is eventual release back into their native range, as guided by state and federal wildlife authorities. Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades in the world— second only to drug and human trafficking—and is estimated to generate between $7 and $23 billion annually. Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), including ours, play a critical role in responding to this growing crisis by providing emergency care, rehabilitation, and expertise for rescued animals. We are deeply grateful that these ten turtles beat the odds and are proud to be part of the collaborative effort helping them recover and move toward a safer future. 12
Kids’ Corner Help george reach his cozy den!
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Winter Animal Word Scramble
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL MEDIA SPONSORS!
G U I N P N E (Hint: A flightless bird that loves the ice.)
E E R D I N E R (Hint: They are known for pulling a very famous sleigh.)
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
R A P O L E B A R (Hint: The largest land carnivore in the Arctic.)
Designer Sara Beatrice Tandem Designworks Photo Credits Roger Williams Park Zoo
C I C R A T X O F
WILD is an online publication of the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659
(Hint: This animal has a thick white coat to blend into the snow.)
For membership information call (401) 785-3510 x375 or visit rwpzoo.org.
S U R L W A
2026 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(Hint: Look for the long tusks and whiskers!)
Y O W N S L W O (Hint: A nocturnal bird with bright yellow eyes.)
H A L W A R N (Hint: Often called the "Unicorn of the Sea.")
G U L A B E (Hint: A small, white whale known for being very vocal.)
P A R H L E S A (Hint: These marine mammals have pups with fluffy white fur.)
Officers Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP,® Chair Sandra L. Coletta, Vice Chair Margaret Ferguson, Secretary Maribeth Q. Williamson, Treasurer
Ex-Officio Stacey Johnson Executive Director Rhode Island Zoological Society/ Roger Williams Park Zoo
Board of Trustees Nancy Allen Priya Banerjee, MD Martha Bower Douglas Caniglia Claire Carrabba, Esq Cheryl Cohen Sarah Denby Samir Dhamija Cindy Erickson Pamela W. Heffernan John Igliozzi, Esq Howard Merten, Esq Damaris Messina John H. Mullen Jack Murray Steven M. Parente Karen Silva EdD, CHE Dameian Slocum, Ed.D.
Wendy Nilsson Superintendent of Parks Providence Parks Department Chair Emerita Sophie F. Danforth* Trustees Emeriti 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 John J. Palumbo Cate M. Roberts Philip A. Segal, Jr. Robert F. Stoico* *deceased
X O K S M U (Hint: A large, shaggy herbivore that lives in the frozen tundra.)
Answer Key
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PENGUIN REINDEER
POLAR BEAR ARCTIC FOX
WALRUS SNOWY OWL
NARWHAL BELUGA
HARP SEAL MUSKOX