Roger Williams Park Zoo, Urban zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Roger Williams Park Zoo spans 40 acres in Providence and houses more than 100 animal species displayed in naturalistic settings. The exhibits are distributed throughout the grounds and showcase creatures from various climates and geographic regions.
The zoo was founded in 1872 and ranks among the oldest continuously operating zoos in the United States. It has evolved over the decades while remaining a significant fixture in Providence.
The zoo serves as a place where visitors watch animals from around the world and learn about their daily habits and needs. The grounds are laid out to reflect natural settings, allowing people to observe creatures in a calm and approachable way.
The zoo is open most days of the year and the grounds are easy to navigate on foot. Early morning or cloudy days are often best for viewing, when animals are more active and crowds are smaller.
The zoo is home to New England's only Komodo dragon, a rare animal most visitors in the region would never otherwise encounter. Direct interactions with select animal species are also offered, making the visit a more personal experience.
Location: Rhode Island
Inception: 1872
Address: Elmwood Ave
Opening Hours: Monday 10:00-16:00; Thursday-Sunday 10:00-16:00
Phone: +14017853510
Website: https://rwpzoo.org
GPS coordinates: 41.78990,-71.41630
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Providence sits in the northeastern United States and presents itself as a city that has developed over several centuries. The area around Benefit Street preserves colonial wooden houses with narrow windows and steep roofs. The Rhode Island State House stands on a hill with its white marble cladding and a dome visible from several neighborhoods. Brown University spreads across the East Side with brick buildings and open lawns, while the Rhode Island School of Design displays its collections in nearby gallery spaces. Downtown is crossed by two waterways that join shortly before reaching Narragansett Bay. Water Place Park lies along the waterfront with wide walkways and stone bridges. On summer evenings, WaterFire events take place here, with fire basins lit on the water and music echoing across the banks. A gondola service takes visitors across the water between the bridges. The Federal Hill neighborhood rises west of downtown and shows Italian grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants along the main avenue. Roger Williams Park extends to the south with ponds, a zoo and a botanical greenhouse. Thayer Street draws students with cafés, bookshops and small stores.
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