Animal Encounters

Ever wonder what animals actually eat – at Roger Williams Park Zoo you can feed some of the animals and find out. Whether you are feeding vegetation to the giraffes or grains to the goats and sheep – it is nutritious and keeps all the animals at the Zoo healthy. More important the animals love the food, and enjoy seeing you.

MASAI GIRAFFE FEEDINGS

Dates/Times:
May 25 – June 14.......................daily | 11:30 am
June 15 - Sept. 3......daily | 11:30 am & 2:30 pm
Sept. 3 - 29......weekends | 11:30 am & 2:30 pm
Price: $5 per participant; $4 for current RWP Zoo members

Seasonal Sponsor:

Tickets are available for purchase at the site of the giraffe feeding in the Fabric of Africa, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, no advanced registration needed.

Please note: A limited number of feedings will be available during each session. Children must be age 3 or older to participate, and be accompanied by an adult at all times. We do not allow feeders to take photos, however, guests may bring someone with them to take their picture. There is also a photographer taking pictures available for purchase. There are no feedings on June 29 or August 24.

SEAL ENCOUNTERS

Enjoy a special meet and greet with our animal keepers, and feed the star of the show, harbor seal Bubba.

Dates/Times: (weather permitting and times may vary)
May 18 – Sept. 1............Saturdays, Sundays & Thursdays | 2:00 pm
Sept. 5 - 29.....................Saturdays & Sundays | 2:00 pm
Price: $25 per participant; $20 for current RWP Zoo members

Please note: Guests must be age 5 or older to participate, and children ages 5-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The seal feeding area is not wheelchair accessible. Registration required. There will be no seal encounters on June 29 (Zoobilee) or August 24 (Brew at the Zoo).

ARMADILLO ENCOUNTERS

Get up-close with the Zoo's adorable nine/six-banded armadillos inside our greenhouse exhibit adjacent to Hasbro's Our Big Backyard. Watch the armadillos walk around as you learn and explore these fascinating creatures. You can even touch their natural armor, and take photos!

Dates/Times: (weather permitting and times may vary)
May 25 – June 16............weekends | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
June 17 - Sept. 2.....................daily | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Please note: Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.

ALEX & ANI CONTACT YARD

Feed and interact with the Zoo's sheep and goats in the contact yard!

Dates/Times: (weather permitting and times may vary)
April 1 - September 30..............daily | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch the animals?

Giraffe and seals are wild animals and do not like to be touched, therefore we ask you not to touch them. However, the Zoo's new seasonal armadillo encounter allows guests participate in interactive experiences.

How should I behave when in the feeding area?

Maintain calm and gentle behavior when around the animals. Remember, you are new to them and they need to feel safe around you. In addition, follow all instructions by the keeper, who is there to ensure your safety as well as that of the animal. If you are asked to step back or stop what you are doing, please do so immediately. We want to ensure everyone has a wonderful experience!

Is there anything else I should know in advance?

Particularly for the giraffe, strong perfume, loud voices or noisy jewelry may startle the animals and cause them to back away.

Can I get a refund or transfer my advance registration if my plans change?

Sorry, all sales are final unless the feeding is canceled by the Zoo.

Can I take pictures during the feeding?

Yes, guests may take pictures during the giraffe feedings and armadillo encounters.

What if it rains?

Giraffe feedings are weather-dependent. Please call visitor services at 401-785-3510 ext. 316 to check if the feedings have been canceled before your visit.

Are the feedings stroller and wheelchair accessible?

The giraffe feeding area is fully accessible.

How will the zoo use the revenue generated from the feedings?

Revenue generated from these experiences help support the care of our animals as well as our education and conservation programs.

Can I bring my own food to feed the animals?

No, all animals at the Zoo are on a strict diet for their health and safety. What they eat and the amount eaten daily is monitored carefully by our veterinary staff.

What if the animals do not come over to the feeding deck?

Giraffes are wild animals. We cannot guarantee that they will want to eat according to our schedule. There are no refunds for giraffe feedings, but accommodations can be made at the exhibit by speaking with a Zoo staff member.