We've tried to make sure to answer all your questions within the pages of our site, but some questions are asked so frequently, we thought we would gather them together here for easy viewing. Enjoy your visit!
The Zoo covers about 40 acres. The average length of stay is three hours. The path through the Zoo is a little more than one-mile long. Roger Williams Park Zoo features more than 100 different species of amazing animals! See our Animals on Exhibit page for more information.
No - the World of Adaptations and Fabric of Africa areas all have indoor exhibits, as well as the greenhouse next to Hasbro's Our Big Backyard. We also have indoor concessions and gift shops.
Yes. The rental kiosk is located at the main entrance. All rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis except where otherwise noted. Please see our Guest Services page for further information and pricing.
Yes. In keeping with our family-friendly atmosphere, and for health and safety reasons, Roger Williams Park Zoo strictly enforces a dress code. Proper attire must be worn in the park at all times, including shirts and appropriate footwear except in the Hasbro's Our Big Backyard water area. Clothing with rude, vulgar or offensive language or graphics is not permitted at any time. Park admission may be denied if clothing is deemed by management to be inappropriate.
Yes. First Aid is located in the Sophie Danforth building across from the Alex and Ani Farmyard exhibit. Please refer to the zoo map for exact location.
Donation requests may be submitted online at https://rwpzoo.approveforgood.com. Requests are reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. We will only honor requests from Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We will donate only one time, per event, per organization, per year. Requests are limited to (2 - 4) admission passes for your event. These passes are only valid for general admission and cannot be used for Zoobilee, Jack–O–Lantern Spectacular or any other special event fundraiser.
There are two main food concessions - the Serengetti Cafe located near Africa's Jambo Junction, and the Wilderness Cafe, located in the upper Zoo. There is also the River Camp Sweet Shop in Jambo Junction, as well as mobile carts located throughout the Zoo.
There are two gift shops - the smaller Masai Market located at Jambo Junction, and the larger Discover the Wild Gift Shop, located in the historic Menagerie building.
Yes, the public is allowed to bring their own food into the Zoo, but are not allowed to feed the animals. Also, please note that the Zoo does not have any secure storage facilities/lockers, so lunches and other materials must be carried with you. Picnic tables are available. Cubbies are available April through August near the Admissions entrance. Please be advised that these cubbies are not monitored. We recommend visitors do not leave valuable items in the cubbies.
We do have open cubbies available for our guests during the spring and summer months. We recommend you do not store anything of value in the cubbies.
Four ATM’s available at the Zoo at: Admissions Plaza, The River Camp Sweet Shop in Fabric of Africa, Discover the Wild Gift Shop, and inside Wilderness Cafe.
Yes, there is a petting zoo at the Alex and Ani Farmyard Contact Yard, where people can walk among and interact with the farm animals.
The Zoo will allow service animals for all disabilities on grounds as outlined by the ADA standards.
For the safety and well-being of our guests as well as our animals, pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.
Every year, Roger Williams Park Zoo receives many inquiries from people who would like to donate wild animals or exotic pets. However, the Zoo is not able to accept them. If you have an animal in need of a new home, try the following:
- Contact local and regional rescue organizations that specialize in caring for unwanted pets, such as the ASPCA.
- Ask friends & neighbors for assistance. Many folks have an interest in animals, or may know someone with an interest.
Please do not release an exotic or non-native animal into the wild – there is very little chance of survival.
Skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and boom boxes are not allowed on Zoo grounds.
For the comfort and health of all our visitors, as well as the animals that reside here, there is no smoking permitted anywhere on Zoo grounds. Further, per the City of Providence, the entire Roger Williams Park is smoke free. E-cigarettes are not allowed.
Visitors may be paged only in the case of an emergency. We suggest that when you arrive at the Zoo, you choose a meeting spot should your party become separated. If a child is missing, please tell the first Zoo staff member or security guard you see, and we will coordinate an organized search effort right away.
Absolutely! There's no better place to have a "wild" party than Roger Williams Park Zoo! You can find out more about our many birthday party, corporate outing and other event options on Birthday Parties and Private Events & Meetings pages.