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Seasonal Lecture Series

collage of four photos: butterfly, vet with tortoise, sentinel dog statue, staff with lizard

Join us for a seasonal lecture series exploring the many facets of Roger Williams Park Zoo. Hear from Zoo staff about topics such as animal care, conservation efforts, exhibit design, and the history of our 150+ year-old park. Each lecture offers insight into how we carry out our mission of caring for wildlife and wild places.

PLEASE NOTE: Each lecture registration does not include cost of Zoo admission. If you are not a Zoo member you will need to purchase an admission ticket along with the Lecture Ticket.

Register Here

Spring Lecture: Plants Among Us!

Horticulture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants — and at Roger Williams Park Zoo, we have an entire team dedicated to it! Our horticulture staff not only helps keep the Zoo beautiful year-round but also plays an important role in designing habitats that meet the needs of the animals. From plants that provide shade, climbing structures, and places to rest to species that animals can safely eat, the horticulture team helps bring our exhibits to life.

  • Date: Sunday, May 3rd >
  • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Price: $15.00/ per person
  • Minimum Age: all ages but this is a lecture series and may be best suited for ages 16+
  • Please Note: Does not include Zoo admission. If you are not a Zoo member you will need to purchase an admission ticket along with the Lecture Ticket.

Summer Lecture: Veterinary Care at the Zoo

How do you decide what an elephant eats? What happens when a zebra has an allergy or a red panda develops a fever? In this lecture, the Veterinary Team at Roger Williams Park Zoo will share what it takes to care for animals of all shapes and sizes. Learn what a day in the life of a zoo veterinarian looks like—and why every day brings something new.

  • Date: Saturday, July 25th >
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Price: $15.00/ per person
  • Minimum Age: all ages but this is a lecture series and may be best suited for ages 16+
  • Please Note: Does not include Zoo admission. If you are not a Zoo member you will need to purchase an admission ticket along with the Lecture Ticket.

Fall Lecture: Zoo History

For more than 150 years, Roger Williams Park Zoo has been part of Rhode Island’s story. Join Zoo historian and author Leigh Picard to explore the Zoo’s rich history—from its early days as the first zoo in New England to its role today in conservation and education. Travel from 1872 to the present and discover how the Zoo has evolved.

  • Date: Sunday, September 20th >
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Price: $15.00/ per person
  • Minimum Age: all ages but this is a lecture series and may be best suited for ages 16+
  • Please Note: Does not include Zoo admission. If you are not a Zoo member you will need to purchase an admission ticket along with the Lecture Ticket.

Winter Lecture: Gingerbread Zoo Workshop

Ever wondered what it takes to design a zoo exhibit? Now you can try it yourself in our Gingerbread Zoo workshop! Guided by our Special Projects Manager, you’ll build, decorate, and compete with your own gingerbread animal exhibit. Bring family and friends and leave with your creation—and a tasty treat!

  • Date: Saturday, December 12th >
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Price: $30.00/ per person (Includes all gingerbread building supplies and decorations)
  • Minimum Age: all ages but this is a lecture series and may be best suited for ages 16+
  • Please Note: Does not include Zoo admission. If you are not a Zoo member you will need to purchase an admission ticket along with the Lecture Ticket.
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