The zoo was founded in 1872 after a bequest from Betsy Williams, the great-great-granddaughter of Providence founder Roger Williams.
The park contains the Temple to Music, a massive neoclassical structure built in 1924, located just outside the zoo entrance.
The Faces of the Rainforest exhibit features a simulated cloud forest ecosystem designed to house various South American species under one roof.
The zoo occupies a portion of the original Roger Williams Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is home to a specific conservation program for the endangered moon bear and other rare Asiatic species.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, established in 1872 within a 435-acre Victorian-style public park. It houses over 100 species of animals from around the world in habitats designed to replicate natural environments. The zoo focuses on conservation through participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. Key exhibits include the Faces of the Rainforest building, which features a walkthrough experience with free-roaming tropical species. The park grounds surrounding the zoo include a botanical center, a natural history museum, and a planetarium. The facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It serves as a major regional center for wildlife education and habitat preservation initiatives.
The viewing area inside the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit near the waterfall.
Visit the Faces of the Rainforest building early in the day when the animals are most active.
Use the zoo's mobile map to navigate the hilly terrain of the park grounds.
Check the daily keeper talk schedule upon arrival to see animal feedings.
Do not attempt to see the entire 435-acre park and the zoo on the same day if you have limited time.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; some exhibits may have seasonal operating hours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hilly, paved paths; do not feed or touch the animals.
