How Things Are Going


We're already well on our way to making the new zoo concepts a reality. Here's where we're at today...

Fabric of Africa: COMPLETE

COMPLETED:
Improvements to the giraffe exhibit, including a renovated outdoor habitat with new enrichment features for the giraffes and closer, more intimate viewing opportunities for visitors; exhibit grand re-opening was in 2005

COMPLETED:
Construction of new wildebeest exhibit; opened in September, 2006

COMPLETED
Construction of elephant pavilion renovations [click for more information]

The New Veterinary Hospital

In progress:
Design is finished, groundbreaking set for October 5, 2009

Children's Zoo and The New England Trail

COMPLETED:
Wetlands trail improvements
The newly renovated Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail opened in April, 2007. The trail now incorporates exciting new features such as: a cedar bird blind; artists’ easels; new benches and picnic tables; a red cedar docent station; and identification signs for plants and animals designed to look like notes and sketches from a journal. The ¼ mile walking path through Rhode Island’s most endangered habitat encourages visitors to reflect on what nature means to them personally.  See what native plant and animal life you may find on the trail.

COMPLETED:
Creation of new Wetlands interpretive plan

IN PROGRESS:
Design of the Children's Zoo exhibit and the CVS All Kids Can Treehouse.

Giant Anteater Exhibit

COMPLETED:
The brand new Giant anteater exhibit opened in August, 2007, breathing new life into the entire Tropical America section of the zoo.

The North American Trail

COMPLETED:
Site planning by URSA International in conjunction with zoo staff

COMPLETED:
Major renovations have transformed our old polar bear exhibit into a breathtaking new bald eagle habitat, the first exhibit of the new North American Trail to open.

COMPLETED:
Design of the entire exhibit

IN PROGRESS:
Advanced utilities construction