By approving Question 6 Rhode Islanders have made an investment in an attraction that has woven itself into the fabric of Rhode Island’s families – amazing them, teaching them, entertaining them, and providing an experience they remember forever.

The $11 million bond puts us almost two-thirds of the way towards achieving our overall $35 million master plan goal.The major additions and improvements that are part of the plan for our New Zoo are truly an investment in a world-class facility that offers visitors up-close and personal connections to wildlife. In addition, Roger Williams Park Zoo:

  • Delivering $13 million in economic impact annually, the Zoo is a significant contributor to Rhode Island’s economy
  • The Zoo is Rhode Island’s top outdoor attraction, averaging more than 650,000 visitors per year
  • The Zoo is American Zoological Association (AZA) accredited and serves the community with education, conservation, research and species survival programs that are critical to its mission
  • Improvements and enhancements are key to the Zoo’s position as a major New England attraction and significant economic driver
 

The Journey to Success....

Campaign headquarters opens
October 17, 2006, view video of African Elephant "Ginny" voting Yes

Groups seeks $11 million for zoo (temporarily unavailable)
October 17, 2006, Providence Journal

Yes on 6 Opinion Editorial
October 14, 2006,
Providence Journal

Pinella Marra Restaurants toasts the New Zoo
October 26, 2006, read the press release

Civic, Business and Tourism Leaders Support Question 6
October 26, 2006, read the press release


 

PINELLA MARRA RESTAURANTS TOASTS THE NEW ZOO
RI restaurants support “Yes on 6” by offering the public a festive “Zootini” drink

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) October 26, 2006 – Rhode Islanders who are in the mood for something wild this election season can satisfy their craving with a ZOOTINI, created by the Pinelli Marra Restaurant Group and available at all seven of its restaurants.

Dressed with chocolate stripes, the exclusive ZOOTINI is a custom mix of Double Expresso Vodka and Van Gogh Vanilla Liquors. Blended with a dash of cream, each exotic sip will also help raise awareness of the “Yes on 6” campaign that asks Rhode Islanders to approve an $11 million bond for capital improvements at the new zoo, roughly one third of the total $35 million master plan. In addition, a portion of all ZOOTINI sales will be donated to the Zoo.

“We’re extremely excited that people are behind our plans for a new zoo and finding creative ways to voice their support,” said Jack Mulvena, director of Roger Williams Park Zoo. “The ZOOTINI offered by Pinelli Marra is a fun way for people to get involved and really energized about the amazing transformation that is happening at Roger Williams Park Zoo.”
Enjoy the ZOOTINI, and support plans for the new zoo, at any one of the following Pinelli Marra restaurants now through Election Day, November 7: The Grille on Main, East Greenwich; Post Office Café, East Greenwich; Cucina, Slatersville; Cucina Twist, South Kingstown; North End Café, North Providence; Pinelli’s Deli, West Warwick; Twist, Warwick; and Twist on Angell, Providence.

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Civic, Business and Tourism Leaders Support Question 6
Rhode Island groups and individuals join in support of the $11 million bond for
capital improvements

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) October 26, 2006 – This week, as Election Day draws near, several supporters have announced their approval of Question 6 for the $11 million bond for Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Among them were, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Union Local 94; Rhode Island Hospitality & Tourism Association; State of Rhode Island Department of Tourism; the City of Providence Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee.

“Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of our destination’s top tourist attractions and is a beloved Rhode Island institution,” said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the PWCVB.  “ We fully support the Zoo’s efforts to modernize and expand its exhibits; educate and entertain through additional programming; and continue to provide quality care to its animals.”

As one of Rhode Island’s top tourist attractions, Roger Williams Park Zoo delivers $13 million in economic impact to our state every year, making it an important piece of our state’s tourism economy. Approval of Question 6 is a sound investment in the Zoo’s future. The master plan will impact nearly every area of the zoo with essential improvements to maintain its stature as a premier attraction and center for conservation and environmental education.

“We’re extremely grateful to all of these organizations and their members that have voiced their support for Question 6,” said Jack Mulvena, director of Roger Williams Park Zoo. “The collective efforts of many people and organizations will truly help to make the zoo a world-class facility once again.”

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