welcome!

By Stacey Johnson Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society

Earth Day is in April every year, and every year it seems there are more good ideas put forth to celebrate activities that protect nature and improve our stewardship of natural resources. In fact, the slogan “Earth Day, Every Day” seems to take on a literal meaning when things are going on all month. Your Zoo kicked it off in style with Party for the Planet on April 1, in tandem with Providence Parks and a bunch of community organizations spent the day with us to help show what you and your family can do to keep Rhode Island, and the rest of the world, green.

This month we proudly bring you Dinosaurs Among Us, too! What, you ask? Live dinosaurs? Well, the answer is both yes and no.

Beginning April 7, Roger Williams Park Zoo will display more than 65 lifelike, life-sized, mechanical dinosaurs (and other Mesozoic species) in a special exhibition on our wetlands trail. It is the main event, with a separate ticket, for a whole season of cool and, yes, sometimes nerdy, activity and interpretation in the Zoo and throughout Roger Williams Park tied together by a possibly jaw-dropping theme: not all dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago.

More and more fossil evidence points to a conclusion that a few groups of dinosaurs powered their way through the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous Period – and they are represented on earth today by about 10,000 species of what we call birds! Feathers, beaks, hollow bones, and other physical features that we consider uniquely avian were present among a wide variety of dinosaurs called theropods, including well-known names like Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus, not to mention Archaeopteryx.

Parting the mists of prehistoric times, and beginning in April, every Zoo guest will have an opportunity to be amazed by a series of free-flight bird demonstrations throughout the rest of the Zoo. If you have never seen a flock of flying macaws or the lethal skills of a bird of prey, prepare to have your jaw drop!

And that’s just a small sample. In this Wild magazine issue, check out the article about other dino-related programs and activities coming to you in other parts of Roger Williams Park. Movie screenings, bird walks, paleobotany (look it up!), a special planetarium show, and a connection to distant ancestors of the modern horse – even if they’re not really dinosaurs – are just a few of the adventures your family is sure to enjoy.

I still remember my disappointment as a young child when I learned I would never see a live dinosaur. So, how much fun is it to share some of the mystery of prehistoric wildlife alongside the discovery that dinosaurs are still among us? A lot.

A lot of fun, and you will probably learn something, too.

Don’t miss it.

today and every day!

Even though Earth Day may be just one day, we can all take initiatives to better our planet every day.

When is Earth Day?

Earth Day 2023 is Saturday, April 22, with the focus on the need to “invest in our planet.” This can be done through a wide array of efforts, such as planting trees, participating in cleanups, ending plastic consumption, practicing climate literacy and consuming sustainable fashion.

A History of Earth Day…

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 after Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin decided he wanted to bring awareness to the dangers of air and water pollution. He was then joined by Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes, and together they started organizing teach-ins across the United States to further their cause.

Today, Earth Day is one of the largest secular observances in the world with over 1 billion people participating each year.

For us, every day is Earth Day. If you feel the same, here are simple actions and tips to make a difference for our planet and the millions of species we love that also call it home. A sustainable life is a happy life!

• If you’re a homeowner, invest in energy efficient power/ water/heating systems. It will save you $$ and reduce your impact on the environment.

- Learn about different tax opportunities available for sustainable home improvements in the Inflation Reduction Act.

- Switch to LED lightbulbs to reduce the amount of power needed to light your home. P.S. LED lights last 100x longer than traditional light bulbs!

- Install modern low-flow shower heads - saving carbon emissions, energy costs, and up to 15,000 gallons of water per person per year!

• Compost to reduce the carbon impact of food waste; plus, it will give you a free source of soil if you have a garden!

• Plant native species to support biodiversity and encourage visits from our favorite pollinator friends.

• Organize or take part in a local community clean up.

• Encourage the use of reusable utensils, dishes, and trays at home and at your work.

• Practice sustainable fashion by shopping sustainably for your clothes. Check out six local Rhode Island secondhand boutiques that are saving the planet with style 

April 7 - August 13 April 7 - August 13

Travel back 65 million years in this immersive, walk-through experience that transports visitors through a world of prehistoric wonder.

Featuring nearly 60 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, this is one of the largest outdoor dinosaur exhibits of its kind. Walk up to an 18-foot-long Dreadnoughtus, an 8-foot tall Brachiosaurus, other well-known species, including T-rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and many more. These huge ancient creatures, and some of their babies, will be stationed along the Zoo’s wetlands trail.

The animatronic dinosaurs feature life-like movements and intimidating roars; many are being seen for the first time anywhere. The Zoo team researched and provided specifications for the dinosaurs to look as “real” as possible. With moving heads, eyes, arms, and mouths, this interactive experience will make guests feel like these extinct animals were brought back to life.

Families and children can also experience walking dinosaur rides, dinosaur-themed selfie stations, meet and greets with baby dinosaurs, and hands-on fossil dig stations.

A separate ticket is required for the Dinosaurs

Among Us exhibit, it is not included with Zoo admission and can be purchased online.

Birds are Dinosaurs Among Us

APRIL 14 - SEPT. 4

Birds, the only direct descendants of dinosaurs, take flight at the Zoo this year as they display their natural behaviors and abilities during daily shows. Guests can get an up-close look at falcons, macaws, cranes, owls and more as they fly, call and mimic their interpreter —along with some surprise encounters that make this a don’t miss treat (weather dependent)

Special Dinosaur Events

Dinos at Dusk Family Nights – the second Saturday of each month May-August

Families can journey back in time and enjoy an evening at the Zoo from 5-9 pm.

Sip & Stroll with Food Trucks and Dinos (21+) May 17

Enjoy sweet and savory food trucks located around the Zoo, live musical entertainment and animal encounters and of course dinosaurs. This event is included with Zoo admission. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Sensory Days - Saturday, April 29, Saturday, May 20, Saturday, June 17 and Saturday, July 8.

Special sensory-friendly mornings an hour before the trail opens to the public: designed for those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families from 8-9 am. (Zoo will open at 9 am)

Ticketed events must be purchased online for all events at www.rwpzoo.org/events.

Dinosaurs Are Among Us Throughout Roger Williams Park

Schedule your visit to discover dinosaurs in Roger Williams Park (RWP) with walks, talks, activities, and dino-mite fun for everyone.

Highlights include Dinosaur Egg Hunt at the RWP Gateway Center, Fairy Garden Days at the RWP Botanical Center, new exhibit and planetarium show at the Museum of Natural History, prehistoric horse talk at PPD Mounted Command, movies with the RWP Conservancy, and more!

Looking for a calendar of events?

Stop by the RWP Gateway Center located at 1198 Broad Street daily from 10am-7pm and visit www.providenceri.gov/parks/rwp-gateway/ for more information about happenings throughout the park.

Providence Parks Department (Gateway Center, Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and Botanical Center), LaGondola Boating, Providence Police Department Mounted Command, RWP Conservancy, One Providence Tennis