A few of the biggest improvements to the Farmyard is a new walkthrough barn exhibit, and a life-sized tractor that kids can climb and play on. Also opening later in the season, will be the Farmyard Stage for performances and shows. Finally, there is the exciting addition of the contact yard that allows Zoo visitors to walk among and touch different species of goats, as well as animal feeding opportunities.
Visitors can look forward to three different species of goats, Guinea hogs, alpacas, and of course, Willy the miniature donkey is there as well! After the second phase is complete, the Alex and Ani Farmyard will also have Shetland sheep, silver fox rabbits, and chickens.
This exhibit is free with Zoo admission. There is a nominal fee for the food to feed the animals.
Get details on all of the above and information about other coming attractions atwww.rwpzoo.org.
Keeper Talk
Behind the scenes of the new Alex and Ani Farmyard, the dedicated zoo keepers, like Andrea Preston, are taking care of the Zoo’s farm animals’ many needs. Andrea has worked as a zoo keeper for her entire adult life, and has been a keeper here at Roger Williams Park Zoo for the past six years.
Andrea loves working with the Zoo’s farm animals because they are surprisingly challenging in their own way. Although they are domesticated, Andrea says they are very strong – much more so than a dog or cat – and keepers need to follow safety protocols and use proper animal management techniques when working around them.
She is especially excited about the new Farmyard because it gives people the chance to learn more about these animals, and the roles they play in everyday farm life. The Zoo’s Guinea hogs, sisters Petunia and Mable, for example, love their daily belly rubs, treats and things that smell (good and bad). This is a very docile species of pig, and they love social interaction both with other pigs and their human keepers.
"People come in the Zoo, and they identify with our farm animals because it’s what they know, what they’re familiar with,” said Andrea. “I think it’s important for people to have this type of personal interaction with farm animals, so they can appreciate the resources that they provide for us.”
You can visit the Zoo’s Guinea hogs, and many other Farmyard animals daily during normal Zoo hours.
Zoo hours: 10am – 5pm April – September; 10am – 4pm October – March. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is a Macaroni Kid Cranston/Kent County sponsor.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is a Macaroni Kid Cranston/Kent County sponsor.
