JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1

WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO WORK AT THE ZOO? Amphibian Conservation in Chile WE ARE ALL PART OF THE RAINFOREST

P U B L I S H E D F O R F R I E N D S O F R O G E R W I L L I A M S PA R K Z O O

A frog once sang, “It’s not easy being green.” We, at the

Roger Williams Park Zoo, respectfully beg to differ. Being

“green” is something everyone can and needs to do to

keep our planet healthy. We continue to emphasize to all

staff and Zoo guests to be green by developing simple,

common sense habits. At the Zoo we have recently

replaced many of our old light bulbs with highly efficient

LED bulbs, installed motion sensors that turn lights off when

people are not in a room, eliminated costly water leaks,

recycled over 51 tons of material every year, and composted

630 tons of animal waste – just to name a few of our many

actions. We cannot do it alone however. We need everyone

to join our efforts.

We are continuing to go green in 2018 by putting WILD

Magazine online, and eliminating the print version saving

reams of paper. This new digital “WILD” will offer additional

content, publish quarterly, and have no adverse impact on

our environment.

We are so excited about our new Rainforest exhibit that will

be opening later this year. All of our guests who wander

through this new exhibit will experience and learn about

some of the most fascinating animals from the South

American rainforest like toucans, howler monkeys, and

critically endangered giant otters. Additionally, everyone will

learn about what you can do to make a difference to keep

the Rainforest healthy, and how your actions here in New

England matter to the survival of the Rainforest.

We have an incredible Zoo that truly does great things in

the fields of conservation, animal care, and education, but

we need your help. Together we can make an impactful

difference!

I look forward to seeing you at the Zoo.

Dr. Jeremy Goodman, DVM

welcome 2018!By Jeremy Goodman, DVM

Executive Director, RWP Zoo and RI Zoological Society

CAREERS:

Our Big Backyard Safety & Play Specialist

Program Registrar

ZooCamp Inclusion Specialist

Lead Conservation Heroes ZooCamp Counselor

ZooCamp Conservation Heroes Counselor

ZooCamp Counselor

ZooCamp Junior Counselor

ZooCamp Director

Wild Bunch Exhibit Staff

Wild Bunch Lead

INTERNSHIPS:

Conservation Internship

Animal Care Internship

Volunteer Opportunities:

Zoo Crew (Students in grades 7-12)

Horticulture Volunteer (Ages 18+)

Play Partner (Age 16+)

Ever wonder what it would be like to work at a zoo? with Louis Perrotti Check out the positions below at: www.rwpzoo.org/about-us/careers

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Nearly two-thirds of all amphibian species are known

to be threatened or in danger of extinction, with most

of these species rapidly declining. Lou Perrotti, expert

snake handler and Roger Williams Park Zoo’s director of

conservation programs is doing what he can to protect

the species including a trip to the lush, temperate forests

of southern Chile this autumn. Commissioned by Dante

Fenolio, Ph.D, vice president of conservation and research

at the San Antonio Zoo and in partnership with the Austral

University of Chile, Lou will bring his expertise to the

Chilean Amphibian Conservation Center to assist in field

conservation work.

This initiative first began in 2007 as a conservation

breeding facility for endangered Darwin’s frogs in Chile.

The project has since expanded to maintain critically

endangered populations of numerous endemic Chilean

amphibians. While continuing the program’s long-term

captive reproduction study, these efforts include an

important field component: understanding the causes for

decline of these species. Testing for emerging wildlife

pathogens such as chytrid fungus, an infectious disease

in amphibians, helps identify the species greatest

conservation needs.

Amphibian Conservation in Chile

With the aim of restoring these imperiled species

populations, identifying suitable release sites also comes

into play. Lou and a team of conservation experts will

assess the environmental needs of specific amphibian

groups, and pinpoint appropriate natural habitats for

future releases.

Although the trip will only last a few weeks, the

preservation of these endangered amphibians will be an

ongoing battle. Protecting these species from the spread

of fungal diseases, deforestation, and human involvement

is a challenge, but it’s one these conservationists,

organizations and partners have gladly taken on.

Lou believes it is his duty to protect the species for future

generations to come and to share his knowledge and raise

awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.

with Louis Perrotti

DID YOU KNOW? The male DarWiN’s frOg Is the embOdimeNT Of the sTaY-aT-hOme dad. WheN DarWiN’s frOg tadpOles hatch, a male frOg sWallOWs the tadpOles. These tadpOles Will cONTInue tO develOp In his vOcal sac fOr tWO mONThs until he cOughs them up…as fUll-fleDged frOgs!

As the Rainforest building begins to take shape, the next

logical question is who is going inside? What kind of

animals will the public be able to see? More important,

how did all those animals get to Rhode Island? We know

they don’t hop on a

plane or in the back

seat of a car – or

do they?

Tim French, deputy

director of animal

programs at Roger

Williams Park Zoo

says, “Careful and

exact planning goes

into securing animals

for a Rainforest

or any exhibit at a

Zoo. As part of the

Association of Zoos

and Aquariums, I am

in touch with accredited Zoos across the country who

may have an animal or animals that are perfect for our

Rainforest. Our two howler monkeys joined us in late

2017, hailing from Cleveland and Houston. Both animals

flew into T. F. Green airport, and veterinary staff picked

them up from baggage claim. We will be awaiting our

two helmeted curassows from San Diego as soon as the

weather warms up. They will also arrive into T. F. Green

Airport.” Generally, French explains, an animal keeper

from the animal’s home zoo will make sure an animal is

safe and comfortable in an animal carrier. The home zoo

staff will take the animal to the airport, and help load the

animal onto the plane. Generally, the animal arrives at the

cargo office where Roger Williams Park Zoo staff

pick-up the animal, and get him/her to his new home in

Rhode Island.

PJ Jones, animal care manager at the Zoo, smiles as she

recalls her recent “road trip” to and from the Tennessee

Aquarium to pick up the two beautiful hyacinth macaws.

Unlike a plane ride, an animal on a car ride gets time to

interact a bit with Zoo

staff before arriving in

Rhode Island. Although

an extended car ride

may be difficult for the

driver or drivers, a car

ride allows temperature

regulation, and a less

stressful trip for the

animals. “Additionally,”

says Jones, “going to

pick up the animals

allows us to see them

interacting in their old

environment. It gives

us as animal managers

and care staff a much better idea of what is “normal”

for the animal so we can help recreate a familiar

environment in their new home, and settle them into

our Zoo more quickly.”

Two tamandua and two Linne’s two-toed sloths enjoyed a

road trip from the mid-west to Rhode Island in January.

The Rainforest, slated to open this summer, will be home

to a number of animals new to the Zoo. In addition to the

animals mentioned above, visitors will see Titi monkeys,

a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish and birds including

keel-billed toucans. Animals currently residing at the Zoo

that will join the Rainforest include the Saki monkeys,

tamarins, flamingoes, and giant anteater, for about 40

species total when the Rainforest opens.

Who’s Joining the

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“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

Excitement is building in anticipation of the opening of The Faces of the Rainforest exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo this summer. What does “Faces of the Rainforest” mean? Shareen Knowlton, director of education at Roger Williams Park Zoo, smiles as she answers. “Many might think, quite logically, that the title suggests the exhibit will focus on the indigenous people who live in the rainforest. However, at its core, the exhibit emphasizes that regardless of where we live, we are all part of the rainforest. Our actions, whether we realize it or not, affect the rainforest and it is up to us to decide what type of difference we want to make. That makes everyone a Face of the Rainforest.”

Knowlton explains there are easy actions anyone can utilize that will make a positive difference. “Most of us go to the grocery store to buy food,” says Knowlton, “well now have some fun and Follow the Frog.” Products that have the “Follow the Frog” green frog symbol on them are Rainforest Alliance certified, meaning the ingredients have been grown in a rainforest-friendly manner. You can find the Follow the Frog symbol on many items, which may include a child’s favorite cereal, a morning cup of coffee at a local coffee chain, favorite chips, candy, shampoo, soaps – the list is endless. Knowlton explains that she challenges her son to find the frog on products when they shop thereby turning a shopping trip into a scavenger hunt.

Buying products with sustainably grown palm oil also helps protect the rainforest. How does a consumer know which products contain sustainable palm oil – there is an app for that! AZA accredited Cheyenne Mountain Zoo developed a free app that lists products with certified

sustainable palm oil making it easy for consumers to purchase products that are rainforest-friendly.

Want another rainforest-friendly action? Buy local, grass-fed beef. Growing soybeans, which are turned into feed for cattle in the US and elsewhere, is one of the major causes of deforestation of the rainforest. So grass-fed beef is a better choice as it does not contribute to this deforestation.

Finally, you can look for the FSC’s (Forest Stewardship Council) https://us.fsc.org/en-us tree logo on paper products. According to the FSC website, the mission of the organization is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. Why is this so important? The FSC label ensures that the product was created with material from a responsibly managed forest.

“Making rainforest-friendly choices does not need to be difficult or expensive,” adds Knowlton. “Many companies, large and small, are following the wishes of their consumers and making sure their products are rainforest-friendly.” No matter where one shops, rainforest-friendly products are on the shelves at reasonable costs.

Making a difference begins with small steps by each of us. It is good to know that through living our daily lives we can do something good for the rainforest. Now, if you are ready to go out and save the world…well watch this wonderful video first before you make any life altering decisions.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iIkOi3srLo

We Are All Part of the Rainforest

“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Jane Goodall

Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. FrogWatch trainings cover the importance of amphibians in the environment in an exciting, interactive class setting. Open to adults and children eight years of age and older, students learn how to: tell frog species apart by their calls, monitor local frog populations, and report findings to FrogWatch USA.

There are ten species of frogs and toads located in Rhode Island. During the training participants learn to observe these native frogs through recordings, gain

insight into their natural habitats, enjoy hands-on activities, and test the learned knowledge in this course to becoming a citizen scientist.

“FrogWatch is an easy, enjoyable way for people who have an interest in amphibians and the environment to help,” states Lou Perrotti, the Zoo’s director of conservation programs.

For more information or to register for FrogWatch, go to rwpzoo.org.

TRAINING DATES AT THE ZOO:

• Saturday, March 3: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

• Sunday, March 4: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

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Can Help Save FrogsYOU

lOOkiNg fOr a fUN familY activitY? lOve spendiNg time OUtDOOrs? Want tO help save frOgs? as a frOgWaTcher, yOu caN!

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO HELP:Start with keeping a pesticide-free lawn. Pesticides are toxic chemicals that end up in waterways, where amphibians live and breed.

Next, be smart about creating an eco-yard –add native plants to attract local wildlife and create a safe-haven for amphibian species. You can even turn your yard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org).

Stay responsible, if you or even your pet encounters an amphibian, study, look, listen, and then leave alone.

Lastly, be an amphibian advocate! Spread the word, and share your newly gained knowledge with friends and family.

EditorialRoger Williams Park Zoo Marketing and Public Relations Department Corrie IgnagniDiane NahabedianBeth PincinceMissy Wade

Liz Rollins MauranJohn J. Palumbo

Trustees Ex-OfficioJeremy Goodman, DVM Executive Director Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo

Wendy Nillson Superintendent of Parks Providence Parks Department

OfficersMaribeth Q. Williamson, ChairHoward Merten, Vice Chair Sandra L. Coletta, Treasurer Margaret Ferguson, Secretary

Board of TrusteesKristen AdamoNancy Allen Douglas CanigliaBarbara CottamDana L. GoldbergSuzanne M. HallJames S. Harper III, VMDMark HaskinsLisa P. Koelle Patrick T. LeBeau, CFP®Kimberley M. Little

Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org

Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence

2018 RHODE ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman EmeritusSophie F. Danforth

Trustees EmeritusMargaret E. Curran, Esq.Thomas P. DimeoRosalie Fain*Jocelin HamblettStephen Hamblett*Bradford B. KoppArthur D. LittleNancy G. R. MogerRichard NadeauJane S. NelsonMichael C. NobleCate M. RobertsMichael A. Salvadore, Sr.*Philip A. Segal, Jr.Robert F. Stoico

* In Memoriam

Photo CreditsDavid SilvermanMissy Wade

WILD is an online publication of the Rhode Island Zoological Society, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907-3659

For membership information call (401) 785-3510 x375 or visit rwpzoo.org.

DesignerSara Beatrice Tandem Designworks

Winter Wonder Days in January & February Admission half price every day at the Zoo. Half price admission does not include the Carousel.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Ride the Carousel February 1 - March 31Weekends: Noon – 4:00 pm

April 1 - June 30Weekdays: Noon – 6:00 pm Weekends: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

July 1 - Labor DayDaily: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Post Labor Day - Oct. 31 Daily: Noon – 4:00 pm

November 1 - December 31 Weekends: Noon – 4:00 pm

Please Note: School Holidays & Vacation Weeks 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Carousel Village is open year round for birthday parties and private events. For more information contact gsales@rwpzoo.org.

What’s happeNiNg aT the ZOO and carOUsel vIllage

Roger Williams Park Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Roger Williams Park Zoo will close early on: Saturday, June 30, 2018 for Zoobilee; Saturday, August 25, 2018 for

Brew at the Zoo. For complete information on closings, please visit rwpzoo.org; or follow us on Facebook.

Amazon AdventureMarch 22

Join Roger Williams Park Zoo at the Showcase Cinema, 1200 Quaker Lane, East Greenwich RI for the film AMAZON ADVENTURE. The film traces the extraordinary journey of naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates the most influential scientist you’ve never heard of who provided “the beautiful proof” to Charles Darwin for his then controversial theory of natural selection, the scientific explanation for the development of life on Earth.

Guests will enjoy animal encounters before the movie; and a question and answer

session after each showing of the movie with Roger Williams Park Zoo executive director, Dr. Jeremy Goodman and director of conservation Lou Perrotti.

5:00 pm (doors open) movie at 5:30 pm – Free for Zoo Members only

6:30 pm (doors open) movie at 7 pm – General Public - $10 per person

Tickets go on sale February 12. Tickets for members and general public ONLINE ONLY at rwpzoo.org.

No tickets will be sold at the door.

Easter Bunny at the Carousel10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday, March 24, Sunday, March 25

Friday, March 30 , Saturday, March 31

Party for the PlanetApril 16 – April 20 at the Zoo

Enjoy a celebration of our environment and conservation efforts. Special animal encounters, exciting guests and activities for all ages.

Camels, Ponies, Zip Ride and Trains – OH MYAs the weather warms up, the rides open up. The camel and pony rides will be back in April, and be available through Labor Day. The train rides at the Carousel and Zoo, as well as the Zoo’s Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, will open in early April (weather permitting). Both rides will run on the weekends in April and May. Train and Soaring Eagle Zip Ride will open daily Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day.

Please Note: The Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and Trains will operate every day during the Rhode Island April School Vacation April 16-20 weather permitting.

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