Roger Willams Park Zoo Scales Down Hours Due To Coronavirus

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Roger Williams Park Zoo is changing its daytime hours for the rest of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Starting next week, the zoo will close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until the end of the year.

"We all know we are living in extraordinary days. Unfortunately, like many businesses across the U.S., the Zoo has felt the impacts of COVID-19," Executive Director Jeremy Goodman said. "Due to our temporary closure this past spring and new safety restrictions, the Zoo has seen a significant loss of revenue and lower than anticipated attendance. Therefore, we have had to look for cost savings wherever possible, which resulted in the difficult decision to temporarily close the Zoo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through December 31. We are all incredibly appreciative of our Zoo supporters who have rallied beside us throughout this challenging time."

The zoo will continue to operate 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Members will have the opportunity to visit on special members-only days the first Wednesday of each month, starting in October. In addition, the zoo will be open on state holidays and vacation days on the Providence School Department calendar that fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

The new schedule will not affect the drive-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, open nightly from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1.

"We encourage folks to participate in and support many of our upcoming programs like our all new Private Insider Tours or take part in our virtual animal experiences," Goodman said. "Each time someone visits, contributes to our emergency fund, or even attends our annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, they are helping us continue our mission of saving wildlife and wild places."

The zoo reopened to the public June 1 following a months-long closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although revenues dropped significantly as a result, expenses to care for the more than 160 species of animals have remained the same.

The park's Carousel Village will also adjust its operating schedule to Thursday through Monday, open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Read more: 2020 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular To Be Drive-Through