The Providence Journal and United Way of Rhode Island have partnered to highlight the state’s nonprofits. Each week, a nonprofit identified by United Way will be spotlighted in the Providence Sunday Journal, and the United Way will share how it supports that organization.
This week, we feature the Roger Williams Park Zoo, which creates engaging experiences that empower guests to conserve wildlife and wild places.
We asked Stacey Johnson, executive director, to tell us more about the organization.
What is your mission and vision?
At Roger Williams Park Zoo our work is guided by three simple ideas that shape everything we do. First, we focus on connecting people to wildlife and nature in meaningful ways. Whether through animal care, conservation efforts or everyday experiences at the zoo, we want visitors to understand how their visit supports a larger mission to protect wildlife and the natural world.
Second, we are committed to creating a zoo experience that inspires. From the moment guests arrive, our goal is for everyone to feel welcome, included and engaged and to leave feeling curious, hopeful and more connected to the world around them.
Finally, we believe that caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. By fostering a culture of respect, collaboration and well-being, we create an environment where our staff, our animals and the zoo itself can thrive.
Guests watch penguins swim at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Guests watch penguins swim at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
How do you measure success?
For a public attraction like the zoo, one of the simplest day-to-day metrics of success is attendance: How many people came? We also often ask our guests for their feedback: How did they benefit from the experience? With longer-term decisions, we define success before we begin. Whether we are launching a new program, caring for animals or expanding educational access, we set clear SMART goals that guide our choices and allow us to measure real outcomes.
That means being specific about what we are trying to achieve, realistic about the resources involved and clear about when we expect results. This approach helps us evaluate what worked, what can be improved and how each effort advances our mission. By setting goals this way, success is not a feeling or a guess; it is something we can clearly see, assess, and build on for what comes next.
Success is measured not just by numbers, but by the quality of experiences, the strength of relationships and the positive impact the zoo has on its people, its community and the future of wildlife.
What are your biggest challenges currently?
Operationally, rising costs for goods, services and construction challenge Roger Williams Park Zoo, as it does for most consumers and businesses. Even in the best of times, the zoo actively strives to offer the highest value and a reasonably priced family experience. However, when cumulative cost increases beyond our control occur, as has happened this year, it is troubling and we need to take steps to ensure the long-term financial viability of the zoo.
We are proud to be part of Providence’s parks system, yet guests and elected officials alike are surprised to learn that more than 80% of our annual budget is funded by the efforts of the nonprofit Rhode Island Zoological Society. Roughly 60% of that budget is for the society’s team’s wages and benefits, so we can provide top-quality animal care, educational programs and guest services.
We challenge ourselves to continually improve, seeking to be a regional beacon of excellence in recreation, education, scientific advancement and wildlife conservation.