New England zoo named one of the best in the US, US News says

A zoo in New England has been named one of the best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island was listed as one of the top 26 zoos in the U.S.

The news outlet noted the zoo’s 40 acres of woodlands and more than 100 animal species including a Komodo dragon, red pandas, snow leopards and African elephants. It’s also the third oldest zoo in the U.S.

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U.S. News also wrote about how the zoo plays a key role in regional conservation efforts, especially the breeding and reintroduction of the New England cottontail rabbit.

”While as a society we all do not always see the value of insects, rodents, amphibians and reptiles – they all have a purpose,” said Lou Perrotti, director of conservation at Roger Williams Park Zoo. “Our endeavors saving the American burying beetle, re-populating the timber rattlesnake in Massachusetts, and re-introducing the New England cottontail rabbit all have a profound effect not just on Rhode Island and New England but globally.”

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Other zoos on the list included the Bronx Zoo in New York City, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska and the Denver Zoo.