Free Admission At Roger Williams Park Zoo Dec. 27

PROVIDENCE, RI — National Visit The Zoo Day is coming up, and Rhode Islanders can visit Roger Williams Park Zoo for free. All visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable donation for the Rhode Island Food Bank.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27. Donations will be collected by staff from Cardi's Furniture and Mattresses, which provided a truck to carry the donations to the food bank.

This will be the fifth year the zoo has partnered with the food bank. Most-needed items include:

• Peanut butter
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Canned or dried beans
• Canned soups and stews
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Breakfast cereal
• Whole wheat pasta
• Brown rice
• Boxed macaroni and cheese
• Granola bars
• Tomato sauce
• Extra virgin olive oil

"Community is one of the zoo’s seven core values and we are so happy to be able to give back to our community during the holiday season," said Ron Patalano, the zoo's deputy director.

While the zoo is a popular warm-weather destination, certain animals such as red pandas, moon bears and snow leopards are more active in cooler temperatures, leading to a different experience for visitors.