PROVIDENCE, RI (Dec. 1, 2023): January and February bring the perfect weather to New England for visiting the Zoo and seeing animals outside, enjoying nature’s cooler temperatures. Roger Williams Park Zoo is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and half-price admission is available from January 1 to February 29, 2024.

The Zoo’s snow leopards are happy during the winter months. Snow leopards have adapted to live in colder environments, including their stocky bodies, thick fur, and small and rounded ears, all of which help minimize heat loss. A snow leopard’s large, fur-covered forepaws help the animal travel on rocky surfaces and avoid sinking into the snow.

Red wolves also acclimate well to colder weather. Zoo guests can often witness these charismatic creatures frolicking in the snow or lounging near heat sources, showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing seasons.

If you have not been to the Zoo in the winter, come and enjoy this season. It is always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

All tickets must be purchased in advance online at rwpzoo.org.

For full press release, click here. 

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In the News: Experience Butterfly Oasis at Stone Zoo

At Butterfly Oasis, generously made possible by StonehamBank, guests of all ages will wander along a winding path displaying a water feature and sculptural palm trees all within the 20-foot-high geodesic dome. As guests explore the space, they will be delighted by a range of butterfly species including monarchs, white peacocks and red admirals. The space will also house an eclosion box for guests to learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and watch as they emerge from their chrysalises.

“We’re excited to sponsor the Butterfly Oasis at Stone Zoo. This exhibit reflects our commitment to supporting community enrichment and providing memorable experiences for all,” said Edward F. Doherty, Jr., President and CEO of StonehamBank.

Butterfly Oasis will further introduce guests to the importance of pollinators in healthy ecosystems and ways that we can help them thrive. The space is planted with native and tropical pollinator plants, which will provide nectar for the butterflies. This vibrant new attraction seamlessly fits in with the Caribbean Coast, home to the bright Caribbean flamingo flock, colorful macaws and Jamaican iguanas.

For full press release, click here. 

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In the News: New Animals, Bouncing Babies, and Animal Experiences to See at the Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of endangered species and rare breeds as well as the arrival of a species that hasn’t been at the Zoo for nearly 100 years, and a new way to see two of our endangered lemur species.

There are some new must-see additions at Philadelphia Zoo! The Zoo is proud to announce the hatching of two Humboldt penguin chicks, a vulnerable species; the birth of two Arapawa goats, a rare breed with less than 500 individuals in the world; and the return of red-tailed monkeys, a species that last lived at the Zoo in 1928. Plus, take a walk to Lemur Island, where you can now share a space with our families of ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs, an endangered and critically endangered species.

“We are delighted to share these exciting hatchings, births, and animal experiences with our guests, members, and greater Zoo community,” says Vice President of Animal Well-Being Rachel Metz. “Part of Philadelphia Zoo’s mission is to inspire action for wildlife and habitats, and watching baby animals grow, learning about a species that hasn’t been at the Zoo for nearly 100 years and engaging with endangered lemurs in a brand-new space is sure to connect our guests to wildlife in a new and exciting way.”

Below is a full rundown of all the new babies, animals and experiences at the Zoo!

Lemur Island

Step inside and share a space with our family of ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs at Lemur Island! This brand-new walkthrough experience takes you inside their exhibit outside PECO Primate Reserve—no fences, moats, or barriers of any kind. This experience brings you right next to these endangered species, helping guests grow a greater appreciation of what makes them so amazing and why they need our protection.

“Philadelphia Zoo has one of the most diverse collections of lemur species in North America,” says the Andrew J. Baker Curator of Primates and Small Mammals Michael Stern. “We love seeing the joy on guests’ faces as they enter the experience and come within feet of these lemur families. We are thankful to all the Zoo teams who worked together to bring this experience to our guests for 2023.”

For full press release, click here. 

In the News: Six Flags Great Adventure Announces Summer Events

 JACKSON, N.J. ─ June 15, 2023 ─ Six Flags Great Adventure, The World’s Ultimate Thrill Park, announces its summer line-up of events, including Ride with Pride Night, Flavors of the World Food Festival, Gaming Fest powered by Coca-ColaTM, July 4th Fest, Summer Nights Spectacular and National Coaster Day. These events run on select days June 16 through September 4.

Ride with Pride Night ─ June 16

This event features guest DJ’s, live performances, a collection of Six Flags pride merchandise and fireworks. Guests will be able to try delicious food offerings, enjoy the colorful décor, and hop on world-class attractions as we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Flavors of the World Food Festival ─ June 23 – August 13

Flavors of the World Food Festival will become a new culinary favorite. Allow your senses to take a trip around the globe as they savor tasty sips, eats, and entertainment highlighting 7 countries across the world. Sample traditional treats while enjoying family friendly events without the need for a passport. This event takes place Fridays-Sundays.

Gaming Fest powered by Coca-ColaTM ─ July 1 – September 4

Gaming Fest powered by Coca-ColaTM is ready to help you get your game on. Guests can register online to participate in the ultimate gaming experience at Six Flags Great Adventure.

July 4th Fest ─ July 1 – July 4

Celebrate the holiday weekend will thrills and fireworks at Six Flags Great Adventure. Play all day and stay into the night as we light up the sky with amazing fireworks display at 9:30pm nightly.  

Summer Nights Spectacular ─ July 7 – August 26

After you fill your day with family fun, food and thrills, be sure to stick around for our Summer Nights Spectacular. This fireworks display will light up the sky above the world’s top thrill coasters. Enjoy this event Friday and Saturday nights through the summer.

National Coaster Day ─ August 16

What better place to enjoy National Coaster Day than the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park. Whether you are a junior thrill seeker or looking to experience intense thrills, we have coasters the whole family can enjoy.

For full press release click here.

In the News: Celebrate Luna Park’s Historic Expansion Featuring NYC’s first 50-foot Ropes Course, Integrated Roller Coaster and Water Flume Attractions, Food and Beverage Locations, and Pedestrian Plazas

BROOKLYN, NY, June 13, 2023 – Luna Park in Coney Island, New York City’s most iconic destination for fun, is gearing up to honor a momentous occasion celebrating the park’s historic expansion and the 120th anniversary of Luna Park’s original inception in 1903. On June 21st beginning at 6:00 PM, Luna Park will celebrate the landmark expansion, featuring NYC’s first 50ft oceanside ropes courses and adventure zones, integrated roller coaster and water flume attractions, food and beverage locations, and pedestrian plazas. Guests, visitors, and local community members can join in on this incredible celebration like never before with a free event featuring special carnival-style performances, music, entertainment, and treats at the new main entrance of Luna Park on Stillwell Avenue.

For over a century, Luna Park has been part of the iconography of amusement parks, inspiring namesakes that provide fun and joy for families worldwide. Today Luna Park honors that rich heritage of the most influential park in the world by creating history with the future. Its newest additions pay homage to the history of the Amusement District in Coney Island and enhance the unique Brooklyn heritage and identity that Luna Park is known for today.

“We are overjoyed to celebrate this expansion, a milestone that pays homage to the enduring spirit of fun and joy that has defined this beloved Amusement District and our community throughout its history,” said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc. “With the addition of these new attractions, food and beverage locations, and pedestrian plazas, we are excited to continue celebrating Coney Island's legacy by bringing the finest amusement park experience to New York City.”

“I am thrilled that one of our city’s most iconic spaces will be celebrated and highlighted and expanded to provide even more fun and excitement for all of our families this summer and beyond,” said Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “We are so fortunate to have such a historic and symbolic entertainment destination in Southern Brooklyn. I look forward to its continued enhancements, improvements, and investments for visitors and local community members.”

“Luna Park has been at the heart of New York City summer fun for the last 120 years, and today, we celebrate this historic expansion,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “The new attractions, pedestrian plazas, and food and beverage locations will uplift the local economy and arrives just in time for New Yorkers from across the five boroughs – and tourists – to enjoy this summer.”

See full press release here. 

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In the News: Six Flags New England, the Thrill Capital of New England, announced its newest ride, Dino Off Road Adventure, coming in late-spring 2023

AGAWAM, MA ― March 1, 2023 ― Six Flags New England, the Thrill Capital of New England, announced its newest ride, Dino Off Road Adventure, in late-spring 2023. Families will experience an all new attraction that is first of its kind in New England integrating the latest in animatronic technology and innovation. Guests will embark on an off-road adventure facing life-size dinosaurs, thematic elements, state of the art sound, interactive Adventure Guides, educational components and more.  

“Family-fun is part of our DNA here at Six Flags New England and Dino Off Road Adventure delivers exceptional thrills for our youngest thrill seekers,” said Park President Pete Carmichael. “Our guests will experience an adventure of prehistoric proportion as they step back in time and face with life-size dinosaurs with larger than life effects and sound. Our Team is committed to creating exceptional experiences and the 2023 season promises to deliver for dinosaur lovers of all ages.”    

Dino Off Road Adventure highlights: 

Life-size dinosaurs including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Dilophosauras, Maiasaura, Pachycephalosaur and many more;   

Select dinosaurs feature life-like sound and state-of-the-art animatronic movement with realistic head, eye, tail and body movement; 

Safari style vehicle driven along a track with a capacity of two riders; 

Young adventurers traverse through an interactive off-road adventure with dinosaur theming, interactive Baby Tyrannosaurus Rex and Adventure Guides;  

Educational queue line with interactive QR component;  

Midway Dinosaur Photo Opportunity for social media and family photos; and 

Dinosaur themed specialty food items and drink options that will please any ROARING appetite.  

Dino Off Road Adventure is scheduled to premiere at Six Flags New England Memorial Day weekend. Six Flags Pass Holders can experience it before the attraction opens to the public on Friday, May 26. 

Six Flags New England will open for the 2023 season on Friday, April 7, and run weekends and select days through Sunday, April 23, for Spring Break. Get unlimited admission, parking, and more with a 2023 Pass, which includes exclusive benefits and events all season long! Passes start as low as $7.99 a month after initial payment. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com. 

To view full press release click here. 

 

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In the News: Quassy Renames Waterpark 'Splash Away Bay'

 Full Release Here.

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – Quassy Amusement Park’s plunge into the waterpark business a decade ago seemingly pumped new life into the family-owned property overnight. Today, Quassy officials announced the waterpark will officially carry a new name: “Splash Away Bay.” “With a huge expansion of the waterpark under way, we felt now was the appropriate time to rename it,” said Quassy President Eric Anderson. “Splash Away Bay’ was a title that surfaced from within our management team,” Anderson added. “At first, we thought we would tag one of the new waterpark attractions with that name, but the more we thought about it, the better ‘Splash Away Bay’ sounded as an overall waterpark title.” Quassy is virtually doubling the size of the waterpark – formerly called “Saturation Station” - with the addition of a “BulletBOWL” ® water raft ride and a pair of “FreeFall” ® extreme bodyslides, all from ProSlide Technology Inc., of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In addition, the park is building a 2,000-square-foot children’s Vortex Splashpad ® by Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc., 

Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada. “Initially, we were going to call this children’s water play area ‘Splash Away Bay,’ but decided the name was a great fit for the entire waterpark since it is adjacent to our beach,” noted George Frantzis II, a park owner. “That area (splashpad) will be called the ‘Fish Pond’ instead. Our guests have requested a water play area just for the toddlers, and this will be just that! ” All new attractions are currently under construction and will be located next to the existing “Saturation Station” modular water play area and waterslides. The parcel being developed, overlooking Lake Quassapaug, was occupied by the “Monster” mad mouse roller coaster, which was dismantled after the 2010 season. About The Attractions The “BulletBOWL” is a two-person tunneled tube ride that will drop more than 30 feet and travel more than 210 feet. When the tube emerges from the tunnel it is sent spinning into a gigantic bowl where speed and centrifugal force keep the riders glued to the outside of the bowl. As the tube circles and slows down, it plunges into the center of the bowl and exits into a landing trough. 

The ride will have a capacity of more than 300 persons per hour with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches to participate. As of this year, 14 “BulletBOWL” installations existed worldwide. The “FreeFALL” slides, which will share the same loading platform with the bowl tube ride, are also known as “extreme” bodyslides. ProSlide revolutionized speed slide design in 1991 with its narrow, u-shaped fiberglass flume profiles. Quassy’s two new bodyslides will be more than 140 feet long with riders traveling at more than 20 feet per second. The two flumes will accommodate more than 300 riders per hour with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. Riders will come to a stop in runoff troughs. “These new slides will take Quassy’s waterpark to the next level – adding more value to the guest experience,” Anderson noted. The “Fish Pond” splash pad will be located next to the new waterslides and has been designed as a play area strictly for younger children. Many attractions will be incorporated into the area including a rainbow spray tunnel, geysers and themed hands-on water play elements. 

“We envision this being an extremely popular play area for youngsters – especially toddlers,” Frantzis said. “It will be very parentfriendly so the adults can easily keep an eye on their children. It’s not an attraction for older kids, but geared toward those under 8-years-old.” M.E. O’Brien & Sons Inc. of Medfield, Mass., is the regional distributor of the Vortex products to be used at the “Fish Pond.” Anderson and Frantzis, owners who oversee daily operations at Quassy, said construction of the new attractions will continue throughout the winter with an official opening slated for Memorial Day weekend. The waterpark expansion is part of a multi-year projected $5 million improvement plan initiated by the park in 2009. The first phase was completed in 2010 with the addition of the “Free Fall ‘N” drop tower from Italian ride manufacturer SFB.