Slater Park Zoo facts for kids

Slater Park Zoo was a special place in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It was a zoo that welcomed visitors until the mid-1990s. Today, you can still visit the area, but it has changed into a fun petting zoo called Daggett Farm.

History of Slater Park Zoo

How the Zoo Started

The Slater Park Zoo began very simply. When Slater Park was first being developed, a small group of animals was put on display. This was right near the historic Daggett House.

In 1916, this small animal collection was home to just a few kinds of animals. You could see pigeons, rabbits, and deer. The deer had a fenced area where they could roam around.

New Animals Arrive

Over time, the zoo grew. By 1936, a small group of elk had joined the animal family. But the really exciting animals didn't arrive until the late 1950s. That's when the zoo started getting more unusual and exotic creatures.

Some of the deer were traded for new animals. The zoo welcomed a lion, a leopard, and an Arctic wolf. There was also a baboon, two Barbary sheep, and several monkeys. To house these new arrivals, special concrete-block shelters were built. These shelters had fenced areas for the animals to live in. More animals were soon bought from the famous Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus.

For a while, the City of Pawtucket had a special agreement with the circus. Many circus animals would stay at the zoo for several months each year. This meant visitors could see even more amazing creatures!

Fanny the Elephant

The most famous animal at Slater Park Zoo was an elephant named Fanny the elephant. Fanny lived at the zoo for over 30 years. She was a beloved resident and a big attraction for many visitors.

The Zoo Changes

In the 1990s, the zoo faced money problems. Because of this, much of the zoo had to close down. Even though many of the original animal enclosures are still there today, the area has a new purpose. It is now a petting zoo called Daggett Farm. Here, you can still meet and interact with friendly farm animals.