Providence may be known for its quirkiness and its good food, but the Rhode Island capital just gained a new honor, as its zoo earned the title as one of the best zoos in the country.

Always Pets released a ranking of the "50 Best Zoos in the U.S." last month, including Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence among the cream of the crop.

Roger Williams Park Zoo came out at No. 50 on the list, and with 241 zoos and aquariums accredited with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, No. 50 is certainly nothing to sneeze at. And this extensive zoo isn't, either.

The zoo opened in 1872 on 40 acres in Providence. Today, the zoo is home to more than 160 species, and the zoo crew is constantly growing! Most recently, the zoo welcomed a foursome of baby nine-banded armadillos named after the Golden Girls, and have kept visitors up-to-date on the growth of the zoo's otterly adorable river otter pups, who are now on exhibit. Nancy even stopped by recently and got the chance to see a number of the zoo's many new and existing residents, who are keeping visitors on their toes throughout the trip. I mean, have you seen Roger Williams' new albino alligator, Elsa, yet? She's beautiful and an extremely rare sight to see.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is just a short trip from the SouthCoast, and now spoken highly of by yet another publication. Congrats, Providence!

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