Providence Zoo Wants You to Support Animal Enrichment With Perfume

After some confusion over a cardboard box post on Facebook, Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo is setting the record straight about what supporters can and can't donate.

Thursday morning, RWP Zoo took to Facebook to share some amazing photos of its snow leopards enjoying simple cardboard boxes. Much like toddlers, the cats play with them and in them and clearly have a good time with the simplest things.

The post led to some fusion among fans, however. People instantly wanted to help the zoo collect more cardboard boxes and many asked how they could donate them. Local news outlets even thought the zoo was seeking boxes and put the word out to the masses.

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Unfortunately, that was not what the post was about. The zoo was simply trying to show what fun the animals were having on a sunny morning and had to start responding to comments to let people know the zoo is not accepting box donations at this time.

However, those looking to give to the zoo should not despair, because there is always something Roger Williams Park Zoo is looking for. In fact, when the zoo reported about the cardboard box confusion, it also let people know the items it does need.

What You Can Donate to Roger Williams Park Zoo at Any Time

1. Fabric store gift cards

2. Home Depot/Lowe's gift cards

3. Unopened bottles of spices, baking extracts or perfumes

There is a full list of animal-specific items and where to find them at the zoo's animal enrichment page.

Wondering what the zoo wants with unopened perfumes and seasoning? It turns out the scents are great ways to encourage animals to explore. Finding the new smell in their area keeps them investigating, exploring, and even scent marking their territory, just like in the wild.