In 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo opened its doors to the public. It is the country's third oldest zoo and in its humble beginnings housed just a collection of small animals scattered throughout this park in Providence. Today, things are vastly different and you can see animals that you may never have encountered in person before. Let's take a look at some of the residents of this amazing Rhode Island zoo.

Visit with animals from all across the globe at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Naturalistic habitats are home to more than 160 different animals, so spending a day here gives you the chance to travel around the entire animal kingdom.

One of the most entertaining characters at the zoo is the white-cheeked gibbon. You'd normally see this mammal monkeying around in the rainforest settings of Southeast Asia.

Also in the Rainforest Exhibit is a free-flight aviary where you can interact with a variety of birds, up close and personal. Kids and adults alike will love this experience.

You may have seen plenty of pink flamingos perching in neighborhood yards. But have you ever seen one of these positively colorful birds in person?

The bigger residents of the zoo are always a huge draw. Watching elephants frolic in the water is a delightful sight.

Giraffes with their long necks and beautiful spots are absolutely captivating. You can even have the chance to feed these stunning creatures during scheduled animal encounters from May through September.

Other mammals at this Rhode Island zoo include the red river hog (pictured below), giant anteater, sloth, snow leopard, and many others.

Small creatures that you'll see include reptiles, amphibians, and even insects. The zoo also has a barnyard area where you can see more familiar animals like chickens, donkeys, and goats.

Get an overhead view of the zoo from 115 feet in the air aboard the Soaring Eagle Zipline. Tickets are just $12 for this thrilling and scenic ride.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is fun for the whole family to visit year-round. Tickets are $17.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 2 -12, and $15.95 for seniors. There is no cost for children 1 and younger and zoo members.

The zoo is open October - March from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m and April - September from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Learn more by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Which are your favorite animals at this Rhode Island zoo? This Providence Park gets even more spectacular during October when they put on their annual glowing pumpkin trail. If you are an animal lover to the core, then you'll also want to make plans to visit this exotic animal sanctuary in the Ocean State.