RWPZ has partnered with Polar Bears International (PBI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear. As part of PBI’s efforts to conserve polar bears through research and education, they are establishing a network of Arctic Ambassador Centers in more than 30 zoos and aquariums throughout North America and the world. Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of these Arctic Ambassador Centers.

In 2008 one of the Zoo’s Zoo Crew members, Molly Alves, participated in PBI’s Teen Leadership Camp where she spent 10 days on the arctic tundra studying wild polar bears and developing an educational action plan to bring back to Rhode Island.  Since her return Molly has shared her experience with thousands of people through presentations and the media, connecting the public to what is happening in the Arctic and empowering us to make those necessary steps towards a healthier world.

In 2009 Chris Hitchener, the Zoo's Early Childhood Coordinator and Zoo Camp on the Move Director, co-facilitated a Keeper Leadership Camp for zoo professionals who are starting their own educational action plans.  The conference was designed to help participants develop action plans and focus on Polar Bear Science, Climate Science, Interpretation techniques, Education techniques, Leadership skills, and Community involvement.    

Also in 2009, the Zoo’s Outreach manager, Carrie Hawthorne, worked with PBI to host a live video conference between Providence MET School students here at RWP Zoo and PBI scientists out on the Arctic Tundra.

Many of the Zoo’s staff have incorporated and adapted the latest information from PBI for outreach programs, family programs and special events.  They also use resources and information from PBI to help with on-grounds interpretation and incorporate polar bear science and sustainable choice information into our on-grounds educational carts/stations.  RWP Zoo also continues to work with our Zoo Crew teens to provide opportunities like Leadership Camp. 

In addition curators and keepers will be able to network with PBI and other Arctic Ambassador centers for the latest husbandry science and enrichment methods for captive polar bears.  Amy Cutting of the Oregon Zoo and PBI Advisory Council states “As the pack ice retreats, we anticipate problems ranging from nutritionally stressed bears arriving in villages to an increased number of orphaned cubs.”  Keepers and curators are helping to provide information, methods, and resources for those communities to live safely with polar bears as the sea ice disappears.  These keepers are helping to develop protocols to respond to orphaned cubs and malnourished bears with veterinary care and supplemental feedings.  This is a great example of how captive polar bear programs can benefit the sustainability of wild populations.

Read Chirs's PBI Blog

Read Molly's PBI Blog

Read the Zoo Blog