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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Not Many Know About This Exotic Animal Sanctuary Right Here In Rhode Island

Foster Parrots, The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary in Rhode Island rescues and cares for exotic pets, primarily parrots, providing them with a safe haven and new homes.

Published May 14, 2018

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Few people realize that there is an extraordinary exotic animal sanctuary located in Rhode Island. This place provides a safe harbor for unique animals such as parrots and other birds that were once pets. This refuge provides stellar care and a new home to discarded exotic pets.

Foster Parrots, The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary is located on 23 acres of land in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. The sanctuary rescues parrots and other exotic pets and gives them a new lease on life.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

The 25,000 square foot facility houses several large indoor/outdoor aviaries. Ironically the property was once a chicken farm.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

There are over 400 exotic birds living at this sanctuary. The animals end up here because they were unwanted, abused, or outlived their owners.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

Parrots can live to be up to 100 years old, so birds like Bud and Paco sometimes find themselves living longer than their owners.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

The facility isn't limited to parrots, you'll find all kinds of colorful species living here.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

The exotic animal sanctuary looks to find new qualified owners for their animals and also to educate the public on what it takes to be an exotic animal owner.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

This refuge has had some famous visitors. Dr. Jane Goodall stopped by to show her support of the work being done here in September of 2017.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary is not open to the public except for special events. Tours are given by appointment only from mid-April through mid-December. For more information on scheduling a tour click here.

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Facebook/Foster Parrots Ltd. and The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

The exotic animal sanctuary does not make its address public since tours require advance scheduling. To learn more about this amazing refuge, visit their website.

Did you know about this exotic animal sanctuary in Rhode Island? What do you think about their mission? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

You also might be interested in visiting this exotic animal farm located out on Block Island. To see some great pictures of our native wildlife and scenery, join our Rhode Island Nature Lover's Group on Facebook.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One Rhode Island Farm Where You Can Snap Photos Of Kangaroos, Lemurs, And Camels

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Give me a chance to spend time, even just a few minutes, around animals, and I'm in, even if it means going off the beaten path a bit. Even catching a glimpse of an animal - a deer standing on the side of a rural road as I drive by, for example - is enough to make the day that much better. Next time you're on Block Island, head over to Abrams Animal Farm. You won't need a whole lot of time at this animal farm in Rhode Island, but there's a pretty good chance you'll have a ton of fun, smile the whole time, and make memories. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two.

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A trip to New Shoreham on Block Island wouldn't be complete, at least for animal lovers, without a quick stop at Abrams Animal Farm, which sits across from the 1661 Inn.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

If you're coming to Block Island by ferry, you'll arrive at Old Harbor. The dock is less than half a mile from the farm, promising an easy, enjoyable walk.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Home to a variety of animals from kangaroos to lemurs, the free-admission animal farm earns glowing reviews from visitors, who describe it as "wonderful" and a "must-stop."

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Spend as much time as you want wandering through the farm, past beautiful gardens, and other residents, including a grazing tortoise...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Emus, camels, llamas, and...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Goats. You'll likely meet a few animals, like the alpacas and donkeys, who eagerly await pets.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

As you explore, take time to read the placards that offer information about the farm's animals. Snap photos as a kangaroo and...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Next to the statue of a tortoise. Abrams Farm welcomes visitors, during the day, all year round.

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Google/Joe Kimmel

Find more information about Abrams Farm on the official website of 1661 Inn, or stop by the Facebook page of this inn and animal farm in Rhode Island.

Have you been to Abrams Animal Farm in New Shoreham? What did you think? What animal(s) did you like most? Let us know in the comments! If you want to keep the animal theme going while you're on the island, head over to Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

With all there is to do on Block Island, you might want to plan to stay overnight or for a few nights by booking a local Vrbo.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/underrated-park-unique-features-ri/

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

It’s Time For Apple Picking (And Apple Donuts) At Pippin Orchard In Rhode Island

Pippin Apple Orchard in Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a variety of fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin picking, and enjoying fresh apple donuts.

Updated Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Fall is in the air, and we couldn't be happier. And while some of our autumn traditions might look a bit different this year, we are pleased to report that the beloved Pippin Apple Orchard, one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island, is open for business and ready to host you. Apple picking in Rhode Island is a fun, family-friendly activity -- and for the record, so is apple donut-eating. Why not enjoy fall in Rhode Island? It is, after all, perhaps the best state in New England, especially during autumn.

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Pippin Orchard is located in Cranston, where it has been a New England landmark for decades.

A quaint building with a large apple sign, set against a vibrant orange sunset sky.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Since 1964, this 20-acre farm has attracted thousands of visitors.

A row of apple trees laden with ripe red apples, set against a cloudy sky and grassy ground.
Victor Brunko/Google Reviews

While some of the produce grown here is available all year, the peak season is definitely fall.

Families picking apples in an orchard, with crates of apples and trees in a lush green landscape.
James O'Connor / Google

The apple picking, farm store, pumpkin patch, and freshly made donuts are irresistible on a beautiful autumn day.

The apple orchard spans 17 acres, and you'll find Macintosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, and Red Delicious apples hanging in the trees. With such impressive variety, it's truly one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island.

Wooden crates filled with red and green apples, stacked neatly in a market setting.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Apple picking costs $25 per bag. But if you'd rather not do it yourself, you can always purchase them onsite or schedule a curbside pickup.

We highly recommend visiting in person so you can enjoy the scent of the piping hot fresh apple donuts...

Freshly fried donuts cooling on a rack, showcasing a variety of golden-brown colors and textures.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

... or better yet, buy some to try yourself.

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Two golden-brown, round pastries resting on a piece of parchment paper.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

This was actually the first orchard in Rhode Island to attempt the apple cider donut, and clearly it was wildly successful.

While you're here, don't forget to pick up your pumpkins for carving and decorating.

A greenhouse filled with various pumpkins and gourds, featuring a sign that says "Welcome Great Pumpkin."
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

You'll also want to purchase some farm fresh eggs and greenhouse-grown produce.

There's nothing like a Rhode island fall, and a trip to Pippin Orchard always makes it even better. It's one of the best things to do in fall in Rhode Island.

A pumpkin patch with numerous pumpkins and a cartoon character of a farmer beside a large pumpkin.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

And luckily, that's a tradition that can continue this year. Check out our road trip packing list to help plan your adventure.

Have you ever been apple picking at Pippin Orchard? You can stay up to date on the farm's schedule by checking out the Pippin Orchard Facebook page.

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