Donations stolen from the zoo

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Roger Williams Park Zoo is stepping up its security after someone took off with donations meant to help the animals.

The zoo set up a giving tree and a donation box last month. Each ornament on the tree is stamped with a specific item for a specific animal at the zoo. Donors could take an ornament off the tree along with some cash -- and drop it in the donation box to make sure the elephants and giraffes have a happy holiday, too.

"Somebody pried the box open and took all the money and all the ornaments," Jan Mariani told Eyewitness News. "It's really sad. We're really disappointed and kind of shocked. Nothing like this has ever happened before."

Zoo officials estimate the thief got away with a few hundred dollars. They say the toys that would have been purchased for the animals are used to help stimulate their natural behaviors.

The donation box has since been moved, and will now be secured to a handrail to prevent another theft. Visitors will be able to make donations to the zoo's giving tree through mid-January.