By Mark Reynolds
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A thief stole money and checks that zoo patrons had earmarked this holiday season to enhance the lives of animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo.
The collection could have held anywhere from $100 to $200, said zoo spokeswoman, Janet Mariani.
The donations were in a collection box positioned near the zoo's giving tree in the elephant and giraffe pavilion.
The tree is adorned with ornaments that indicate different "enhancement items" that people can buy for their favorite zoo animals.
The box disappeared sometime between Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, Mariani said.
"We've been doing this for several years," said Mariani. "We were really kind of surprised."