The Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas had humble beginnings, starting with just two animals. Today the facility is home to over 725 animals representing over 200 different species. Opened in 1926, the zoo was originally very small, but now it features a number of unique exhibits, a farm for children, events for the whole family, and educational opportunities. The Little Rock Zoo is run by that Arkansas Zoological Foundation and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Little Rock Zoo has a mix of animals from around the world. Some of the most popular animals for visitors to view at the zoo include flamingos, lemurs, tigers, giraffes, bears, elephants, wombats, gorillas, jaguars, penguins, lions, rhinos, wolves, cranes, wart hogs, bald eagles, camels, zebras, and porcupines. They also have a structure that houses primates, reptiles, and birds, and features alligators. A train ride takes visitors around a large pond and the children's farm, and other structures in the zoo include the amphitheatre, the gift shop, Cafy Africa, a carousel, and educational buildings.
Like many zoos in the United States and around the world, the Little Rock Zoo is running a number of conservation programs to help protect the species they house in the zoo and the environment in general. They have a conservation fund which helps support groups such as the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance), the International Association for Bear Research and Management, the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, and WildAid. The zookeepers at the Little Rock Zoo also all have independent projects that they support and promote at the zoo, these include Bowling for Rhinos, the Chimp-N-Sea Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the Riddles Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary. So, money raised through membership to the zoo, donations to the zoo, and admission prices go not just to keeping the animals at the Little Rock Zoo happy and healthy, but also to great causes from around the world. In addition, the zoo has a "Green Team'' comprised of zoo employees who have volunteered to conserve resources and sustainable practices at the zoo itself.
Gusts who are interested can also book parties at the zoo, which is a unique way to celebrate an event. They have opportunities for catered events, weddings, birthday parties, and more. School trips and other groups are also welcome at the Little Rock Zoo, and they have a number of camps for children during the summer. Most last about a week and focus on a specific type of animal, habitat, or location in the world.
The Little Rock Zoo is open 7 days a week, weather permitting, starting at 9:00 AM. They close daily at 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. During the zoo's busy season, from April 1 to Labor Day, admission ranges from $8 to $10, and prices are reduced during the off-season. They also have membership options for those who visit the zoo often, and buying a zoo membership gives guests unlimited admission, access to VIP events, and more. Potential visitors can cal 501-666-2406 to learn more about the zoo.
