A century of inspiring Arkansans to value the natural world.
The Little Rock Zoo has been part of growing up in Arkansas since 1924 — and it is the only institution in the state accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
The Zoo, and the Foundation behind it
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to grow and develop the Little Rock Zoo. The Zoo's mission is to inspire people to value and conserve our natural world, and the Foundation is here to support the Zoo by providing meaningful financial support for programs and capital upgrades.
The Zoo itself is a City of Little Rock facility, spread across 33 acres in the middle of the city. It cares for more than 400 animals representing over 200 species — mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates — and it envisions a world where nature is in balance and all living things thrive.
Accredited, and what that means
The Little Rock Zoo is the only institution in Arkansas accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Accreditation is not a formality. It is a rigorous, repeated review of animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation work, education, safety and finances, and only a minority of animal facilities in the United States hold it.
Practically, it means an animal at the Little Rock Zoo is cared for to a standard verified by outside experts — and that the Zoo participates in the cooperative breeding and species survival programs that AZA institutions run together.
To inspire people to value and conserve our natural world.
Plan a visit
The Zoo is at 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205, in War Memorial Park.
How the Zoo and the Foundation fit together
The Little Rock Zoo
A City of Little Rock facility. The Zoo employs the keepers, veterinarians and educators, cares for the animals every day of the year, and runs admissions, membership and programming.
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation
An independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. We raise private money for the things a city budget cannot stretch to: new habitats, capital upgrades and conservation education programs.
Help one of Arkansas' greatest treasures.
Your donation funds new habitat design and construction, general Zoo improvements, and conservation education programs.