Share the Care Program

How do the zookeepers keep the animals’ senses attuned as they would need to be in the wild?  This is done through environmental enrichment that is the addition to or modification of an animal’s habitat to create a more stimulating environment and encourage species-typical and appropriate behaviors.  Now you can help care for the Zoo’s animals by giving a donation to our Share the Care Program!

The Little Rock Zoo provides enrichment to its animals in many ways:  

Hiding the animal’s diet within the exhibit or in puzzle feeders to stimulate natural foraging behaviors.
Many animals rely on their sense of smell for hunting or foraging, so we provide scent enrichment to encourage investigation of their habitats.
Many animals are highly curious.  By providing them with new items to manipulate and play with encourages that curiosity.
We also change exhibit “furniture” around once in a while to provide a change in their environment.
Providing enrichment for the animal collection is not cheap.  Just as children wear out toys or clothing, the Zoo’s animals wear out or destroy enrichment toys.  By participating in this wonderful program, you can help to enrich the animal of your choice! 

Make your gift today!

Anyone can share the care-individuals, families, school or scout groups, businesses, clubs or sports teams. 

A Share the Care sponsorship makes a great gift for anytime of year-Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza!  You’ll learn more about your animal from the information and gifts you receive at home.  And when you visit your animal at the Zoo you’ll see the rewards of your efforts. 

All proceeds go directly to The Little Rock Zoo’s animal enrichment fund. 

With a tax-deductible gift of $50.00, you will receive a package good for one year including:
• Official Share the Care Sponsorship Certificate
• Laminated Share the Care member ID card complete with recipient’s name and animal sponsored
• One free pass to The Little Rock Zoo to visit your sponsored animal
• Field Natural History information about your animal
• “Personality” notes regarding your sponsored animal and his or her favorite enrichment items from the Zookeepers who work with them
• A photograph of your sponsored animal

For more information on our Share the Care Program call (501) 666-2406.