Press Room

If you are a member of the media and would like more information about the Little Rock Zoo, the Arkansas Zoological Foundation or the exciting new things happening at the Little Rock Zoo, please call our main line at 501-661-7200 and ask for our press department to register your contact information for media updates. The Little Rock Zoo sends up-to-date press releases and announcements on a regular basis. There’s always something new and exciting at the Zoo!

Long-Awaited Exhibits Open Ahead of Hiland Dollar Day

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 7, 2025) – Today, the Little Rock Zoo showcased the grand opening of two extraordinary exhibits: Isle of the Dragon: Komodo Exhibit and Hidden Corners of the World: Uncommon Creatures, just in time for Hiland Dairy Dollar Day scheduled for Sat., July 12.  Komodo dragons are an exciting new species at the Zoo. “The Isle of the Dragon” exhibit is located on the west side of the reptile building and brings guests face-to-face with two awe-inspiring Komodo Dragons: one female juvenile (Tiamat) and one male juvenile (Iroh). The immersive experience offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to observe Komodo…

Zoo’s Youngest Orangutan Passes from Encephalitis

LITTLE ROCK (June 26, 2025) – The Little Rock Zoo is sad to announce the passing of its youngest male orangutan, Kota, who passed earlier this week from encephalitis.   The animal care staff observed Kota showing signs of lethargy.  The Zoo veterinary staff and animal care staff worked together to administer care. Specialists were called to assist, but Kota continued to decline. Gross necropsy showed lesions on Kota’s brain indicative of diffuse encephalopathy, or widespread dysfunction of the brain and brain hemorrhaging. Lab sample results should reveal a more specific cause.  Kota was born at the Little Rock Zoo on February…

Little Rock Zoo Breaks Ground on Transformative New Project

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 24, 2025) — Today, City of Little Rock officials and Zoo representatives held a groundbreaking ceremony to introduce “Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined.” A bold new construction project that reflects the Zoo’s passion for creating enriched environments for animals and unforgettable moments for every visitor.  Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined is one of the largest projects both in size, scale and cost that the Little Rock Zoo has ever undertaken. The project renovates a significant part of the Zoo and is made possible with funding from the 2022 Bond passed by voters of the City of Little Rock and donations raised by the…

Little Rock Zoo Centennial Celebration Focuses on Community, Conservation, & the Future

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 28, 2025) -Join us Saturday, June 7, as we commemorate 100 years of wildlife and wonder with a full day of special activities, family fun, and community celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will start the day with a recycling event! From 9 a.m. to noon, the Zoo and partners, the City of Little Rock Sustainability Office, and Keep Little Rock Beautiful, will host a community recycling drive. Acceptable recyclable items include documents, e-waste, plastic bags and wraps, glass, bicycles, and housewares. A complete list is available online. Thanks to the Little Rock Community Day sponsor, Southern Bancorp,…

Zoo and Lion Legal Celebrate Brand New Partnership 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 28, 2025) –The Little Rock Zoo and Lion Legal announced they are proud to begin a new partnership in 2025. The two like-minded organizations made this announcement on Wednesday morning just in front of some of the Zoo’s most iconic residents, the lion pride, Inara, Saphira, and Ambesoli.  Lion Legal is a new sponsor of the Zoo and has committed $50,000 over a five-year period to the long-standing Little Rock institution.  As a part of their sponsorship, they are supporting events like Wild Wines, Zoo Brew, and GloWild. Lion Legal’s commitment also includes a general donation to the Zoo’s fundraising…

Zoo Will Close Briefly Due to Inclement Weather

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (January 8, 2025) – The Little Rock Zoo’s administration decided to temporarily close the Zoo tomorrow, Thursday, January 9 to Saturday, January 11, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather. Zoo staff will remain on hand to care for the animals and facilities. The safety of Zoo staff, guests and animals is the Zoo’s top priority. The Zoo may remain closed on Sunday, January 12, 2025, if dangerous weather conditions remain. Additional updates will be posted on the Zoo’s website and social media channels. Please check these for the latest information.

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