Caring For Alice
September 2025
If you’ve visited the Little Rock Zoo recently, you may have noticed Alice, one of our female gorillas. Alice joined us in 2021 from another accredited Zoo with a history of a leg injury and a recurring skin condition. Her move to Arkansas was made with the hope that a change in location and climate would help her skin, and over time, we’ve seen real improvements thanks to the dedication of her animal care and veterinary teams.
Recently, Alice sustained an injury to her previously injured leg. When her care team noticed a change in her use of the affected leg, they quickly involved our veterinary staff. She has since been examined by the veterinary team and undergone an MRI to help diagnose the issue. Following this procedure the veterinary team determined that the best approach was to give the injury time to heal, supported by minimal therapies, rather than moving straight to more invasive options. She has responded well to this treatment plan so far, showing signs of improvement, participating in training sessions with her care staff, and steadily gaining strength. Her care team continues to monitor her closely and provide treatment to help her improve.
Overview:
- Alice has a recurring skin condition that is carefully managed by her care team and veterinary staff at the Zoo.
- The patch on her left side may sometimes look red and inflamed, but it does not affect her quality of life.
- The combination of Arkansas’s humid climate and the dedication of her care team has helped improve her skin, and we hope to reduce the issue even further with continued care.
- Recently, Alice sustained an injury to her previously injured leg. Vet staff have examined her, and she’s also had an MRI to help diagnose the issue.
- We have seen some improvements, but she is still being treated.
- Her condition is closely monitored by her keepers and veterinary staff to ensure she stays healthy.
Learn More About Alice’s Care
Curious about how we help Alice manage her skin condition? Check out our blog post to learn about the treatments, therapies, and daily care routines her dedicated team uses to improve her skin and support her overall well-being.
More About Gorillas
The Western Lowland Gorilla, is a magnificent and critically endangered primate species native to the rainforests of central Africa. They’re characterized by their powerful build, imposing presence, and distinctive black fur. Western Lowland Gorillas are highly intelligent and social animals, living in close-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback male. Unfortunately, habitat loss, poaching, and disease pose significant threats to the survival of Western Lowland Gorillas in the wild.
The Little Rock Zoo is a proud supporter of Gorillas on the Line, a campaign run by the AZA Gorilla SAFE to recycle old cell phones to benefit wild gorillas. We collect old cell phones in drop boxes both at the Gorilla exhibit and the front entry plaza.
Many handheld electronics are made with coltan, which is mined in wild gorilla habitat. So, recycling old phones helps to decrease the need for new mining. At the same time, recycling raises money to directly support gorilla conservation initiatives through Gorilla SAFE programs.
The Wildest Value in Town!
Little Rock Zoo Memberships
Memberships support the Zoo’s efforts to promote conservation and education. It is the perfect way to benefit humans and animals, alike!
Little Rock Zoo
1 Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-7200
Hours of Operation
9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Last admission 3:30 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 4:00 pm
