Care for Animals

The Little Rock Zoo is responsible for the care and conservation of more than 400 animals that make their home at the Zoo and for contributing to the Zoo’s overall mission to save species. From traveling abroad to lend expertise to conservation organizations saving species in the wild to caring for Species Survival Plan® (SSP) animals at our Zoo, the Animal Management division makes a difference every day in the lives of animals.

Meet the Team

Behind the scenes, our passionate and skilled veterinary team works tirelessly to ensure that every creature in our care receives the highest standard of treatment and attention. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, our team is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for all our animal residents. Get to know the heart and soul of our zoo through the remarkable individuals who make up our animal welfare and veterinary team.

Ashley Davenport, CVT

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Employed with the Little Rock Zoo Since: 2010

Why animals: "I obtained by degree in Veterinary Technology in 2009 from Arkansas State University - Beebe and took boards to become a CVT. I obtained by bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology in 2013 from St. Petersburg College which makes me a Veterinary Technologist as well. I love working with animals and especially with species at the Zoo because it’s always different, you never know what the day will bring and what new thing you will learn! Working here is my chance to make a difference for the animals in the care of the Little Rock Zoo and for species around the globe through our research participation and conservation efforts."

Favorite Animal: Alligator

Dr. Sara Stoneburg, DVM

Little Rock Zoo Veterinarian

Employed with the Little Rock Zoo Since: 2020

Why animals: "I completed a biology intensive degree including a major in  biology with a double minor in animal science and chemistry at the University of Illinois.  Then, I received my doctorate at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine . My journey to becoming the Little Rock Zoo’s veterinarian included  training at the National Zoo, the National Aquarium and the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. I always wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help species and wanted to save species for future generations to see.  I enjoy the challenge that veterinary medicine gives with the variety of animals for which to care and the fact that my patients cannot tell me what is hurting them."

Favorite Animals: Cheetahs, Orangutans, and Marmosets 

Dr. George Prevolos, DVM

Little Rock Zoo Associate Veterinarian

Employed with the Little Rock Zoo Since: 2023

Why animals: “I always knew I was going to be a veterinarian and have been passionate for wildlife conservation since I was a child. When I was 16-years-old, I travelled to South Africa to work at a wildlife rehabilitation center and gained valuable hands-on experience working with many of their native species. I completed my undergraduate degree in animal sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and doctorate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, I have continued to advance my professional training at the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lehigh Valley Zoo.”

Favorite Animals: Hyena, rhinoceros, chimpanzee

Emily Lemp, CVT

Certified Vet Technician

Employed with the Little Rock Zoo Since:2017

Why animals: "I first started at the LRZ as an intern in 2017. I was a keeper for a few years before going to a veterinary technology program and coming back here to work as a CVT in Sept. 2023. I've always been fascinated with biology and so of course animals fell under my special interests as a kid. Growing up, one of my older sibling's friends was a zookeeper and in hearing her stories I decided to pursue the zoo field. First as a keeper and then I gained interest in the veterinary side of zoos." 

Favorite Animal: Zebra

Laura Cynova, CVT

Certified Vet Technician 

Employed with the Little Rock Zoo Since: 2023

Why animals: "I obtained by degree in Veterinary Technology in 2013 from Arkansas State University - Beebe and took boards to become a CVT. I am also Rescue Initiative certified in advanced and basic life support and CPR. When I was a child I would pretend to be a “vet nurse” and rush my teddy bears around the house for emergencies. I worked at Arkansas Veterinary Emergency & Specialists for 5 years before becoming a stay at home mom in 2018. In October of 2023 I was hired as a CVT here at the zoo and I have enjoyed learning about the different species. Working here is my chance to learn and grow as a part of the conservation efforts for all of the species at the Little Rock Zoo."

Favorite Animal: Cats (big and small) and Sloth Bears.