Big Cats

Cheetah Outpost exhibit features two yards for the cheetahs and two observatory decks for viewing the cheetahs in their habitat. The space is designed to hold up to five cheetahs and allows for breeding. The Zoo is currently working with the Species Survival Plan for the cheetah to develop a breeding program.

• The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal. They can run 70 mph (or 110 kph), which is as fast as cars drive on the highway. The cheetah can reach its top speed in just 3 seconds!
• The tail almost functions like a rudder on a boat because they use it to help control their steering and keep their balance when running very fast.
• The cheetah has “semi non-retractable” claws (almost like dog claws) that work like the cleats on a football shoe to give the cheetah a lot of traction when running.
• There are less than 8,000 cheetahs left in the wild, making the cheetah Africa’s most endangered big cat.

Despite the tremendous efforts AZA members and partners have committed toward saving the cheetah, the species is still declining at an alarming rate and there is a clear need to approach conservation differently. The Little Rock Zoo is an active supporter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). CCF actively works with local, national and international communities to raise awareness, communicate, educate and train. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this endangered species by donating to our conservation fund.

The Little Rock Zoo is home to two Jaguars one female, Maderas, and one male LaBron. Both were relocated to the Little Rock Zoo on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan.

• Like many cats, jaguars have eyes that are adapted for hunting at night.
• Jaguars are the largest cats in the Western Hemisphere, and the third largest overall. Only lions and tigers are bigger.
• A jaguar may go "fishing" by waving its tail over the water to attract fish, and then pouncing.
• Jaguars hunt at night, and use tactics like ambush and stalking.
• They are skilled swimmers and agile climbers.

Jaguars are facing significant conservation challenges due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict throughout their range in the Americas. The destruction of their forest habitats, primarily caused by deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization, has resulted in the fragmentation of jaguar populations and decreased access to prey. Additionally, jaguars are often persecuted by humans due to conflicts arising from predation on livestock and perceived threats to human safety. Poaching for their pelts and body parts further exacerbates the decline of jaguar populations. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting jaguars include habitat preservation, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through community engagement and education, and implementing anti-poaching measures. The Little Rock Zoo supports these conservation initiatives by raising awareness about jaguar conservation challenges and actively participating in programs that contribute to their protection and survival in the wild. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this amazing threatened species by donating to our conservation fund.

Our Zoo is home to Ambesoli an African lion male. We also house two bonded sisters, Inara and Saphira, born in 2014. Their exhibit includes five bedrooms for them to choose in the indoor portion of the enclosure. All three are part of the Little Rock Zoo's lion breeding program, a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for African lions.

• African lions are the most social of all big cats and live together in groups or “prides.” The average pride consists of five or six females, their cubs of both sexes, and one or two males (known as a coalition if more than one) who mate with the adult females.
• Lions live for about 10-14 years in the wild. While in captivity they live for as long as 20-25 years old.
• The average male lion weighs around 400 lb. while the average female lion weighs around 290 lb.
• Lions can reach speeds of up to 50mph but only in short bursts because of a lack of stamina.
• An adult male’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away.

Because lions need huge areas to hunt in, habitat loss and loss of natural prey forces them closer to human habitation, where they sometimes attack livestock. Lions are being killed as pests and as trophies on big game hunts. Their population has dropped significantly in the past several years, and in many African countries they are restricted to national parks and other protected areas.

The Little Rock Zoo is home to three female Malayan Tigers. Zoya, Sundari, and Kae who were born in August 2022.

• The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) is one of the rarest cats. 
• Malayan tigers are some of the most endangered big cats in the world, with less than 500 left in the wild.
• Like a human fingerprint, no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes on their coats. Scientists can use these distinctions to identify tigers in the wild.
• Tigers are adept swimmers. They often go into the water to escape flies or cool off, and can easily cross rivers and lakes 5 miles wide.

The Little Rock Zoo is a member of the Malayan tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) and part of the Tiger Conservation Campaign coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We need your help! You can make a difference for wild tigers. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this amazing endangered species by donating to our conservation fund.