Arkansas Heritage Farm

At the Little Rock Zoo, our Arkansas Heritage Farm is home to a variety of heritage breeds. Heritage breeds are traditional livestock breeds that were raised by our ancestors for generations. These breeds are well-adapted to local environments and have traits suited to specific purposes, such as meat, milk, or wool production. By preserving heritage breeds, we help maintain biodiversity in agriculture and safeguard valuable genetic resources for future generations. At the Little Rock Zoo, we are proud to showcase and promote the conservation of heritage breeds, highlighting their importance in sustaining agricultural traditions and preserving our cultural heritage.

Donkeys and Horses

Arkansas Heritage Farm is home to three miniature horses named Lilly, Zinnamon, and Zelda and two miniture donkeys named Zipper and Daphne.

The term "donkey" comes from dun (the usual grayish-brown color) and the suffix "ky" meaning small. Male donkeys are called "jacks," and females are "jennets."
The donkey was first domesticated about six thousand years ago.
Intelligent, social, hardy animals, donkeys have been domesticated for their milk, strength and companionship for more than six thousand years.

Goat

(Pygmy, Nigerian and Boer)

Arkansas Heritage Farm is home to three different kind of goats. We have two male Boer goats; brothers, Bravo and Charlie; seven male Nigerian dwarf goats; Blitz, Bolt, Comet, Pogo, Rocket, Sonic and Splash and two Pygmy goats.

What animal has a beard like an old man, eats weeds like candy, thinks a pile of rocks is a playground, and is smaller than a collie dog? The Mini goat! Pgmy and Nigerian dwarf goats are both mini goats!
Goats were one of the first animals to be tamed by humans and were being herded 9,000 years ago.
Goats have four “stomachs.” Their food moves first into the rumen (from which it is periodically regurgitated for more “cud chewing”), then to the reticulum, later to the omasum, and finally to the abomasum (which is most like a more sensitive human stomach).
Goats’ pupils (like many hooved animals) are rectangular. This gives them vision for 320 to 340 degrees (compared to humans with 160-210) around them without having to move and they are thought to have excellent night vision.

Katahdin Sheep

Little Rock Zoo’s Arkansas Heritage Farm is home to four Katahdin sheep: three males; Blu, Cap and Waldo and one female, Kibby.

Katahdin sheep are a hair breed that was developed in Maine and are named for Mt. Katahdin.
Sheep have two sorts of hair in their coat–the short coarse hairs and the wool. Hair breeds have less of the woolly fur. Because of this, they do not generally need to be shorn and are low maintenance.
Sheep have a field of vision of around 300 degrees, allowing them to see behind themselves without having to turn their head.

Katahdin sheep are considered a heritage breed because they were once on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List (CPL) but graduated in 2013 when their population reached a stable level with enough genetic diversity. The breed is still conserved for future needs because it's a good fit for modern sheep production goals, such as efficient meat production.

Blackbelly Sheep

Blackbelly Sheep are a hardy and resilient breed known for their distinctive appearance and adaptability. Originating from the Caribbean, these sheep are easily recognizable by their lack of wool on the belly, hence the name "Blackbelly." They are typically tan or light brown with black markings on the face, legs, and belly. Unlike many other sheep breeds, Blackbelly Sheep are hair sheep, meaning they shed their coats naturally and do not require shearing.

These sheep are well-suited to warm climates and have excellent disease resistance, making them a popular choice for sustainable and low-maintenance farming. They are also known for their high reproductive rates and ability to thrive on minimal pasture, contributing to their appeal in diverse agricultural settings.

The Barbados Blackbelly sheep is a heritage breed that was added to the Livestock Conservancy's 2024 "Watch" list on their Conservation Priority List. This status is given to breeds that have genetic or numerical concerns, or have a limited geographic distribution. In the US, the breed has fewer than 2,500 annual registrations and the global population is estimated to be less than 10,000. However, the breed's prospects in the US are improving due to the strong market for hair sheep and the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International's (BBSAI) efforts to promote and preserve the breed.

Giant Chinchilla Rabbit

The Giant Chinchilla Rabbit is a large and gentle breed known for its plush, silver-gray fur that closely resembles the color and texture of the chinchilla rodent. Developed in the early 20th century, these rabbits were initially bred for their fur and meat. They have since become popular as pets and show animals due to their docile nature and striking appearance.

Giant Chinchilla Rabbits are known for their impressive size, often weighing between 12 to 16 pounds. They have a friendly and calm temperament, making them suitable companions for families and individuals alike. Their diet consists mainly of hay, fresh vegetables, and a balanced pellet feed, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for their health and well-being.

As of May 2023, the Livestock Conservancy lists the Giant Chinchilla rabbit as a breed on their Conservation Priority List with a "Watch" status. This means that the breed is considered rare, but not endangered.

Toulouse Geese

Toulouse Geese are a domestic breed known for their large size and gentle demeanor. Originating from France, these geese are named after the city of Toulouse. They are often kept for their meat, eggs, and as charming additions to farms and gardens due to their calm and friendly nature.

Toulouse Geese have a distinctive appearance, with their plump bodies, grayish-brown feathers, and a prominent dewlap under their chin. They are excellent foragers and can be an important part of sustainable farming practices, helping to control weeds and pests.

The Toulouse is a huge bird averaging 20-26 lbs.

The Toulouse goose is a heavy breed heritage goose that is not considered a conservation priority. However, other heritage goose breeds are declining due to factors such as the cost of maintaining large flocks and challenges in processing waterfowl.

Sebastopol Geese

Sebastopol Geese are a distinctive breed known for their elegant, long, and curly feathers. Originating from Europe, they are often recognized by their striking appearance, with feathers that drape beautifully over their bodies, giving them a unique and ornamental look. These medium-sized geese have a gentle temperament, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and farmers alike.

Sebastopol Geese are primarily kept for ornamental purposes and are often seen in farm parks and zoos. They thrive in environments where they have plenty of space to graze and access to water, which helps maintain their beautiful plumage.

The Sebastopol goose is a heritage breed that is listed as "Threatened" on the Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List. The breed is estimated to have fewer than 5,000 worldwide, and some reasons for the decline of heritage geese include the cost of maintaining large flocks and challenges in processing waterfowl for the farm-to-table market.

Red Junglefowl

The Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is a fascinating bird native to the forests and scrublands of Southeast Asia. These birds are particularly significant because they are the wild ancestors of all domestic chickens. With vibrant plumage and a striking appearance, males are known for their brilliant red, orange, and green feathers, while females are more subdued with brown and gold tones that provide camouflage.

Red Junglefowl are ground-dwelling birds that forage for seeds, insects, and small animals. They play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. The species is known for its complex social structures and vocalizations, with the iconic rooster crow being a prominent feature of their behavior.

Various Chicken Breeds

The Little Rock Zoo is home to a diverse collection of chicken breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. From the strikingly beautiful Silkie, known for its fluffy plumage and gentle temperament, to the hardy and productive Rhode Island Red, our chickens showcase the variety and adaptability of this beloved bird species.

Chickens play a vital role in sustainable farming practices, providing eggs, pest control, and natural fertilizer. By displaying a range of breeds, we aim to educate our visitors about the importance of genetic diversity and the contributions of chickens to agriculture and ecosystems. Our flock represents a living example of the fascinating world of poultry, highlighting the significance of conserving and understanding these valuable animals.

Visit our Arkansas Heritage Farm to learn more about our chickens and see them in their natural environment.

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