Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined

With Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined, we’re embracing a bold new vision for the future—one that transforms the Zoo experience and deepens the connection between wildlife and the community.

This ambitious project begins with a complete reimagining of our front entrance and nearby animal habitats. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a updated entry plaza and a revitalized amphitheater space, all designed to create a more inviting, engaging, and accessible experience for every guest.

We’re updating and expanding several key habitats to bring you closer to the animals you love. This transformation will bring a range of enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience and support animal care, including:

A reimagined entry plaza with two water features, sculpture, and an updated design
Three updated animal buildings with indoor dayroom viewing
A refreshed lemur habitat with improved guest visibility
A brand-new home for our giant anteaters
The return of capybaras to the Little Rock Zoo
A new species: squirrel monkeys!
A relocated Aldabra tortoise habitat with new opportunities for guest interaction

Help Us Build the Future of Your Zoo

We Can’t Do It Without You

This is more than a construction project—it’s a community movement to reimagine what the Zoo can be. With your support, we’ll create an even wilder, more welcoming space for all.

Donate

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re interested in a naming opportunity or partnership as part of Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined, we’d love to hear from you!

Available Partnership Opportunities

Animal Ambassador Theater Naming Rights – $1,000,000
Lemur Habitat Naming Rights – $500,000
New “MEW” Animal Ambassador Care Facility – $250,000
Capybara/Squirrel Monkey Habitat Naming Rights – $250,000
Anteater Habitat Naming Rights – $150,000
Tortoise Habitat Naming Rights – $150,000
New Plaza Waterfall Partner (two available) – $100,000
Lemur Indoor Viewing Window Partner – $50,000
Squirrel Monkey/Capybara Indoor Viewing Window Partner – $50,000
Tortoise Feeding Station Partnership – $25,000
Animal Encounter Station Partnership – $25,000
Animal Habitat “Furniture” Partnership – $15,000
Engraved Bench for New Entry Plaza – $10,000
Large Engraved Stone – $5,000
Medium Engraved Stone – $2,500
Small Engraved Stone – $1,000

Be a part of this exciting transformation! Your support helps create state-of-the-art habitats, unforgettable guest experiences, and a stronger future for wildlife.

Contact us at ZooPartner@littlerock.gov or call 501-661-7208 to learn more about how you can help shape the future of the Little Rock Zoo.

Things to Expect During Your Visit

The Zoo will remain open during construction, but your visit may look a little different.

Please plan for:

Construction noise, especially during demolition periods
Temporary pathway adjustments and occasional detours
New signs throughout the Zoo to help guide you and keep you informed

Construction Noise

We know construction noise isn’t anyone’s favorite soundtrack—but it’s a temporary step toward a stronger, more sustainable Little Rock Zoo.

To transform the former lemur and spider monkey habitats, crews will pulverize the existing concrete moats and reuse the material to fill and stabilize the area—recycling on-site resources instead of sending them to a landfill. This approach helps reduce waste and lays the groundwork for exciting new animal experiences. While this equipment is quieter than traditional jackhammers, please be aware that this phase will involve noticeable construction noise. A hammer attachment may be used occasionally for extra-thick concrete sections.

Thank you for your patience. We appreciate your understanding as we build a future worth celebrating!

Pathway Changes & Guest Flow Adjustments

To keep your visit safe and enjoyable, please note the following:

Access to the Great Apes area will be available through the entrance next to the orangutans. A temporary turnaround route will be in place, allowing guests to view all great ape habitats—including orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas—before retracing their steps.
Guest exits will be routed:
- The main path between Penguin and the Kudu habitats
- Through the Cheetah Outpost path

We appreciate your patience and support as we improve your Little Rock Zoo experience!

Plan Your Visit

Explore the Latest Construction Updates with Rodney!

Have you met Rodney? He’s the Animal’s Construction Consultant and he’s sharing all the latest updates on the construction project at the Zoo. Check out his videos for more updates and behind the scenes looks at the progress so far!

Construction Blog

Follow the early progress of the construction project in our blog series, featuring updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the project’s initial phases.

Explore the Blog