Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined

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

• The Great Apes area will have a temporary turnaround route. Guests can still 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

During the initial phase of construction—while the mushroom structure is being removed and walkways in the Front Plaza are resurfaced—only the single-stall family restroom will be available in the entry area. This portion of the project is expected to last 3–4 weeks.

During this time, the nearest full restroom facilities will be located at the stone bathrooms between the elephant and tiger habitats, or at Café Africa. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to reopen this space as soon as we can.

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!

• Construction fencing will go up the week of June 9, 2025, after animals are relocated out of the construction zone.
• Renderings and diagrams of the future layout will be added to the construction fence.
• Fencing will enclose:
• Pathways alongside the lemur habitat
• The area behind the Nature Playground
• The Mushroom structure in the front plaza

• Removal of the Mushroom and damaged sidewalks near the restrooms begins. The Carousel is expected to remain open during this phase of construction. If any changes to its operation become necessary, they should occur during this phase only. We’ll keep you informed of any updates.
• Estimated Timeline: 3–4 weeks for demolition and new concrete pouring.
• Once complete:
• All front plaza restrooms will reopen

The Mushroom structure—an iconic part of the Zoo’s history—will be taken down to make way for a modern entry experience. Sidewalk repairs will offer smoother, more accessible pathways for guests.

• Crushing of existing concrete to fill and stabilize the old lemur and spider monkey moats
• Estimated timeline: 3–4 months
• Equipment and noise:
• Primary tool: Pulverizer (quieter than standard jackhammers)
• Hammer attachment used sparingly for thick concrete sections

The old spider monkey and lemur habitats will be transformed as part of our commitment to building a more sustainable Zoo. Existing concrete will be crushed and reused to fill and stabilize the area, reducing waste and preparing the ground for exciting new animal experiences. This phase recycles the old to make way for the future.

• This phase includes the full build-out of new habitats, guest amenities, and entry enhancements
• Approximate timeline: 10 months
• Subject to weather and final design decisions

With groundwork complete, full-scale construction can begin on the Zoo’s reimagined entry experience. Over the next several months, guests will see the transformation take shape—from new building structures to pathways and landscaping. This phase brings the vision to life and lays the foundation for a more welcoming, immersive, and engaging Zoo entrance for all.

• Complete Timeline Estimate: 14-18 months
• Subject to weather and final design decisions

This transformative project will revitalize the Zoo’s entry experience with updated pathways, enhanced habitats, and new animal species. Construction is expected to take approximately 14 to 18 months, beginning in June 2025 and continuing through fall 2026.

• 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