Know Before You Go

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we’ve put together some important information to help you make the most of your visit to the Little Rock Zoo.

Construction

We understand construction isn’t usually top of mind when planning a fun day out, so we want to make your visit as smooth as possible during this period of change. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to build an even better Zoo experience for everyone.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The Zoo will remain open throughout construction, but there are a few temporary changes to keep in mind:

Construction noise, especially during demolition periods
New signs throughout the Zoo to help guide you and keep you informed

Pathway Changes & Guest Flow Adjustments

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.
The only animals affected by this project are the lemurs. They’ve been temporarily moved to the same building as the Colobus Monkeys and rotate through the exhibit separately.
Guest exits will be routed:
- The main path between Penguin and the Kudu habitats
- Through the Cheetah Outpost path

Zoo Map

Explore What’s Coming

Animal Habitats

At the Little Rock Zoo, the health and well-being of our animals are our top priorities. Our habitats are carefully designed to provide choice and control for the animals, allowing them to engage in activities that align with their instincts and preferences.

Visibility: While we aim to give our guests an unforgettable experience, not all habitats include behind-the-scenes viewing areas. Some animals may choose to remain in areas that aren’t visible to visitors, a reflection of their autonomy in their environment.

Freedom to Roam: Our animals have the ability to move freely within their spaces. They can choose where to spend their time, whether exploring, resting, or interacting with their environment.

Outside Food and Drink Policy

For the safety and well-being of our animals, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Zoo. Styrofoam and straws are also not permitted inside the Zoo. We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles—refill stations and water fountains are available throughout the Zoo.

Please Do Not Feed the Animals– The animals have specially formulated diets, and outside food can be harmful. Only feed animals in designated areas with provided food.

Café Africa – Open daily from 10 AM–3 PM, offering family-friendly meals, snacks, and beverages.

View Menu

Seasonal Food Carts – Located throughout the Zoo with a variety of treats and refreshments.

Water fountains and drink vending machines are also available for your convenience. If you’d like to bring your own food, picnic areas are located just outside the Zoo entrance along Zoo Drive. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and please note that food storage is not available onsite.

Weather Policy

The Zoo is an outdoor venue and will remain open in most weather conditions. Please plan accordingly, as we do not offer rainchecks or refunds.

In the unlikely event of a closure due to weather, updates will be provided on our website and on our social media pages.

Code of Conduct

Enjoy the Little Rock Zoo and be aware of the following:

Respect the Animals

Treat our animal residents with kindness. Avoid loud noises, teasing, throwing objects, and running.

Stay on Marked Paths

For your safety and the well-being of our animals, please stay on marked paths and behind guardrails. Never cross or lean over railings.

Please Do Not Feed the Animals

The animals have specially formulated diets, and outside food can be harmful. Only feed animals in designated areas with provided food.

Keep it Clean

Let’s keep our Zoo pristine for everyone to enjoy. Put trash in the appropriate bins.

Respect Our Staff

We ask that you follow any Little Rock Zoo’s staff direction while visiting. Harassment, obscenity, hate speech, racism, offensive gestures, or otherwise abusive treatment of any other guest, staff member, or volunteer will not be tolerated

Respect the Plant Life

Leave flowers where they’re growing; do not pick flowers or otherwise damage gardens or tamper with plant life.

Smoke & Tobacco- Free Facility

To support a healthy environment for our guests, staff, and animals, the Little Rock Zoo is proud to be a tobacco-free facility. This includes the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana products. Tobacco use is not permitted anywhere on Zoo grounds.

No Firearms or Weapons

The City of Little Rock dos not permit any person to carry a concealed weapon, a firearm, or a handgun on city property at any time. Therefore guns are not permitted on the grounds of Little Rock Zoo.

Prohibited Items

For the well-being of all guests and animals, the following items are not allowed: pets, outside food, styrofoam, balloons, noise makers, toys, sports equipment, drones, firearms, and wheeled devices like bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters (Strollers and wagons are welcome: rentals available in the gift shop).

Say Cheese

The Little Rock Zoo utilizes surveillance cameras and photography. Images may be used for promotional materials.

Smoke & Tobacco- Free Facility

Thank you for helping us keep the Zoo clean, safe, and welcoming for all!

Lost & Found Assistance

Take a Photo: We encourage parents to take a photo of their children before entering the Zoo. This can be a helpful reference if you become separated, especially during busy periods like Spring Break.
Seek Help: If you become separated from your group, please seek assistance from Guest Services or any Zoo team member wearing an official name tag.
Plan Ahead: Groups are encouraged to decide on a meeting place in case of separation.
Lost Items: If you have lost an item during your visit, please check with a staff member at Guest Services, located at the Zoo entrance. Any found or turned-in items are held there. For assistance, you can also call 501-661-7235.

Photo and Video Policy

The Little Rock Zoo encourages guests to take personal photos and videos during their visit. These must be for personal, non-commercial use only and should be taken from designated visitor areas.

By entering the Zoo, guests agree that any photos or videos of Zoo animals, exhibits, or property may not be used for commercial purposes, publicity, or any activity that commercially exploits these materials, including posting for profit online.

Additionally, by entering the Zoo, guests may be photographed or filmed by Zoo staff. These images and videos are used exclusively for promotional purposes.

All trademarks, logos, images, and facilities of the Little Rock Zoo are its exclusive property and cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without written consent. Requests for commercial photography or filming must be submitted in writing at least two weeks in advance. For more information, call 501-661-7200.

FAQ