LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 28, 2025) —The Little Rock Zoo and Lion Legal announced they are proud to begin a new partnership in 2025. The two like-minded organizations made this announcement on Wednesday morning just in front of some of the Zoo’s most iconic residents, the lion pride, Inara, Saphira, and Ambesoli.
Lion Legal is a new sponsor of the Zoo and has committed $50,000 over a five-year period to the long-standing Little Rock institution. As a part of their sponsorship, they are supporting events like Wild Wines, Zoo Brew, and GloWild. Lion Legal’s commitment also includes a general donation to the Zoo’s fundraising arm, the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, for the lion exhibit sponsorship and to help defray daily operational costs.
“Part of the vision of Lion Legal states that they desire to be the most effective legal professionals in their areas of practice and that mirrors the values of the Little Rock Zoo. We desire to be the most effective animal facility in the state of Arkansas, and we are doing that by being the only AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)- accredited zoo in the State, so we both understand what it means to be the best at what you do,” said Joy Matlock, Little Rock Zoo Director of Marketing and Development. Matlock continued by saying, “Their fierceness in how they do their work and excel for their clients matches the fierceness the Zoo practices in our animal care.”
Matlock also stated that Lion Legal’s support will allow the Zoo to continue in its mission to inspire people to value and conserve our natural world.
Tori Leigh, Partner and Mediator of Lion Legal stated, “Lion Legal is beaming with pride to partner with the Little Rock Zoo. For over a century, the Little Rock Zoo has been an Arkansas institution dedicated to conservation, education, and community engagement-values which deeply resonate with Lion Legal.” Ms. Leigh closed by saying, “We are truly honored to join forces with such a vital organization in our community.”
After the remarks from both organizations, the Zoo’s lion pride- Inara, Saphira, and Ambesoli, played, kicked, tumbled and wrestled with Lion Legal-branded enrichment designed and decorated by Jessica Curnow of the Zoo’s carnivore team.
In addition to its support of Zoo initiatives, Lion Legal has also donated signage now displayed at the lion habitat stating that, “…the lions are proudly supported by the Legal Pride of Arkansas Lion Legal…”
“This corporate partnership is one in which we could not be prouder. Lion Legal is committed to excellence and to the community, as we are; it is easy to stand beside companies with similar values.” Matlock said.
