LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 22, 2026) – The Little Rock Zoo has reached a milestone few institutions can claim: 25 years of continuous accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)—an achievement now formally recognized with the prestigious AZA Accreditation Quarter Century Award.
The honor represents more than the passage of time. It recognizes a sustained institutional commitment to excellence and the generations of professionals, volunteers, community partners and supporters whose work has helped the Little Rock Zoo meet the rigorous standards of AZA accreditation for a quarter century.
AZA accreditation is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence for zoos and aquariums. Accredited institutions undergo a rigorous evaluation process addressing animal welfare and care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, guest services, safety, governance, staffing and financial stability. Maintaining that standard over 25 years represents an extraordinary level of institutional consistency and commitment.
“This recognition is both an honor and a reflection of the remarkable people who have invested their talent, passion and dedication in the Little Rock Zoo over the past 25 years,” said Susan Altrui, Zoo Director. “A quarter century of AZA accreditation tells a much larger story—one of an institution committed to continually learning, improving and evolving in its responsibility to animals, to conservation and to the people we serve.”
The Zoo also received a letter of congratulations from Chris Dold, current Chair of the AZA Board of Directors, and Craig Piper, current Chair of the AZA Accreditation Commission, recognizing the significance of the accomplishment on behalf of AZA leadership, the Accreditation Commission and AZA staff.
For the Little Rock Zoo, the award arrives at an important moment in its history. As the Zoo continues advancing Project Zoo Wildly Reimagined, the institution is building upon the foundation established through decades of professional excellence while looking toward the future of modern zoos and their increasingly important role in conservation, education and connecting communities with wildlife.
“Twenty-five years of AZA accreditation is something the entire Little Rock community can take pride in,” said Altrui. “It represents a legacy of excellence, but it is also a challenge to the next generation—to take what has been built here and make it even better.”
The Little Rock Zoo’s Quarter Century Award will serve as a permanent reminder of that legacy: 25 years of accreditation, a quarter century of commitment, and a future still being written.
For more information about Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined or to learn how to support the project, visit Arkzoofoundation.org or contact Susan Altrui at saltrui@littlerock.gov.
About the Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit aza.org.
For more information on Little Rock Zoo, visit littlerockzoo.com or call 501-661-7200.
