Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined
We’re Building for the Future
As the Little Rock Zoo celebrates its Centennial, we’re not only honoring our rich history but also investing in a brighter future. A key part of this vision is Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined—a transformative initiative that’s reshaping how guests experience the Zoo.
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.
But that’s just the beginning.
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 a water feature, 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
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.
Help Us Build the Future of Your Zoo
If you’re interested in a naming opportunity or partnership as part of Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined, we’d love to hear from you!
- 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
Ready to Make Your Mark?
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.
Get ready to experience a Little Rock Zoo that’s more dynamic, accessible, and inspiring than ever before.
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
- Limited restroom access in the front plaza only
- New signs throughout the Zoo to help guide you and keep you informed
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!
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 Zoo experience!
Project Overview
Construction began in June 2025, and we’re excited to bring you along every step of the way. This page is your behind-the-scenes pass to the transformation—featuring project updates, construction timelines, and sneak peeks at what’s coming next to your Little Rock Zoo.
- Construction fencing will go up the week of June 9, 2025, after animals are relocated out of the construction zone.
- 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—so if you’re looking for the lemurs, check the Colobus Monkey Exhibit; they might be out exploring!
- 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
Phase 1: Complete
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.
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.
Phase 2: IN PROGRESS
The old spider monkey and lemur habitats will be transformed. Existing concrete will be crushed and reused to fill and stabilize the area, reducing waste and preparing the ground for new structures. This phase recycles the old to make way for the future.
- Crushing of existing concrete to fill and stabilize the old lemur and spider monkey moats
- Equipment and noise:
- Primary tool: Pulverizer
- Hammer attachment used sparingly for thick concrete sections
Phase 3: IN PROGRESS
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.
Phase 4: Starting Soon!
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.
Complete Timeline Estimate: 14-18 months. Subject to weather and final design decisions.
The Wildest Value in Town!
Little Rock Zoo Memberships
Memberships support the Zoo’s efforts to promote conservation and education. It is the perfect way to benefit humans and animals, alike!
Little Rock Zoo
1 Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-7200
Hours of Operation
9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Last admission 3:30 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 4:00 pm
