Accessibility – Little Rock Zoo

The Little Rock Zoo welcomes guests of all abilities and offers a variety of supports to make your visit easier:

Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the Zoo, though some areas can be steep.
Wheelchairs and electric scooters available for rent in the Gift Shop.
Sensory-inclusive support, with staff trained to assist guests with sensory sensitivities.

KultureCity® /Sensory Inclusive™

In 2023 the Little Rock Zoo partnered with KultureCity^® to make the Zoo and our programs and events Sensory Inclusive^TM. Sensory sensitivities are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. This initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.

Sensory Bags

KultureCity^® Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards will be available to all guests at the Safari Trader Gift Shop who may feel overwhelmed by the Zoo environment. Please return any borrowed sensory bags to the Gift Shop by 4:00 PM.

Social Story

A social story is a simple, easy-to-read guide that helps visitors know what to expect in a situation or at a place. It uses clear language and visuals to reduce anxiety, explain routines, and make experiences more predictable and comfortable.

Social Story

Service Animals

The Little Rock Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities who use service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Justice, under the ADA, defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. All animals that do not meet the definition of a service dog as defined under the ADA will not be allowed inside the Zoo.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for you, your service animal, our animal residents, and all guests, please be mindful of the unique challenges presented by the Zoo environment. The guidelines below are designed to keep everyone—humans and animals alike—safe.

Arrival and Check- In

When you arrive, please stop by Admissions to:

Review important information about your visit.
Receive the current Service Animal Map, which highlights restricted areas.

Handlers are fully responsible for the care and control of their service animal throughout their visit. Zoo staff are not permitted to assist with the handling or care of service animals.

Restricted Areas

Some Zoo animals may react strongly to the presence of service animals. For the safety of all, service animals are not permitted in certain areas, including:

Arkansas Heritage Farm
Tropical Bird House
Big Cat Area
Cheetah Outpost Viewing Decks
Viewing windows for Lions, Orangutans and Gorillas

These areas may change, so please check in at Admissions for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Service Animal Expectations

To keep both service animals and Zoo animals safe, the following rules apply:

Service animals must remain on a secure, non-retractable leash, harness, or tether and under the handler’s control at all times. Retractable leashes are not permitted, as they allow too much distance between the animal and handler and can create safety concerns. If a disability prevents the use of a standard leash, alternate effective control methods may be approved in certain areas.
Service animals must remain out of restricted areas and must not come into contact with fences, mesh, glass, or other barriers around exhibits.
If either the service animal or a Zoo animal shows signs of stress—such as barking, growling, climbing, jumping, or erratic movements—the handler must calmly move away from the habitat right away.
Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their service animals.

For additional questions, please contact Guest Services at (501) 661-7235.