Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! Here are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the Little Rock Zoo.
Planning Your Visit
Most families spend about 2–3 hours exploring the Zoo, but it’s really up to you! Some visitors take a quick 90-minute stroll, while others enjoy several hours here.
Parking is located directly across from the Zoo. It’s $3.00 per vehicle, and funds go directly to our conservation fund. Zoo members park free!
Café Africa: Open daily from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with family-friendly meals and snacks.
Seasonal Food Carts: Located around the Zoo, offering treats and drinks.
Gift Shop: Open daily with a variety of souvenirs, toys, and gifts.
You’ll also find water fountains and drink vending machines throughout the Zoo.
Yes! We’re proud to offer several ways to save on your visit:
- Seniors (60+) and Military with valid ID: $10.95 admission
- SNAP/EBT recipients: Reduced admission for up to 6 people
- Southern Bancorp Little Rock Community Days: City of Little Rock residents can enjoy special discounted admission on select days
- Group Rates are available for schools, camps, and others who are planning a field trip to the Zoo.
Get all the details on our GloWILD page – including pricing and other FAQs.
There’s plenty to see and do in our city! Start exploring here: Littlerock.com
Rules & Guidelines
Sorry, pets are not allowed inside the Zoo. For their safety, please do not leave animals in your vehicle while you visit—cars can become dangerously hot or cold in a short amount of time.
In Little Rock, it is against the law to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle if conditions could endanger its health or safety. City ordinances also allow emergency personnel to enter a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress.
Yes! The Little Rock Zoo welcomes qualified service animals as defined by the ADA. Please note that emotional support and “therapy” animals do not qualify as service animals under ADA guidelines.
You can review our full Service Animal Policy here.
For the safety of our animals and guests, the following items are prohibited:
- Pets
- Outside food and drinks
- Please enjoy your food and drinks, including ice chests, coffees, and sack lunches, before entering the Zoo.
- Styrofoam
- Balloons
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters (strollers and wagons are welcome; rentals are available in the Gift Shop)
- Toys and sports equipment
- Drones
- Firearms and weapons
- Tobacco and marijuana products
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Zoo grounds
Animals & Exhibits
During Zoo hours, animals have access to both indoor and outdoor areas. This means you might not see them right away, and in some habitats, there are no behind-the-scenes viewing areas. With a little patience, though, animals often make an appearance on their own time.
Generally, no. The Zoo is unable to accept most animal donations due to limited space and accreditation standards. If you believe you may have a special circumstance, please submit a form on our contact page for guidance.
We do not accept or treat injured wildlife. Please contact a licensed rehabilitator. Arkansas Game and Fish maintains a list of qualified wildlife rehabilitators that can accept injured wildlife.
While it may seem appealing, owning exotic animals can be unsafe for both people and the animals themselves. In fact, the pet trade is one of the reasons many species are now endangered. Choosing adoption helps protect wildlife while giving a loving home to pets in need.
If you’re looking for a furry friend, check out these local adoption resources:
Guest Services
We’d love to see them! Share your pictures on our Facebook page.
Lost something during your visit? Stop by Guest Services at the Zoo entrance or call 501-661-7235. Found items are turned into Guest Services.
Yes! Be sure to hold onto your receipt and/or get a hand stamp when you exit.
Please note: gates close at 3:30 p.m. and the Zoo closes at 4:00 p.m.
As of late 2023, we no longer offer birthday party packages. To protect our animals, we ask that outside food, drinks, balloons, and coolers be left at home.
If you’d like to celebrate, consider:
- Booking group admission
- Using the picnic area in our overflow lot (first-come, first-served)
- Renting the Civitan Pavilion for a private gathering ($1000 for a 4-hour minimum; catering permitted with approval)
Questions? Call us at 501-661-7200.
We often support nonprofits with silent auction donations. To qualify, requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance with:
- A copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) letter
- Contact information for the organization and requestor
- Event details
- How proceeds will benefit the community
Fill out our donation request form or call 501-661-7212 with questions.
Give the Gift of Adventure!
Give the gift of adventure with a Little Rock Zoo gift card or membership! Perfect for a one-time visit or a year of wild experiences.
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
