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 efforts. Zoo members park free!
Café Africa: Open daily from 10 AM–3 PM, 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
- Group Rates are available for schools, camps, and others who are planning a field trip to the Zoo, with an advanced reservation.
There’s plenty to see and do in our city! Start exploring here: Littlerock.com
Rules & Guidelines
Sorry, to ensure the well-being of our animal residents, pets are not permitted inside the Zoo. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
The Little Rock Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities who are visiting with a trained service animal as defined by the ADA. Learn more on our Accessibility page.
Yes! The Little Rock Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities who are visiting with a trained service animal as defined by the ADA. Learn more on our Accessibility page.
For the safety of our animals and guests, the following items are not allowed inside the Zoo:
- 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 anywhere on Zoo grounds
Animals & Exhibits
During Zoo hours, animals have access to both their 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.
The Little Rock Zoo does not accept or treat injured wildlife. In most cases, an animal’s best chance for survival in the wild is for people to leave wildlife alone and allow nature to take its course.
If you believe an animal is injured or truly orphaned (and it is not a bear, deer, or elk), the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators at www.agfc.com/rehab. These rehabilitators are volunteers, have limited capacity, and may only be available during certain hours, so calling ahead is strongly recommended.
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 PM and the Zoo closes at 4:00 PM.
We do not offer Birthday Party Packages, however children ages 3–12 receive free Zoo admission anytime during their birthday month with the purchase of an adult ticket. Each birthday kid will receive a celebratory birthday button to wear during their visit so our staff and guests can help celebrate their special day.
Families interested in celebrating together may consider group admission. Many guests also enjoy using the picnic areas located just outside the Zoo entrance for food and treats. Please note that picnic spaces cannot be reserved or decorated.
To help protect the health and well-being of our animal residents, outside food, drinks, balloons, and ice chests are not permitted inside the Zoo and should be enjoyed before entering.
Questions? Call us at 501-661-7235.
Private Event Rentals
For a more private experience, select Zoo spaces are available for private event rentals on a limited basis.
The Civitan Pavilion is available for rental at a rate of $1,000 for a four-hour minimum, which includes both setup and teardown time. Additional fees apply for events extending beyond the initial four hours. Catering is permitted with prior approval and a signed catering agreement. Outside food and beverages are not allowed unless catering has been arranged. Please note that heated or refrigerated food storage is not available on-site.
For more information, email ZooEvents@littlerock.gov.
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.
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
