OCT 3-4, 2026
Visit the Zoo for a Special Species Spotlight with Conservation Biologist Dr. Karen DeMatteo!
Join us for a special weekend with Dr. Karen DeMatteo, conservation biologist, detection dog trainer and co-director of Proyecto Zorro Pitoco, and meet her conservation detection dog, DJ!
Bush dogs have a special connection to the Little Rock Zoo! The Zoo has cared for bush dogs since the 1980s and has welcomed many pups over the years—including the seven pups currently on exhibit with their parents in the Bear Area. The Zoo has also supported Dr. DeMatteo’s conservation work since 2016.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. DeMatteo and DJ to the Zoo for a weekend of special talks and demonstrations where guests can learn more about wild bush dogs, conservation detection dogs and the work being done to protect carnivores in Argentina!
Schedule of Activities
Join Dr. Karen DeMatteo and conservation detection dog DJ for a special presentation about how detection dogs help researchers study bush dogs and other elusive carnivores. DJ will demonstrate his skills by locating hidden samples!
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11:00 Conservation Talk & Detection Dog Demonstration in the Civitan Pavilion
1:30 Conservation Talk & Detection Dog Demonstration in the Civitan Pavilion
Sunday, October 4, 2026
1:30 Conservation Talk & Detection Dog Demonstration in the Civitan Pavilion
Activities included with regular admission.
About Dr. Karen DeMatteo
Dr. Karen DeMatteo, conservation biologist, detection dog trainer and co-director of Proyecto Zorro Pitoco.
Dr. DeMatteo has worked in carnivore conservation for more than 25 years and is best known for using conservation detection dogs to help study elusive carnivores in the United States and Argentina. These specially trained dogs use their incredible sense of smell to locate scat from specific species, giving researchers valuable information about where animals live, how they move through their habitats and more.
In 2007, Dr. DeMatteo and her collaborators launched Proyecto Zorro Pitoco to learn more about bush dogs, a threatened and poorly understood carnivore, and help protect the Atlantic Forest they call home.
