Little Rock Zoo Centennial Celebration!

LITTLE ROCK (June 5, 2025) – The Little Rock Zoo is proud to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: our 100th birthday! Since our modest beginnings in the early 1920s—with just a handful of animals and a vision to connect people with wildlife—we’ve grown into Arkansas’s premier family destination and a vital center for conservation and education.

Over the last century, the Zoo has welcomed generations of guests, inspired young minds, and worked to protect threatened species around the globe. Our mission—to inspire people to value and conserve our natural world—remains at the heart of everything we do. Now, we invite you to celebrate this remarkable journey with us!

Celebrate with Us: June 7, 2025

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, June 7, we’re officially kicking off our Centennial Celebration with a full day of fun, festivities, and family-friendly activities—all in honor of 100 years of wildlife, wonder, and community.

This special event also coincides with Southern Bancorp Little Rock Community Day, offering reduced admission for residents of the City of Little Rock. It’s the perfect day to visit the Zoo, make new memories, and be part of a truly historic moment.

A Wild Look Back

As you explore the Zoo, be on the lookout for our “Wild Look Back” signs throughout the park. These special displays highlight the history of key buildings and spaces, offering a glimpse into the Zoo’s past and a look at how far we’ve come. It’s a special opportunity to look back on past adventures and celebrate how far the Zoo has come.

Centennial Timeline Display

Step even further back in time with our Centennial Timeline Display, located next to the indoor primate viewing area in the Historic Reptile & Tropical Bird House. This special exhibit showcases rare photos, major milestones, and memorable stories that have defined the Zoo’s 100-year journey. From early Zoo leadership to groundbreaking conservation programs, this display celebrates the people, animals, and achievements that have shaped our past and inspire our future.

Historic Highlight: Silas Owens Sr. (1907–1960)

As you explore the Centennial Timeline Display, take a moment to look around—the building you’re in is part of the Zoo’s history. Originally constructed as the Monkey House in 1936, what is now the Reptile and Tropical Bird House was built during a period of major expansion at the Little Rock Zoo.

Between 1933 and 1936, several iconic structures were added to the Zoo, including the Big Cat House (now Café Africa), the Monkey House, and a concession stand that would later become the Elephant House. Much of this work was completed under a Works Progress Administration (WPA) contract, a New Deal initiative aimed at providing jobs and improving public infrastructure.

At the center of this transformation was Silas Owens Sr., a highly respected African-American stonemason, carpenter, and farmer from Faulkner County. Owens was celebrated for his unique Mixed Masonry style, which remains a hallmark of architectural beauty across central Arkansas—and right here at the Zoo.

Interactive Zoo Story Map

Want to take a deeper dive into the past? Visit our History page to explore the new Story Map—a fresh, interactive way to experience the history of the Little Rock Zoo.

This digital journey combines historical photos and stories to walk you through the Zoo’s evolution over the past 100 years. From our earliest animal residents to the creation of beloved exhibits, the Story Map showcases how we’ve grown and changed.

Whether you’re a lifelong Zoo supporter or new to our story, it’s a fun and fascinating way to connect with our rich legacy—and see how far we’ve come.

Free Admission for Birthday Kids!

As we celebrate our 100th birthday, we want to help you celebrate yours, too! If your child is turning another year older, why not mark the occasion with a wild adventure at the Little Rock Zoo?

Kids ages 3–12 receive FREE admission during their birthday month with the purchase of an adult ticket. All you have to do is let the Zoo attendant know it’s your child’s special day when you arrive—and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s our way of saying happy birthday from all the animals (and humans) here at the Zoo!

And the next chapter is already underway.

Celebrating 100 years is just the beginning. With exciting upgrades set to break ground soon, we’re building a future that’s wilder, more immersive, and more inspiring than ever before.

Join us as we honor the past, embrace the present, and build a brighter, wilder future together.

Photo Credits: Misty Waddle