LITTLE ROCK (April 2, 2026) – Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined the Little Rock Zoo’s latest construction project is designed to reshape the Zoo experience from the moment guests arrive, creating stronger connections between nature and our community through immersive, engaging spaces.
This multi-habitat update includes a redesigned lemur habitat, a refreshed amphitheater space, a new anteater exhibit, a new capybara and squirrel monkey habitat, and a new tortoise barn. Each exhibit is designed with both animals and guests in mind, featuring key elements like indoor viewing windows that create more opportunities for up-close experiences year-round. The project also brings important upgrades behind the scenes, including new housing for ambassador animals and important upgrades for animal care staff.
Rendering of the completed lemur exhibit. Photo Credit: Tessere
Rendering of the completed Squirrel Monkey and Capybara exhibit. Photo Credit: Tessere
Now, guests can see a major milestone taking shape. Installation has begun on the poles and climbing structures for two of these habitats: the lemur habitat and the new capybara and squirrel monkey exhibit, marking an exciting step forward in the project. These poles will anchor the netting that encloses the habitats, a critical feature that ensures the safety of climbing animals like lemurs and squirrel monkeys while giving them space to move, climb, and explore.
Progress view of the lemur exhibit with netting supports and climbing structures in place. Photo Credit: Misty W.
Progress view of the Squirrel Monkey and Capybara exhibit with netting supports and climbing structures in place. Photo Credit: Misty W.
With this new development, the outline of these exhibits is now clearly visible, giving guests a true sense of their scale and presence. These towering structures aren’t easy to miss—and that’s exactly the point. The lemur habitat, already taking shape at the entrance, will serve as a lively, welcoming space that draws guests in and sets the tone for an engaging Zoo experience from the moment they arrive.
Still Taking Shape
While the poles may be the most visible milestone, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. Work is also progressing on the updated amphitheater space, the new anteater exhibit, and the new tortoise barn, along with important upgrades for animal care staff and new housing for ambassador animals.
View of crews working on the updated amphitheater space. Photo Credit: Misty W.
Outside view of the new Tortoise Barn. Photo credit: WDD Architects.
Across the project, each exhibit is equipped with key features such as indoor viewing areas and species-specific amenities, including pools and climbing structures. While keepers will benefit from larger behind-the-scenes work areas. These modern, functional spaces allow the animal care team to work more efficiently, which ultimately supports the animals’ well-being.
Inside one of the lemur building day rooms, now outfitted with climbing structures. Photo credit: WDD Architects.
Interior view of the tortoise barn day room, featuring the newly concreted pool. Photo credit: WDD Architects.
Beyond the habitats themselves, additional features are still taking shape. Natural elements like rockwork, water features, and carefully planned plantings will help bring guests closer to nature while transforming the plaza into a vibrant, welcoming space.
There’s still plenty of work to be done, but the excitement from these latest milestones is palpable. Even before the habitats are complete, guests can catch glimpses of the transformation and envision the incredible new spaces that will soon become a part of the Zoo experience.
Visiting During Construction
Whether you’re stopping by to watch the construction progress, enjoy the rest of the Zoo, or explore the interactive fun of Bugtopia, there’s plenty to see and do while these Wildly Reimagined spaces continue to take shape.
For a unique perspective, visit the nature playground to see the construction in action and watch these exciting new habitats come to life. There’s plenty happening around the Zoo and we can’t wait for you to experience the full transformation once the spaces are complete!
