LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 15, 2026) – The Arkansas Zoological Foundation has made one of its largest gifts to the Little Rock Zoo, committing $1.2 million to support Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined, the transformative initiative reshaping the future of Arkansas’s only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo.
The historic contribution represents a powerful collective investment in the future of the Zoo. It includes a $250,000 leadership gift from the Laura P. Nichols Foundation, proceeds generated through the Zoo’s signature fundraising events, and generous contributions from numerous individual, corporate and community donors.
Together, these gifts will join more than $11 million in bond funds approved by Little Rock voters to help enhance and bring Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined closer to completion, creating new opportunities for guests to experience wildlife, conservation, education and the natural world in ways that are engaging, memorable and distinctly Little Rock.
“This is a remarkable moment for the Little Rock Zoo and for everyone who believes in the power of zoos to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation,” said Lisa Buehler, chair of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation Board. “The generosity represented in this gift is a reflection of something much bigger than a fundraising campaign. It is a statement about what our community believes the Zoo can become—and what we want future generations to experience. We are extraordinarily proud to help move Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined toward its full promise.”
Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined is designed to create a more immersive, engaging and forward-looking experience for both animals and guests while strengthening the Zoo’s role in conservation, education and the community. The new construction project builds habitats for the Zoo’s lemurs, a new mixed species habitat for capybara and squirrel monkeys, a new habitat for anteaters, a new habitat for the zoo’s tortoises where guests can feed the tortoises and renovates the Zoo’s amphitheater. It is one of the largest and most expansive projects in the Zoo’s history.
“This extraordinary gift gives us tremendous momentum as we enter this important chapter in the life of the Little Rock Zoo,” said Susan Altrui, Zoo Director. “Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined is about much more than new spaces. It is about creating meaningful connections—with animals, with nature and with one another. The support of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and our many donors allows us to dream boldly while remaining focused on what matters most: the animals in our care, the conservation work we support and the people we serve.”
The Laura P. Nichols Foundation’s $250,000 gift further underscores the importance of Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined and the role of private philanthropy in creating lasting community assets.
“The Little Rock Zoo is an important part of the fabric of this community, and its future deserves our investment,” said Mark Nichols of the Laura P. Nichols Foundation. “Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined presents an exciting opportunity to create something that will serve families, children and visitors for generations. We are pleased to make this leadership investment and to join the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and other donors in helping bring this vision to life.”
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation’s historic gift is the culmination of broad community support. Revenue from Wild Wines, Zoo Brew and Cocktails, Too, and GloWild has helped contribute to the effort, alongside gifts from donors who have embraced the vision for the Zoo’s future.
And the campaign is not yet finished.
Fundraising for Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined will continue throughout the project and through its grand opening, set for spring 2027, providing additional opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and foundations to become part of the Zoo’s next chapter.
“This is a milestone, but it is not the finish line,” Buehler said. “There is still an opportunity for our community to be part of this extraordinary transformation. Every gift helps us move closer to realizing the complete vision for a Zoo that can inspire wonder, curiosity and conservation for decades to come.”
For more information about Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined or to learn how to support the project, visit Arkzoofoundation.org or contact Susan Altrui at saltrui@littlerock.gov
About the Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit aza.org.
For more information on Little Rock Zoo, visit littlerockzoo.com or call 501-661-7200.
