History
History of the Little Rock Zoological Gardens
The Little Rock Zoo first brought wildlife to Arkansas in 1924, and today, it’s home to over 400 animals representing more than 100 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. For nearly a century, we’ve created engaging experiences that inspire people to value and conserve the natural world.
Want to explore the Zoo’s rich history in more depth? Take a journey through time with the interactive story map below, showcasing the milestones, memories, and conservation achievements that have shaped the Little Rock Zoo. This timeline brings to life the key moments that tell our story.
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
It’s Our Centennial!
Follow the Little Rock Zoo’s Journey Through the Years
1920s – 1950s: Our Beginning
Our Groundbreaking Year. Mayor Ben Brickhouse establishes the Zoo through resolution by creating the Little Rock Zoo Commission.
Murray Bylander, 8, in front of first Zoo building, 1925.
The Zoo is in full operation.
The Cat House, the Monkey House, and the concession stand that is later converted into the Elephant House are completed.
Monkey House 1933.
The first elephant, Ruth, arrives at the Zoo from the Engesser Circus. She is about 24 years old.
The Over the Jumps Carousel arrives at Fair Park.
The Little Rock Zoo becomes part of the newly formed City of Little Rock Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Zoo celebrates Ruth’s 34th birthday with a party. More than 5,000 people attend. Colonial Bakery creates a 1,000 pound, 13-tier cake for the occasion.
Big Arkie, the now famous American alligator, arrives at the Zoo.
News articles outlining Arkie’s move to a new habitat at the Zoo.
The first Kiddie Zoo is built with generous funding from Civitan International. This includes famous landmarks such as the Old Mother Hubbard Shoe, the Pumpkin, the “Witches’ Hat” (originally intended to be an ice cream cone), and the first train.
Ellen the Elephant comes to Little Rock to be a companion for Ruth. When her train arrives downtown, Ellen breaks out of her crate and roams Union Station until Zoo staff picks her up.
Ellen’s train ticket. News article about Zoo Director Raymond Squire’s first visit with Ellen the elephant in NYC (Credit: Courtesy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) Ellen’s Zoo Inventory
1960s – 1980s: Time of Growth
1990s – 2000s: New Chapter
2020s – Present: Where will we go next?
We close our doors for three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we re-imagine best practices and emerge stronger than ever.
Zoo Staff during COVID-19 Pandemic (Credit: Karen Caster)
Kevin is the first black rhinoceros born at the Zoo, to parents Johari and Andazi.
Kevin, black rhinoceros.
40,000 visitors attend GloWild, the third year of our winter lights event. This is the most successful event in our history.
GloWild! (Credit; Edmond Wong, Tianyu Arts and Culture, Inc.)
We celebrate the 100th anniversary of the restored, one-of-a-kind Over the Jumps Carousel.
We break ground on several City bond-supported exhibit projects which will reimagine the front plaza of the Zoo and welcome guests for decades to come.
Help Shape the Next 100 Years
As we celebrate a century of wildlife conservation, education, and community connection, we invite you to be part of the next chapter. Your support helps us continue caring for animals, inspiring future generations, and advancing our mission to protect wildlife.
Celebrate with Us
