Zoo FAQ’s – Little Rock Zoo

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Zoo for All? Learn more and view FAQs about the program HERE

Still have a question that’s not answered here? Contact Us

I’m visiting from out of town; what else is there to do?

Find out more about our city here: littlerock.

Can I bring my pet to the Zoo, even if it’s a just a small dog?

The Little Rock Zoo does not allow pets. We also caution against leaving pets in your vehicle while you visit the Zoo. Leaving pets in cars can kill or injure them. A temperature inside a vehicle can rise to be 40-50 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Leaving pets in cars in cold temperatures can also be dangerous.

Can I bring my service animal to the Zoo?

Yes! The Little Rock Zoo welcomes qualified service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Please note that animals used for emotional support and as “therapy” animals are not considered service animals under the definition of the ADA.

Please review the Little Rock Zoo’s Service Animal Policy.

Are there items I’m NOT allowed bring into the Zoo?

Remember: For the well-being of all guests and animals, the following items are not allowed:

Pets
Outside food and drinks
- Please enjoy your food and drinks, including ice chests, coffees, and sack lunches, before entering the Zoo.
Styrofoam and balloons
Wheeled devices like bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters (strollers and wagons are welcome; rentals are available in the Gift Shop)
Toys and sports equipment
Drones and firearms
Tobacco and marijuana products
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Zoo grounds
Firearms—The City of Little Rock does not permit any person to carry a concealed weapon, a firearm, or a handgun on City property at any time. Therefore guns are not permitted on the grounds of the Little Rock Zoo.

Where are the animals?

We do not restrict our animals to any specific area during Zoo hours. Animals have access to both their indoor and outdoor areas, which means some guests may not see an animal right away, however with a little patience animals become visible. We do have indoor and outdoor exhibits, but that isn’t the case for all animals.

How can I submit the pictures I’ve taken during my visit?

The Little Rock Zoo thanks its staff and Little Rock citizens for the pictures taken while at the Zoo. If you would like to share you photo with us, please do so on our Facebook Page.

Will the Zoo take in animals I have found?

For the most part, we do not accept animal donations. In very rare instances, we can accept an animal donation, but our Zoo has limited space for new additions and all additions should be approved acquisitions through proper channels. Please call 501.666.2406 ext. 142 for more information.

I found abandoned wildlife; what do I do?

We do not accept or treat injured wildlife. However, Arkansas Game and Fish maintains a list of qualified wildlife rehabilitators that will accept injured wildlife.

I found an abandoned bird of prey; what do I do?

We work with several raptor rehabilitators to save injured birds of prey. If you have found an injured bird of prey, please contact us and we will do our best to put you in touch with a licensed raptor rehabilitator in your area.

Will Little Rock Zoo give a donation for my upcoming charitable event?

We support a wide variety of philanthropic organizations with in-kind donations for silent auctions that raise funds for charitable purposes. In order to qualify for an in-kind silent auction item, a requesting organization must provide the following information at least three (3) weeks in advance:

Show proof of non-profit status by submitting a copy of the organization’s 501 (c) (3) IRS Determination letter
Contact information for the organization and requesting individual
Information on the event in which the auction item will be used
How proceeds from the event will benefit the community

To be considered for an in-kind donation, please fill out our donation request form.

For questions, please contact (501) 661-7212.

I have questions about the Zoo for All/SNAP Benefit Program/Little Rock Community Days

To learn more about the Zoo for All Initiative and review frequently asked questions about the program HERE

I’m looking to buy an exotic animal as a pet. Can you offer advice?

We encourage the adoption of a cat or dog, not an exotic animal, as a pet.

Animals found at the Zoo often do not make good pets and too many times pet owners rehome or “dispose” of exotic pets because they cannot properly take care of them. It often costs a great deal of money and time to care for an exotic animal and the public rarely understands the financial and personal commitment involved.

While it is true that zoos and aquariums take former pets, this is rare. Most zoos and aquariums do not have the space or ability to take an exotic pet. Introducing a former pet to an established social group of animals could cause harm to the former pet. Often, former pets have behaviors that are not characteristic of its natural behavior, which is in contrast, as we strive to provide environments that elicit natural behavior.  

There are many cats and dogs in shelters that need homes. Adopting a cat or dog is one of the best ways to find a suitable animal companion.

Please note that it is against federal law to keep a Bird of Prey as a pet. Birds of Prey are unique animals that require special care and diets and only licensed individuals and facilities may care for them.

Check out these great animal organizations for information on how to adopt a dog or cat in your area: