Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock

I've been to the Little Rock Zoo before and thought it was okay, but maybe I wasn't paying much attention that time. This time, I was very concerned because the Asian elephants were acting mentally disturbed (standing in one place in the building and rocking back and forth for hours), and because many of the animals didn't have water. Some Malaysian bears, porcupines, otters and others looked hot and there didn't seem to be any water in their enclosures. The capybaras didn't want to come out of the building because there was no water in their pool (capys usually swim in water). It was really sad and alarming to me. I was going to ask why they didn't have water but by the time I decided to ask, I couldn't find anyone to talk to. Earlier, I saw some workers doing some kind of construction work. This zoo always seems to be under construction, but as someone else mentioned before, it's mostly cosmetic. They should be taking better care of the animals, instead of being so concerned with outer appearances and making money. What good is a zoo that doesn't take care of the animals? Some of these animals are endangered species, and it's not right to just treat them as secondary to making money or "prettifying" the park. A zoo that doesn't take care of its animals has really lost its purpose. A good zoo educates people about animals and the importance of conservation. By seeing the animals up close, we learn to care about them and to want to help preserve their populations and their habitats in the wild. I don't see how this zoo is striving toward that goal of fostering education and respect for wildlife. I hope more people will complain and tell the Little Rock Zoo to focus more on keeping the animals healthy and happy. I want to see healthy, happy animals, not depressed, dirty, dehydrated animals. Is that too much to ask for? If it is, then this zoo should just close down. I have been to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park in California (which are much nicer), and I think this zoo could learn a lot from them.

this zoo was dirty and the saff was not friendly. The food was also trerrible i was served cold fries and a cold hamburger, my son was served a hot dog the color green!

Ok, so the zoo is a little pricey. I knew I had to pay to get in before I ever left the house...so, I was alright with that or I wouldnt have gone. It was a beautiful day!! It was 65 the sun was out full force and we had a great time. This was my granddaughters first trip to the zoo and she loved it. Since the trip was for her.....and she loved it......it was worth every penny I spent! Maybe one day we will go to the zoo in St Louis.....but in the mean time......im glad we have the Zoo down in Little Rock!!

Please note that the 2011 Zoo hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 for admission, guests may stay in the park until 5:00pm, one hour after the front gates close.

We just spent a wonderful Wednesday at the zoo, and couldn't have been happier with our experience. Even though it was a bit cool, almost all of the animals were out, even the Grizzly and all but one other bear. The animals were all healthy looking and were happily going about their day doing natural things, none were listless or agitated. Our favorite thing about the zoo was the train ride, carousel, penguins (they played with my nephews through the glass, chasing their hands and following them!), the naked mole rat exhibit, and all the animal sounds that carried throughout the zoo.. the kids loved the ape's calls and the roaring tigers! All in all the zoo is a great place for kids and adults to learn about animals and the state of Arkansas. Oh, and I don't think I came across a single zoo employee that didn't greet me with a smile. :)

The petting zoo animals have not tested HIV positive, they have Johne's disease. Which is a far cry from HIV. I have never see the handlers BEAT the animals. It is a Zoo, for crying out loud, if the animals were beat they would not receive funding. I will admit the Zoo is not the best in the world, and it is a bit pricey for what you get. But the kids loved the animals they saw.

I'm not sure how this zoo was evened open, I left feeling very, very depressed when leaving, these animals seemed to be under constant strain from their handlers. The elephants were being cropped and the camels were tied down at all times giving out rides. What was the worst part was the bears. None of the bear exhibits had water in them. This is in June, and these bears carry an enormous ton of fur, while having no water available to them, or shade, one of the bears had no teeth. I'm afraid to think that they let him starve because he cant chew. The employees who weren't beating one of the animals were standing around talking. Some of the enclosures I'm not even sure had animals because the foliage had grown so high it came above the fence line. The apes did have a pool though, of what seemed to be a urine dirt soaked pool. Oh, and if these poor animals didn't die from dehydration, they would have died from second hand smoke. It reeked so bad of smoke from just walking through the entrance, the smell stayed with us the whole trip. The otters got so close you could reach down and pet one. I was also excited about seeing the lorikeets, but the cage was empty, along with half the zoo,including visitors. The petting zoo was rather disturbing. These animals were locked up and couldn't be petted becuase they were tested HIV positive, these poor animals could have been treated better by far. I felt bad and very depressed for these poor animals. Maybe someone will help them soon.

its nice and well maintained there is alot to see

Limited veriety of animals. Animals looked bored & unhappy. Tiny exibits. Can't bring food, or get any until after 5pm. Under construction for 5 years w/ little to show for it. Small selection of overpriced suveniers. Lack of restrooms. Unhappy staff. Zoo was clean, & few exibits stunk.

After arriving at the Little Rock Zoo, we were surprised at the condition of the White Rhino especially. Thin is the only was to describe this animal, ribs showing and looking stressed. The gift shop selection was sparse and everything we looked at was made in CHINA.There are other options for stuffed animals. We visited the Cafe and there was no healthy choices available. When staff was asked if they offered anything that wasn't fried, she responded with, "We have burgers?" This zoo needs a new director. 2.45 plus tax for a bottle of water. Lots of walking, few animals. Out of a 5 for best score, we give it a weak 3. Left feeling sorry for the animals.