Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, Hot Springs

The facility was poorly mainted and looked to be in very poor condition. I felt so bad for the animals. The cages for the animals were small, dirty and didn't look to be appropriate living conditions for them. While on my visit to the alligator farm we never saw a staff member walking the grounds to check on any of the animals. This place was very disturbing.

My mom, sister, and I have visited a number of zoos around the country and never before have we left one feeling depressed and concerned about the care of the animals. We left the Alligator Farm & Zoo concerned whether the animals are really cared for or if the place was just a way to make money - and it was definitely not worth the money either. It was very depressing place to visit.

I love zoos. They educate us. This zoo, however, made me sad. The Monkey cages were filthy. The animals seemed sad to me. It was a pretty day, yet none of the monkeys, cats or wolves were making a peep. The petting zoo consisted of only goats due to "rut" season and we got three pieces of bread to feed them. I will not go back because it literally made me and my husband sad.

Great family stop. Staff was friendly and knew a lot about the animals. They let us pet the baby alligators. We were there the day before the parks anniversary, they have been around a very long time, lots of history. My 7 year old loved it, my 13 year old niece loved it, I loved it and my 59 year old Mother in law loved it! We had a great time. Even the gift shop had some very unique items.

the kids enjoyed seeing & feeding the animals in the petting zoo. they also ejoyed looking at all the gators. however, i feel like we paid WAY too much money for what we did & saw. this place was all concrete & wire fencing. dont expect an atmosphere like a zoo. it felt more like checking out cool animals in a TRASHY old trailer park!!

This place is SO absolutely sad!. My family and I love visiting zoos, however, I cannot remember a time when we visited an animal attraction where the animals were so poorly cared for. The animals are very dirty and smell of death. There are no signs of food and very little signs of water available for the animals. The alligators have a pool, however, there is no water in it. Rather, they have a hose that runs water into it, but the pool is in such poor condition, it does not hold water. Many of the exhibits are of chain link caging. Inside the cages are old pet porters or plywood shelters that are falling apart. Many of the animals are aggressive...most of them look very sad. ...all behaviors you can expect from animals that are not provided proper living conditions, proper diets, and proper care! I am concerned about the animals, but equally concerned about the visitors that frequent this establishment. The alligator pens are chain link. You can walk right up to these pens and put your fingers in them and touch an alligator. One of the staff working there stated "Alligators don't bite...Crocodiles do". As an individual who works in the zoo profession, I can tell you both are wild animals and both bite! The way their exhibit is set up at this time, anyone can reach in their cage and touch them. Parents ....watch your children very closely! Finally, this place advertises itself as a family attraction and zoo. I have never seen a zoo that has signs over its animals indicating they are the "perfect size" for luggage and handbags. I was absolutely disgusted by this place. Don't waste your money or your time. For your safety and the safety of your children, stay clear of this place! Clearly the money they are getting in admission fees are not going to the care of these animals!

There was free parking to the side which was nice. The price was reasonable. They give you some bread and tell you how to get around the exhibits (directions). The petting zoo was very nice they had momma daddy and baby deer ( which my daughter friggin loved! ). Then some goats and rams and donkey and emu reindeer etc, fun for the family. ( the donkey was kinda aggresive for some bread .. hehehe ). There were lots of alligators maybe 6 pools full, young middle and older gators. 2 wolves and some monkies and lemurs and birds peacock etc... It was fun and worth the money and time we took to go there. We missed the feeding time, which I hear is a must see. Definetly recommend to others to go there, especially with children. Will prolly go back when we visit Hot Springs again.

We (my husband, 3 children, and myself) LOVED this!! We are definitely going again next time we are in Hot Springs. As far as some of the reviews saying that the animals living quarters aren't the best, I have definitely seen a LOT worse. The animals are well fed and most of them seem pretty happy. The petting zoo was a blast! They give you bread, but fair warning, feed it to them in little (quarter size) pieces because they go through it quick!! In fact one of the goats would NOT eat crust, center pieces only. You are allowed to take pictures and videotape which made it that much more worth while. Their gift shop rocks because the prices are so reasonable and their trademark t-shirts are adorable.

The animals were in horrible condition. Kept in small cages, concrete floors, no toys to play with, limbs to climb on, way to many alligators for the size of the pool. The large carnivores were in terrible cages and were pacing and fighting the whole time. Even the ducks weren't allowed some freedom, they were in a baby pool size enclosure for about 10 of them. It's unfortuneate and truely sad. I would never take my family there again unless I am watching it shut down.

If you truly love animals, this is not a place for you. The animals are in tiny cages. It stinks and overall is just not well kept. I truly wish we had not visited this place or that I had a review to read before going.