Little Rock, Arkansas – With plans to respect its history while looking to the future, the Little Rock Zoo is commemorating a century of conservation work and family customs. Lifetime zoogoer Shelby Parker is transferring her passion for the zoo to the following generation.
“It’s just like sharing something from my childhood; it is so special,” Parker stated. “You know, just to enjoy something I kind of live vicariously through them, like continue a tradition that was, like, instilled in me through my mom, you know, is pretty special.”
The Little Rock Zoo’s executive director, Susan Alturi, stressed the need to make fresh memories for families every time they visit.
“One of the great things about the Little Rock Zoo is that every time someone comes to visit, we are creating new memories for families,” Alturi stated.
According to new information, the zoo actually opened in 1924, while it was thought to have opened in 1926.
“We’re going to continue our celebration into 2025 and just have a grand celebration in the next two to three years,” Alturi stated.
In order to uncover historic stone architecture and introduce new species, such as Komodo dragons, the zoo is recreating buildings from the Workers Progress Administration during the Roosevelt administration as part of its future ambitions.
“We’re going to be revealing some of that original, beautiful stone architecture in that design that was covered up before,” Alturi stated. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous. Additionally, this is a brand-new species for us—Komodo dragons—and we’re thrilled about that.
The zoo, which currently occupies 33 acres and is home to 400 animals, plans to grow by adding new species and displays, possibly even bringing back giraffes.
“It would really be great for us to do something like bring giraffes back to see some brand new habitats built,” added Alturi. “We have a really exciting plan for the future.”
In order to expand its record, the zoo also gathers pictures of previous guests. To be included in history, you can upload your own photographs.
