ZOOS ARKANSAS

Little Rock Zoo is Arkansas's largest zoo and the only AZA-accredited zoological institution in the state, spanning 33 acres in Little Rock with a collection of more than 400 animals representing over 200 species from around the globe. Founded in 1924, the zoo has grown into a prominent conservation and education center featuring popular exhibits such as the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe, the Cheetah Outpost, the Arkansas Heritage Farm, and newer Colobus and serval habitats added in 2021. The zoo is home to elephants, big cats, primates, African penguins, and a wide range of other species. Conservation programs include leading the AZA SAFE Sloth Bear initiative and long-term partnerships focused on Asian elephant preservation. Through its Conservation Learning Center and community engagement programs, the Little Rock Zoo serves as a vital educational and wildlife stewardship resource for residents and visitors throughout the region.

The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is an engaging interactive wildlife attraction located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, offering hands-on encounters with both reptiles and domestic animals. Guests of all ages can hold baby alligators, watch live alligator feeding demonstrations during the warmer months, and hand-feed parakeets in a dedicated aviary. The petting zoo is home to rabbits, ducks, emus, pygmy goats, and sheep, providing a charming and accessible farm animal experience alongside the park's signature reptile exhibits. Feed shows take place Thursday through Sunday at noon, and the attraction is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during spring and summer. With affordable admission, military and senior discounts, and group rates available, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a fun and memorable stop for families visiting the Hot Springs area.

Snake World is a unique reptile attraction located on US Highway 62 near the border of Berryville and Eureka Springs in Carroll County, Arkansas. Founded and operated by Dale Ertel, who has more than 36 years of experience handling venomous and non-venomous snakes, Snake World is home to over 70 snakes including cobras, a Gaboon viper, an Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, California kingsnakes, and a 9-foot carpet python. Guests receive a personalized one-on-one guided tour of the collection, with opportunities to ask questions, touch certain snakes, and pose for photos. The attraction is built around education and a genuine passion for reptiles, offering visitors an intimate and informative experience that highlights the diversity, beauty, and importance of snakes in the natural world.