Lions, tigers, bears… we have them all in our beautiful zoos in Arkansas. Not to mention, elephants, giant snakes, penguins, gorillas, and monkeys.
Going to the zoo is a favorite activity for many Arkansans.
I remember watching one of the elephants at the Little Rock Zoo eat a giant cake on her birthday and being able to pet her after she had her fill. I remember her trunk being shockingly soft!
Incredible Zoos in Arkansas
Whether you’re an Arkansan or on a visit to the natural state, you must spend a day exploring one of our zoos!
Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo is our most frequented zoo in Arkansas. We have been annual membership holders for years and always look forward to a day spent there.
Our kids especially love the farm area. Feeding the goats is always a favorite.
Personally, you’ll find me near the lions or penguins. I love watching the penguins swim and play!
The Little Rock Zoo has a rich history in providing the citizens of Arkansas with a quality recreational experience that educates children of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation. Through natural animal exhibition and educational programming, the Zoo serves as a hands-on classroom where learning is fun. -source
The Little Rock Zoo began in 1926 with just two animals: an abandoned timber wolf and a circus-trained bear. Now the Little Rock Zoo has over 700 animals!
Location:
1 Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Tel:501-661-7200
Hours of Operation
9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Official Website
Don’t miss the Arkansas alligators at the Zoo and around southern Arkansas!
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Eureka Springs
Although it’s technically not a zoo, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has 459 Acres of wildlife sanctuary for animals rescued from the Exotic Animal trade.
Also, don’t miss the unique lodging opportunities here. You can have your morning coffee while listening to the tigers roar!
Location
7 miles south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23
239 turpentine Creek Lane
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
479-253-5841
Official Website
Wild Wilderness Drive-through Safari in Gentry
In my thickest, Southern accent, I have to say, “Y’all, is this not the coolest activity you have ever heard of?!”
Wild Wilderness Drive-through Safari is a family travel destination in Gentry, Arkansas. The 400-acre safari is home to a variety of exotic animals. For these animals, we provide a natural environment with a beautiful Arkansas landscape
and several large ponds. -source
In the 4-Mile Drive-Through, you will see Black Bears, African Lions, Bengal Tigers, Ligers, Leopards, Cougars, Wolves, Foxes, Warthogs, Hippos, and more! MUCH more!
They also have walk-through and petting areas with Kangaroos, Pygmy Goats, Sheep, Pot-Bellied Pigs, Giraffes, Snakes, African Tortoises, and more.
Open Daily
9am – 4pm
Including holidays
Location
20923 Safari Road
Gentry, Arkansas 72734
479-736-8383
Official Website
The Wilderness Drive Through Safari is also on our EPIC Arkansas Bucket List of 100 Things to Do!
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