Arkansas Zoological Foundation
#1 Zoo Drive • Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-7208 • ZooFoundation.org
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of the Little Rock Zoo. The foundation is comprised of community volunteers all dedicated to the success of our state’s only accredited zoological park. With nearly 300,000 annual visitors, the Little Rock Zoo is one of the largest tourist attractions in the state.
The zoo is a place for learning in a fun environment about the beautiful creatures of our world and their fragile ecosystems. The zoo is also a safe place where families bond and children grow. The foundation hopes all Arkansans value and appreciate the zoo and work to preserve it now and in the future so that generations of Arkansans can awe at elephants, be intrigued by tigers and be inspired by the many animals at the Little Rock Zoo.
How We Are Funded
The Arkansas Zoological Foundation is completely supported by charitable gifts from donors, like Mark Nichols and the Laura P. Nichols foundation, who donated funds to help build the new Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Outpost exhibit that opened this year. The foundation offers numerous donor opportunities and recognition levels of all types. You can look on our website for more information!
The Public & Private Partnership
The Little Rock Zoo is a proud department of the City of Little Rock but it takes a dedicated public and private partnership to grow and develop our zoo. City funds are often used to match private donations raised by the foundation to complete projects. Together, the city and foundation can take our zoo from a good zoo to a great zoo!
An Economic Engine
In Arkansas, the Little Rock Zoo creates a $14 million dollar economic impact in the state of Arkansas and supports 140 jobs. New construction projects, contracts with small businesses and the spending power of tourists who visit the zoo all drive our local economy. Investing in the zoo invests in jobs and in our economy!
Wish List
- For every Arkansan to visit the Little Rock Zoo at least once each year.
- For every child and adult to be inspired to conserve our natural world.
- For continued support to build new exhibits and attractions and update old ones.