The Little Rock Zoo has received $1.2 million from the Arkansas Zoological Foundation to enhance exhibits as part of its Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined.
Project Zoo will add new habitats for lemurs, anteaters and tortoises, as well as a new mixed-species habitat for capybaras and squirrel monkeys. It will also renovate the zoo’s amphitheater. Project Zoo represents the largest and most expansive project in the zoo’s history, the release stated.
“This extraordinary gift gives us tremendous momentum as we enter this important chapter in the life of the Little Rock Zoo,” said zoo director Susan Altrui. “Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined is about much more than new spaces. It is about creating meaningful connections—with animals, with nature and with one another. The support of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and our many donors allows us to dream boldly while remaining focused on what matters most: the animals in our care, the conservation work we support and the people we serve.”
The AZF gift joins the Laura P. Nichols Foundation’s $250,000 donation and numerous individual, corporate and community contributions to the project. In addition, more than $11 million in bond funds was approved by Little Rock voters for the project. The Little Rock Zoo is Arkansas’ only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“This is a remarkable moment for the Little Rock Zoo and for everyone who believes in the power of zoos to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation,” said Lisa Buehler, chair of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation board. “The generosity represented in this gift is a reflection of something much bigger than a fundraising campaign. It is a statement about what our community believes the Zoo can become—and what we want future generations to experience. We are extraordinarily proud to help move Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined toward its full promise.”
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