INDIA (November 13, 2025)— Debbie Thompson, Dr. Laura, and the rest of the team visited a local school to observe WCB’s Sloth Bear Education Outreach campaign in action! WCB staff create lessons, posters, and activity books to teach students how to safely coexist with sloth bears. Most of these students have seen sloth bears near their community, so learning these skills can keep them safe. We were thrilled to get to watch the lessons, and see this critical work firsthand.

That’s a wrap on the 2025 SAFE Sloth Bear trip! Look for more updates and blog posts to come as Debbie and Dr. Laura return home. See you in Little Rock! #slothbearsafe

What is SAFE Sloth Bear?

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs focus the expertise in AZA-accredited institutions and leverage their audiences to save species. The Little Rock Zoo is a founding member of SAFE Sloth Bear, with leadership by Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz,  Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator, as Vice Program Leader, and Carnivore Curator Debbie Thompson serving on the Steering Committee.

SAFE Sloth Bear is made up of 12 partner zoos and three international field partners in India and Sri Lanka. In its first year, SAFE Sloth Bear received a grant from AZA to help fund these partners in conducting critical sloth bear research, including preparing to assess sloth bear threat status in the wild. Field partners in both countries are working to create updated sloth bear range maps, which will be essential for assessing population trends and directing future conservation efforts. These data will also guide the next IUCN Red List assessment, expected in 2026. Future projects include supporting research in reducing human-bear conflict in India and learning more about the Sri Lankan sloth bear.

Wildlife SOS: Protecting and Rehabilitating India’s Sloth Bears

Founded in 1995, Wildlife SOS began as a small rescue center in New Delhi, operated by a dedicated team determined to aid wildlife in distress. Today, it has grown into India’s largest wildlife rescue organization, managing 12 centers across the country. Wildlife SOS works to protect India’s wildlife through habitat conservation, biodiversity research, and community engagement—offering sustainable alternatives to those historically dependent on poaching or wildlife exploitation.

Support Our Conservation Efforts

Every visit to the Little Rock Zoo helps make a difference! A portion of parking fees directly supports our wildlife conservation fund—helping protect animals here at the Zoo and around the world.

Come learn more about sloth bears and discover how your visit supports their care and conservation. For an unforgettable experience, book a Sloth Bear Behind-the-Scenes Encounter and see these incredible animals up close while learning about the work that goes into protecting their species.

Want to do even more? Donate to our Conservation Fund and join us in safeguarding wildlife for generations to come.

INDIA (November 11, 2025)— After the stay with Wildlife SOS, Debbie, Dr. Laura and the rest of the team met up with Dr. Nishith Dharaiya and his research team from the Wildlife Conservation Biology Research Foundation to visit sloth bear sites in a different part of the country. First stop: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Protected Area in Rajasthan, where we trekked through sloth bear habitat (we didn’t see any bears). Then on to Mount Abu, a site where sloth bears have started coming out of the woods and eating garbage – a problem familiar to many Americans. Historically, this was not typical behavior for sloth bears in India, but as humans encroach further into sloth bear habitat, it is likely to become more common. Next, we will travel to Jessore Wildlife Protected Area, a region with many wild sloth bears. More Notes from the Field to come!

What is SAFE Sloth Bear?

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs focus the expertise in AZA-accredited institutions and leverage their audiences to save species. The Little Rock Zoo is a founding member of SAFE Sloth Bear, with leadership by Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz,  Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator, as Vice Program Leader, and Carnivore Curator Debbie Thompson serving on the Steering Committee.

SAFE Sloth Bear is made up of 12 partner zoos and three international field partners in India and Sri Lanka. In its first year, SAFE Sloth Bear received a grant from AZA to help fund these partners in conducting critical sloth bear research, including preparing to assess sloth bear threat status in the wild. Field partners in both countries are working to create updated sloth bear range maps, which will be essential for assessing population trends and directing future conservation efforts. These data will also guide the next IUCN Red List assessment, expected in 2026. Future projects include supporting research in reducing human-bear conflict in India and learning more about the Sri Lankan sloth bear.

Wildlife SOS: Protecting and Rehabilitating India’s Sloth Bears

Founded in 1995, Wildlife SOS began as a small rescue center in New Delhi, operated by a dedicated team determined to aid wildlife in distress. Today, it has grown into India’s largest wildlife rescue organization, managing 12 centers across the country. Wildlife SOS works to protect India’s wildlife through habitat conservation, biodiversity research, and community engagement—offering sustainable alternatives to those historically dependent on poaching or wildlife exploitation.

Support Our Conservation Efforts

Every visit to the Little Rock Zoo helps make a difference! A portion of parking fees directly supports our wildlife conservation fund—helping protect animals here at the Zoo and around the world.

Come learn more about sloth bears and discover how your visit supports their care and conservation. For an unforgettable experience, book a Sloth Bear Behind-the-Scenes Encounter and see these incredible animals up close while learning about the work that goes into protecting their species.

Want to do even more? Donate to our Conservation Fund and join us in safeguarding wildlife for generations to come.

DELHI, INDIA (November 5, 2025)— Debbie Thompson, Carnivore Curator, and Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Conservation and Research Coordinator, have arrived at the Wildlife SOS head office in Delhi, India! This is part of the annual AZA SAFE Sloth Bear trip, which is one of the ways the Little Rock Zoo supports conservation of wild species. They met with other SAFE members and with Kartrick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, a long-term conservation partner for the Zoo. We are excited to be here and can’t wait to share our adventures with you. Keep and eye out for our next Notes from the Field!

What is SAFE Sloth Bear?

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs focus the expertise in AZA-accredited institutions and leverage their audiences to save species. The Little Rock Zoo is a founding member of SAFE Sloth Bear, with leadership by Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz,  Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator, as Vice Program Leader, and Carnivore Curator Debbie Thompson serving on the Steering Committee.

SAFE Sloth Bear is made up of 12 partner zoos and three international field partners in India and Sri Lanka. In its first year, SAFE Sloth Bear received a grant from AZA to help fund these partners in conducting critical sloth bear research, including preparing to assess sloth bear threat status in the wild. Field partners in both countries are working to create updated sloth bear range maps, which will be essential for assessing population trends and directing future conservation efforts. These data will also guide the next IUCN Red List assessment, expected in 2026. Future projects include supporting research in reducing human-bear conflict in India and learning more about the Sri Lankan sloth bear.

Wildlife SOS: Protecting and Rehabilitating India’s Sloth Bears

Founded in 1995, Wildlife SOS began as a small rescue center in New Delhi, operated by a dedicated team determined to aid wildlife in distress. Today, it has grown into India’s largest wildlife rescue organization, managing 12 centers across the country. Wildlife SOS works to protect India’s wildlife through habitat conservation, biodiversity research, and community engagement—offering sustainable alternatives to those historically dependent on poaching or wildlife exploitation.

Support Our Conservation Efforts

Every visit to the Little Rock Zoo helps make a difference! A portion of parking fees directly supports our wildlife conservation fund—helping protect animals here at the Zoo and around the world.

Come learn more about sloth bears and discover how your visit supports their care and conservation. For an unforgettable experience, book a Sloth Bear Behind-the-Scenes Encounter and see these incredible animals up close while learning about the work that goes into protecting their species.

Want to do even more? Donate to our Conservation Fund and join us in safeguarding wildlife for generations to come.

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Little Rock Zoo is kicking off its annual Lights for Lions recycling drive. From November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026, guests and community members are invited to drop off used or broken holiday string lights and extension cords at the Zoo’s front gate. You don’t even need a ticket to participate—just look for the collection box outside the entrance.

How It Works

The Zoo partners with TRG in North Little Rock to recycle donated lights and cords. This not only keeps these items out of local landfills, but also raises funds that go directly to the Lion Recovery Fund—a global initiative dedicated to doubling the wild lion population by 2050.

At the Little Rock Zoo, our resident lions—Amboseli, Saphira, and Inara—remind us daily of the beauty and power of this species. By recycling your old lights, you’re helping to ensure their wild counterparts have a future in Africa’s grasslands and savannas.

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

We gladly accept:

• Holiday string lights
• Extension cords

Please do not bring ornaments, wire light displays, lawn décor (such as deer), or plastic stakes. For larger donations, call 501-371-4589 to coordinate.

Make a Difference Beyond Recycling

Even if you don’t have lights to donate, you can still support lions in need. Consider making a direct contribution to the Zoo’s conservation efforts—every gift helps protect wildlife around the world.

Small Action, Big Impact

It may seem like a small act, but each light strand you recycle through Lights for Lions adds up to meaningful support for global conservation. Together, we can shine a light on the importance of protecting lions for future generations.

_{Photos by Karen Caster}

LITTLE ROCK (October 17, 2025)— Kasih, the six-year-old orangutan at the Little Rock Zoo, may be the youngest member of our orangutan family, but she’s already making a big impression. From her playful personality to her impressive learning abilities, Kasih gives visitors a close-up look at how orangutans grow, learn, and thrive.

Orangutans: Semi-Solitary and Smart

Unlike many primates, orangutans are semi-solitary, meaning they don’t form large, social groups like many other primates. Adult orangutans usually live alone, except for mothers caring for their young. Social interactions typically involve mother–offspring pairs or temporary gatherings when resources are abundant. Young orangutans, like Kasih, remain with their mothers for many years—often 8 to 10—to learn essential survival skills, from climbing and foraging to using tools and navigating their environment.

Learning Through Positive Reinforcement

Recently, Kasih had a routine medical exam—and it couldn’t have gone better. Not only did she receive a clean bill of health, but she also voluntarily accepted an injection, calmly allowing a member of her care team to give her a shot. This kind of cooperation doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of patient, consistent positive reinforcement training, something Kasih has excelled at since she was very young.

At the Little Rock Zoo, all animal training is based on positive reinforcement—a method that emphasizes choice, trust, and reward. Animals aren’t forced to do anything. Instead, they’re invited to participate in behaviors and rewarded when they choose to cooperate. For example, during medical training, Kasih might be asked to open her mouth or hold still for an injection. When she does, she earns additional treats and attention as a reward.

Positive reinforcement training is used by animal care professionals throughout the zoo and aquarium community because of its effectiveness and the strong, trusting relationships it builds between animals and their caretakers. For Kasih, this approach has been especially rewarding. She has learned quickly by observing her mother and eagerly engages with her care team. Training keeps her healthy and safe, strengthens her bond with her keepers, and enriches her daily life.

A Playful Personality

Kasih’s curiosity and playful spirit make her a joy to watch. She loves chalk enrichment, enjoys experimenting with her food, and isn’t shy about expressing her opinions. Her caretakers have noticed that she’s not particularly fond of bok choy—when it’s offered, she makes her feelings clear by tossing it into the pool instead of eating it.

Orangutans and Conservation

Orangutans face serious threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade. One of the biggest drivers of habitat destruction is unsustainable palm oil production. Rainforests in Borneo and Sumatra—home not only to orangutans but also to other endangered species like Sumatran rhinos and tigers—are frequently cleared to make way for oil palm plantations. Palm oil is found in roughly half of the products we use, from food and snacks to cleaning supplies and cosmetics, and global demand has fueled these harmful practices.

Protecting orangutan habitats starts with supporting sustainably sourced palm oil. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sets global standards for environmentally and socially responsible palm oil production. Choosing RSPO-certified products encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices that reduce deforestation, protect wildlife, and support local communities.

The Little Rock Zoo is proud to participate in Orangutan SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction), a collaborative conservation initiative through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This program connects accredited zoos to raise awareness, support habitat protection, and promote sustainable practices that help wild orangutans survive.

A key tool in this effort comes from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which has developed a free sustainable palm oil shopping guide mobile app. The app helps consumers identify which companies are committed to responsibly sourced palm oil. It has been downloaded over 155,000 times and is now being promoted by zoos across the country. By highlighting RSPO-certified products, the app makes it easy to make informed shopping choices. Each time you pick a sustainable product, you directly support orangutan conservation and send a message to companies that responsible production matters.

Small, informed choices can make a big difference. By checking for sustainable palm oil in candy, snacks, and household products, you help protect wild orangutan habitats for generations to come. With Halloween and the rest of the holidays just around the corner, even the candy you buy could have an impact—so consider choosing products that support orangutans and their rainforest homes.

By supporting sustainable palm oil and responsible practices, you help protect wildlife and the wild places they call home. And when you visit Kasih and her family at the Little Rock Zoo, you’re not just enjoying a day at the Zoo—you’re directly supporting the conservation work that keeps these animals and their habitats safe for generations to come.

_{Photos by Karen Caster}

Beni the Gorilla

Born in March 2025, Beni’s arrival was met with excitement and even garnered national attention as his birth was celebrated on the TODAY Show, where a national audience helped choose his name. Since then, he’s continued to grow strong and meet milestones expected for a young western lowland gorilla.

One of the biggest steps in Beni’s development has been learning to “back ride.” In gorilla troops, infants spend their first few months clinging to their mother’s chest, relying on her for constant support and security. As they grow and gain strength, they transition to riding on their mother’s back—a key developmental stage that allows them greater mobility and independence while still staying safe and close to mom.

Back riding helps young gorillas build coordination and balance as they learn to move with their mothers across varied terrain. It also provides valuable opportunities to observe and engage with the rest of the troop, which is essential for social learning. Beni has now gotten the hang of this natural behavior and can often be seen on his mother’s back as she moves through the habitat.

Keepers say Beni is becoming increasingly curious and social. He’s begun showing more interest in his father, Kivu, the 400+ pound silverback who leads the troop, as well as the two other females in the group. While Kivu remains appropriately cautious around Beni, his calm and measured behavior reflects an awareness of Beni’s small size and stage of development.

Beni’s mother, Adelina, has also started giving him more freedom to explore, and he’s making the most of it. One of his favorite enrichment items is paper, which he happily crinkles, tears, and plays with whenever he gets the chance. He’s also begun seeking out more interaction with his animal care team and testing his boundaries within the troop. In fact, he recently started biting his mother when she doesn’t hand over what he wants quickly enough—a bit of mischief that’s perfectly normal for a growing gorilla learning social cues and communication.

Kito the Colobus Monkey

Born in July 2025, Kito has brought a burst of energy and excitement to the Colobus Monkey troop. Colobus monkeys are known for their elegant black-and-white coats and graceful leaps through the trees—but they don’t start out that way. Infants are born completely white, which helps adults in the troop easily recognize and care for them. Over the next few months, their fur gradually shifts to the iconic black-and-white pattern that defines the species.

Kito’s transformation is already well underway—his once snow-white fur is giving way to bold patches of black and silvery white, offering guests a front-row view of this remarkable natural change. This color transition not only signals his growth but also his increasing independence within the troop.

At just a few months old, Kito has begun to interact more with his older sister, Jini, learning essential social and motor skills through play, though he’s not as keen on big brother just yet. These playful chases, gentle tugs, and mock wrestling matches may look like fun (and they are), but they also teach young colobus monkeys’ coordination, balance, and social boundaries—skills they’ll need as adults navigating life in a close-knit troop.

Keepers say he’s growing more confident by the day, exploring the habitat and spending more time away from mom and interacting with other members of the troop. Guests can often spot him testing his jumping skills or tagging along with his older siblings.

Amali the Chimpanzee

And then there’s Amali, the newest arrival—a chimpanzee born in August 2025. Still in the earliest stages of life, Amali spends most of her time nestled in her mother’s arms. In the wild, young chimpanzees remain in constant contact with their mothers for many months, relying on them for protection and learning. This strong maternal bond is a vital foundation for their social and emotional development.

Even at this young age, Amali’s curiosity is beginning to shine through. Keepers say she’s eager to be more adventurous, but her mother, Kianga, isn’t quite ready to let her wander too far just yet. Described affectionately as a “helicopter mom,” Kianga is extremely protective and attentive, ensuring her little one stays close. Her dedication is a wonderful example of chimpanzee maternal care—Kianga is a phenomenal mother who takes her role very seriously.

The other chimps are curious about Amali and gentle when interacting with her, Jumoke has been seen holding her hand and Kendi carefully grooming her head.

As her strength and coordination improve, Amali will gradually begin to explore—first reaching out to grasp nearby objects, then venturing a few cautious steps away while still keeping close to her mother. These early interactions mark the beginning of her lifelong learning process. Young chimpanzees acquire most of their skills by observing and mimicking others in the troop—how to groom, communicate, and eventually use tools. Each milestone, from sitting up independently to playing with peers, plays a crucial role in preparing her for a complex social life within the group.

For now, guests may spot Amali nestled in her mother’s arms or peeking out curiously at her surroundings. As she continues to grow, her playful personality will emerge more, giving visitors a special glimpse into the remarkable early development of this fascinating species.

From playful antics to exciting developmental milestones, each of these young primates is growing quickly—and there’s no better way to see it than in person. Stop by the Great Apes area to watch Beni the gorilla and Amali the chimpanzee, and be sure to visit Kito with his lively troop between the Cheetah Outpost and Rhino exhibits. Every visit offers something new to discover, —come watch them grow with us!

LITTLE ROCK (October 8, 2025) – As the Little Rock Zoo’s transformation continues, the past several weeks have marked a major shift from site preparation to the foundational work that will support the Zoo’s exciting new buildings. From deep excavations and rebar placement to the pouring of concrete footings, crews have been hard at work laying the groundwork—literally—for the next phase of construction. At the same time, the iconic Mushroom/Echo Dome has been carefully dismantled, making way for new developments in the entry plaza.

In this update, we’ll take a closer look at the progress from Week 11 through Week 16, highlighting the key steps that are shaping the Zoo’s future.

Week 11: August 18-22, 2025

This week marked the official start of the foundational phase. Crews focused on excavating the building footprints to the required depths, digging deep trenches for future foundations. Temporary wood shoring was installed in key areas to hold back soil and ensure safety during the work.

As the trenches took shape, crews began placing reinforcement steel (rebar) in sections of the excavation, laying the groundwork for the concrete footings and slabs. Plumbing and utility conduits that run beneath the foundation were also positioned to coordinate with upcoming concrete work.

Week 12: August 25-29, 2025

Work continued as crews added more rebar throughout the excavated areas, extending the reinforcement for future footings and foundation pads. The trenches were graded and checked for proper depth and alignment, ensuring a stable, level base.

By the end of the week, crews were installing formwork in key areas and finalizing rebar placement, preparing the site for concrete footings. Additional underground infrastructure—including drainage lines, water pipes, and conduits for electrical and mechanical systems—was completed to ensure everything was in place before pouring.

Week 13: September 1-5, 2025

This week, crews completed the final grading, rebar adjustments, and formwork for the first set of footings. Inspections confirmed that soil compaction, alignment, and reinforcement met engineering specifications. With the groundwork complete, the site was ready for the concrete footings to be poured the following week.

Week 14: September 8-12, 2025

Crews poured the concrete footings for the first set of new buildings, carefully leveling and smoothing the surfaces to evenly distribute the weight of the foundations above. After pouring, the footings began curing, a critical process to ensure full strength.

At the same time, demolition of the Mushroom/Echo Dome continued. Crews had begun cutting at the base of the structure in Week 6 to expose the steel rebar skeleton. This week, heavy machinery was used to carefully push the Dome over, and crews began crushing the concrete into rubble for reuse elsewhere on site.

Week 15: September 15-19, 2025

Demolition of the Mushroom/Echo Dome progressed. Crews continued crushing and removing concrete and steel, carefully managing debris for recycling and preparing the area for eventual resurfacing and entry plaza improvements.

Week 16: September 22-26, 2025

Crews completed the bulk of the Mushroom/Echo Dome demolition this week. While most of the concrete has been set aside and crushed for reuse, several anchor points where the Dome’s rebar was embedded remained in the ground. Crews carefully cut out these remaining sections, leaving holes in the concrete that will be addressed in the coming week(s). Once these anchor points are removed and the area is resurfaced, construction fencing will be pushed back, opening more of the entry plaza for guests.

Meanwhile, piles of sand and gravel were brought on-site as crews begin adding and spreading material into the building footprints. This work is forming the foundation base—creating a stable, level surface in preparation for upcoming concrete pours as the new buildings start to take shape.

Watch Us Grow

This project is about more than construction—it’s about shaping the next 100 years of conservation, education, and connection. Whether you’re a longtime member or a first-time visitor, we’re grateful to have you with us on this journey.

In the coming weeks the concrete foundations are scheduled to start! This milestone marks the first step in bringing the new structures to life, and once the foundations are in place, the rest of the build can begin. We can’t wait to watch this part of the project take shape!

Stay tuned to this blog series for regular updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and progress photos as we continue building the future of your Zoo. For more details about the project and a closer look at what’s coming, visit our Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined page.

Through a partnership with Eco-Cell, the Zoo recycles old cell phones, helping the environment while raising money for gorilla conservation. Zoos and aquariums across North America are participating in this effort to protect gorillas in the wild.

This program addresses a critical conservation issue: many handheld electronics are made with coltan, a mineral mined in wild gorilla habitats. By recycling old devices, we lessen the demand for newly mined materials. At the same time, proceeds from recycled devices are sent directly to the Gorilla SAFE program, supporting habitat protection, monitoring, conservation education, and more.

Since the Little Rock Zoo began participating, a total of 813 devices have been recycled, with 2025 marking a record-breaking year at 216 devices recycled.

Here’s a look at the program’s progress over the years:

• 2021: 173 devices
• 2022: 200 devices
• 2023: 63 devices
• 2024: 161 devices
• 2025: 216 devices

How You Can Help

Do you have an old cell phone lying around? Drop it off at the collection box in the Zoo’s front entry plaza. No ticket is required to participate, and donations are accepted year-round.

✅ We Accept:

• Cell phones
• Tablets/E-readers

❌ We Cannot Accept:

• Laptops, keyboards, alarm systems, or other large or unrelated electronics.
  Please take these items to the City of Little Rock’s Green Station for proper recycling.

Every recycled device helps reduce the demand for new mining, raises funds for gorilla conservation, and supports efforts to protect these incredible animals in the wild. Thank you for participating in this important initiative— and helping ensure a future for gorillas in their natural habitats.

LITTLE ROCK (September 29, 2025)— The Little Rock Zoo has been home to Malayan tigers for nearly 20 years. Over the years, the resident tigers have changed, but the Zoo’s commitment to this majestic species has not wavered.

Native to peninsular Malaysia, Malayan tigers are the second smallest subspecies of tiger. The Malayan tiger is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. It is estimated that fewer than 250 remain in the wild with some estimates at below 120 mature adults. Threats to Malayan tigers include habitat fragmentation, habitat destruction, and poaching. The Little Rock Zoo annually contributes to the Tiger Conservation Campaign that supports critical conservation efforts working to save wild tigers.

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) the Little Rock Zoo has participated in the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) for over 30 years. The SSP manages tigers at all AZA accredited Zoos to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and stable population for the future. The Little Rock Zoo’s commitment to Malayan tigers includes participating in transporting and breeding tigers based on the Tiger SSP’s recommendations.

Introducing and breeding tigers successfully takes a lot of careful planning as tigers are dangerous carnivores who can react aggressively when meeting new tigers. Tigers first become acquainted through a protective mesh barrier called a “howdy door” where the tigers can see and smell each other but cannot physically interact. Keeper staff monitor their behavior closely over several weeks while the tigers adjust and begin to show friendly behaviors.

When breeding tigers, it is best to introduce the pair while the female is coming into heat, or “estrus”. Keepers monitor the female for signs of estrus to determine when the best time to put the pair of tigers together. When the pair is put together, keeper staff watch the interaction and stand ready to attempt to separate the tigers if there is above normal aggression. Commonly, tigers will show some initial hesitation and aggression, but if all goes well the pair will relax and begin to breed. Tigers are induced ovulators, meaning they need to breed frequently during estrus in order for the female to ovulate and become pregnant. The average tiger gestation is between 100-110 days, and females give birth to a litter of typically 2-3 cubs.

Two litters of Malayan tiger cubs have been born at the Little Rock Zoo as a result of breeding recommendations from AZA Tiger SSP. The Little Rock Zoo was first recommended to breed Malayan tigers in 2013, with the first litter of four born in November of 2013. The three boys and their sister, Asmara, made for an active exhibit while growing up with their mom supervising their antics. Eventually the boys and their mother were transferred to other zoos, leaving Asmara and her father as Little Rock’s resident tigers. 

In 2022, Jaya, an older male Malayan tiger, moved to Little Rock from the Jacksonville Zoo with the goal of breeding with Asmara. Jaya settled in quickly and the pair was introduced in the spring of 2022. Asmara gave birth to a litter of 3 females on August 13, 2022, who were later named Sundari, Zoya, and Kae.

To ensure the Malayan tiger SSP can continue their efforts to preserve the Malayan tiger population, the Little Rock Zoo is often asked to transport tigers to other zoos for breeding.  In 2024, Asmara was recommended to move to Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. Jaya was recommended to move to Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, KS for breeding. Zoya moved to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC,- in the spring of 2025 in the hopes she will breed there in the future. Kae has been transferred to the Knoxville Zoo in TN as a recommendation of the tiger SSP and will be paired with a male there for breeding.

The Little Rock Zoo is proud to participate in this important conservation program and grateful to the Malayan Tiger SSP for their incredible efforts to save wild tigers, as well as to the City of Little Rock and the community for their ongoing support.

Though Zoya and Kae have moved on to the next chapter of their conservation journey, Sundari remains the resident tiger at the Little Rock Zoo. Don’t miss your chance to see her on your next visit!

_{Photos by James Syler, Karen Caster, and Carnivore Keepers.}

LITTLE ROCK (September 29, 2025)— If you’ve visited the Little Rock Zoo recently, you may have noticed Alice, one of our female gorillas. Alice joined us in 2021 from another accredited Zoo with a history of a leg injury and a recurring skin condition. Alice’s skin condition is marked by a red irritated band on her right side. It is often mistaken as an injury caused from a fight. Her move to Arkansas was made with the hope that a change in location and climate would help her skin, and over time, we’ve seen real improvements thanks to the dedication of her care teams.

Supporting Alice’s Health

Since her arrival, Alice has received exams, medical treatments, and a range of therapies to help manage her condition. Our team uses oral and topical methods, along with regular laser therapy, which has proven beneficial. Arkansas’s humid climate has also had a positive effect on her skin. While setbacks still happen, her care team continues to adapt her treatment to support her healing.

Prior to moving to Little Rock Zoo, she had a history of picking at her skin — a natural behavior gorillas do to help keep wounds clean. In Alice’s case, she would sometimes pick more than necessary. To help, keepers and veterinarians have worked with experts in gorilla care and even used behavioral observation projects to adjust how enrichment is offered, ensuring Alice stays engaged in healthy, stimulating activities and reduces this picking behavior.

Active Participation in Her Care

Animal Care Staff use positive reinforcement training, allowing Alice to be an active participant in her own health care. She takes part in at least two daily training sessions that allow staff to apply her topical treatments. She also receives enrichment at least twice a day in addition to her four daily meals. These sessions not only support her treatment but also give her opportunities to stay engaged, challenged, and comfortable.

Monitoring Her Leg Injury

Recently, Alice sustained an injury to her previously injured leg. After conducting an MRI, our veterinary team determined that the best approach was to give the injury time to heal, supported by minimal therapies, rather than moving straight to more invasive options. This plan has been working well — Alice has responded positively, continues to participate in training sessions with her care staff, and is steadily gaining strength. She remains under close observation and ongoing treatment from our veterinary team to ensure her continued progress.

Life in the Troop

Alice’s well-being is also shaped by the social dynamics of her troop. The birth of young Beni has shifted the troop’s structure, creating some challenges as the females establish new rankings. These natural social changes can be complex, but our team is committed to supporting Alice through them. Enrichment like browsable materials, shifting habits, and fostering her bond with troop mate Catherine all add novelty to her day and strengthen her place in the group.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful to Alice’s previous Zoo for entrusting her to us so we can continue her care. While managing her condition has challenges, Alice is doing well, displaying natural behaviors, and continuing to engage fully with her keepers, troop, and environment. Her journey is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of her care team — and to the Little Rock Zoo’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care for all of our animals.

^{Photos by Karen Caster}