he Little Rock Zoo welcomed two new elephants, Sophie and Babe, who arrived Monday (Oct. 21) from the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Ill.

The Little Rock Zoo will be closed Saturday, Oct. 1 due to the Arkansas Razorbacks game being held at neighboring War Memorial Stadium.

This is a customary practice according to Zoo Director Mike Blakely.

The zoo will reopen on Sunday at 9 a.m. and will observe International Elephant Appreciation Day with a variety of fun activities from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. including:

  • 10:30 a.m. – Children make enrichment items 
  • 11 a.m. – Elephant keeper chat
  • 2 p.m. – Bathing demonstration at elephants

Additionally, guests will be able to purchase paintings created by the elephants, Babe, Sophie and Zina.