One of Luke Ballard’s fondest memories is loading into the family minivan and making the drive from Louisville, Mississippi, to the zoo in Jackson that is two hours away. His eyes illuminate as he recalls, “I can still see the alligators. I can still see the elephants. I can still see the monkeys. Now I have a zoo five minutes away and I love spending time there with my daughters. Any time we have a spare moment, we grab the kids, and we go. They love it, too”
Luke is treasurer of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit organization affiliated with the Little Rock Zoo. He is gearing up for Zoo Brew & Cocktails, Too later this month; proceeds support continued improvements and necessary maintenance of the zoo. For more than a decade, Zoo Brew & Cocktails, Too has treated guests to craft beers and spirits from local vendors as well as an exclusive opportunity to mingle through the zoo and enjoy live music and delicious cuisine from food trucks. “There will be a wide variety of great drinks to sample,” Luke adds. “Craft beer, seltzers, cocktails and we’ve added mocktails this year.”
In addition to animal ambassadors, guests can also experience the Dragon Kingdom exhibit that features giant animatronic creatures throughout the zoo. “All proceeds benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation for the growth and development of the zoo,” Luke explains. “Specifically, this year’s funds will help the new bond project at the front entry that will update the lemur exhibit and amphitheater and add a new capybara and squirrel monkey habitat and a new anteater exhibit. This will be the most ambitious project the zoo and foundation have ever built.”
Zoo Brew & Cocktails, Too
Thursday, September 12
Little Rock Zoo
https://www.littlerockzoo.com/events/zoo-brew-and-cocktails-too-2024/
