New Ruling Could Change Gun Rules at LR Zoo

Attorney General opinion says city can't ban all guns on zoo property

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the debate over gun policies at the Little Rock Zoo.A new state ruling could force the Little Rock Zoo to allow more types of firearms on its property, raising concerns about public safety.Little Rock Today

A new state attorney general opinion says the city of Little Rock can't use its current sign to ban all guns on the Little Rock Zoo property. The ruling states the zoo, treated as a municipal park, must allow open carry and certain enhanced concealed carry, while still restricting standard concealed carry inside buildings.

Why it matters

This ruling could lead to changes in the zoo's current gun policies, potentially allowing more types of firearms on the premises. It raises questions about public safety and the balance between Second Amendment rights and the zoo's ability to manage its own security measures.

The details

The attorney general opinion states that while the zoo can prohibit standard concealed carry inside its buildings, it must allow open carry and certain enhanced concealed carry permits on the overall zoo property, which is considered a municipal park. This differs from the zoo's current policy of generally prohibiting all concealed and openly carried firearms.

  • The attorney general opinion was issued in 2026.

The players

Little Rock Zoo

A municipal zoo located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arkansas Attorney General

The state's top legal official who issued the opinion on gun policies at the Little Rock Zoo.

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What’s next

The Little Rock Zoo will need to review its current gun policies and make any necessary changes to comply with the attorney general's ruling.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety, particularly in spaces like municipal parks and zoos where families and children frequent. It will be important for the city and zoo to carefully balance these concerns as they update their policies.