From Cages to Conservation: The Little Rock Zoo Story with Craig O'Neal

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s and 80s to explore a pivotal era of transformation at the Little Rock Zoo. Joined by Arkansas broadcasting legend and former radio DJ Craig O’Neal. The team dives into the history of the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign—a community-led movement that revolutionized animal habitats by replacing traditional iron bars with more naturalistic environments.Highlights from this episode include:The "Bring Down the Bars" Legacy: Discover how the zoo transformed the historic WPA Big Cat House (now Café Africa) and moved iconic animals like Buck the Bengal Tiger into modern exhibits.A Community Effort: Craig O'Neal shares hilarious and heartfelt stories of 80s-era fundraisers, including the "Spots and Stripes Forever" benefit, and how the entire city rallied together to reshape the zoo's future.The Power of Tradition: From the 100-year-old Over-the-Jumps Carousel to the simple joy of family outings, the discussion explores why the zoo remains a "cathedral" for multi-generational Arkansas memories.Wild Stories: Craig recounts the time he "sponsored a monkey" that immediately escaped and shares the bizarre tale of the "Arkansas Husband Display" at a past Zoo Day.As the Little Rock Zoo embarks on its current "Wildly Reimagined" campaign, this episode celebrates the enduring energy and community spirit that continue to drive the zoo's "nine lives".Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own zoo memories with us.