Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

A Wild Look Back

Cat House

Photographed by Thomas Smith, November 8, 2025

1. A Wild Look Back Marker

Inscription.
From Predators to Patrons
This historic Works Progress Administration (WPA) building constructed in 1934 once housed majestic big cats, including lions, tigers, and jaguars. Though these animals have moved to modern habitats better suited to their care, the structure now serves as Café Africa, a favorite spot for hungry visitors. The patio still features the original big cat enclosures, offering a glimpse into the Zoo's past while you enjoy a meal overlooking the elephant yard.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 34° 44.816′ N, 92° 19.818′ W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. It is on Zoo Drive 0.1 miles west of S. Monroe Street when traveling west. The marker is located in the Little Rock Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock AR 72205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the Quapaw Homeland.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wild Boar (a few steps from this marker); Over the Jumps (a few steps from this marker); Memorial Stadium (approx. 0.2 miles away); War Memorial Golf Course (approx. 0.4 miles away); Buhler House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Bro. Samuel Proctor Massie Sr. (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lynching in America / Lynching in Little Rock (approx. 1.3 miles away); “Stifft's Station” (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Rock.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, November 8, 2025

2. A Wild Look Back Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 10, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.