Hallie’s Zoo was a beloved Arkansas gem during the 60s and 70s but has completely fallen from memory in the present time. There’s something particularly fascinating about an abandoned zoo that was once filled with life, sounds, and animals, and now lies derelict. The zoo hasn’t been forgotten by everyone, however! Let’s scroll through the empty cages and see what’s become of this buried treasure.

This tour is brought to us by our friends over at AbandonedAR. They travel to forgotten locations all over the state to preserve these places through historic documentation.

For 12 short years, Hallie's Zoo was a star Arkansas attraction. Visitors flocked from all around the state to view this spectacular zoo.
www.AbandondedAR.com/ Michael Schwarz/Eddy Sisson/James Kirkendall
It didn't quite have the fame like Dogpatch but the zoo did have bragging rights. In addition to the variety of animals the zoo also boasted the tallest miniature train tracks in the world! Hallie Orman opened the zoo in 1967 but due to a new owner and bad luck in late 70s, the zoo was forced to close. It was a great loss for the community that had grown accustomed to this local landmark.
The zoo had lions, tigers, bears, and other creatures as well. During Orman's ownership the zoo flourished but the second owner had quite a few issues, one of the being a lion.
www.AbandondedAR.com/ Michael Schwarz/Eddy Sisson/James Kirkendall
In 1979 the cage door to the lion enclose was left open. The lion escaped and prowled nearby farms for two weeks without getting caught! No one was injured and the lion did return to be fed so the situation wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. But due to the obvious safety risks if things had been done another way, it did lead to the shutdown of the zoo. All of the animal residents were sent to live in other zoos around the country.

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The zoo quickly dilapidated and was reclaimed by nature. It was one of the most beautiful abandoned places in AR.
www.AbandondedAR.com/ Michael Schwarz/Eddy Sisson/James Kirkendall
This zoo was more than just a couple of cages. The nearly 6,000 acres were used for the zoo! It had animals, the train, a restaurant, a large ice cream shop, and gift shop too.

After the zoo's closure, it stayed abandoned for a couple of years before a restaurant tried to bring new business to the property. It wasn't successful and lead to the zoo staying empty for decades. The result was a beautiful nature-ridden art installation. The former animal cafes were covered in green vines and foliage, providing a beautiful and unusual contrast between the organic and the man-made.
Although nearly everything had been looted from Hallie's Zoo in AR (including some of the train track even) the zoo eventually found a new owner in 2010.
www.AbandondedAR.com/ Michael Schwarz/Eddy Sisson/James Kirkendall
Rick Montgomery of Conway purchased the property to use as a church. Montgomery wanted to keep the zoo's original integrity so all of the buildings/enclosures have been kept and restored. The cages are now used as backdrops for different events and plays. During the holidays they're lit up, too! It's a unique solution to this abandoned property and maintains the history fo the space in a very interesting way.
It's rather unexpected to have a zoo turn into a church but we're happy this treasured gem was able to be revitalized. It's a incredible slice of abandoned AR.
www.AbandondedAR.com/ Michael Schwarz/Eddy Sisson/James Kirkendall
It's unfortunate that Hallie's Zoo couldn't stay open longer but the Zoo Church Village is a welcomed revision. For more photos of the pre-church zoo head over to AbandonedAR. If you'd like more information on the church, follow their Facebook Page.

Do you have memories of Hallie’s Zoo? Reminisce with us in the comments below! We love hearing about your firsthand experiences of unique locations.

Oddly enough this zoo isn’t far from a still-working elephant sanctuary. Who would guess so many wild animals would reside in central Arkansas? You can also see lions, tigers, and bears at this big cat refuge, too.

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More to Explore

Zoos And Wildlife In Arkansas

CC | January 30, 2023

Where are there other zoos in Arkansas?

In addition to the church-zoo hybrid that Hallie’s has morphed into, you can learn about animals at these other interesting zoos and wildlife refuges.

  • Little Rock Zoo
  • Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
  • Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
  • Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  • Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
  • Overflow National Wildlife Refuge
  • Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo
  • Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery

 

Where can I experience nature in Arkansas?

After learning about a variety of animals, head to Arkansas’s natural landscape to find indigenous animals and plants on your own.

  • Buffalo National River
  • Hot Springs National Park
  • Bull Shoals-White River State Park
  • Cane Creek State Park
  • Cossatot River State Park and Natural Area
  • Crowley’s Ridge State Park
  • Daisy State Park
  • Degray Lake Resort State Park
  • Delta Heritage Trail State Park
  • Devil’s Den State Park
  • Herman Davis State Park
  • Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area
  • Lake Catherine State Park
  • Lake Charles State Park
  • Lake Chicot State Park
  • Lake Fort Smith State Park
  • Logoly State Park

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