Capybaras are coming back to the Little Rock Zoo, and 22 of them turned up ahead of schedule in neon pink and orange.
The zoo installed 22 interactive art sculptures across its grounds in June 2026, marking the return of a species that will not physically arrive until construction finishes on Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined.
Neon pink and orange, made from recycled plastic
The sculptures were designed and fabricated by Cracking Art Collective, an international group known for large animal pieces made from regenerated plastic. Arkansans may recognize their work from the green penguins at the 21c Hotel in Bentonville. The Arkansas Zoological Foundation sponsored the capybara set, which was made exclusively for the Little Rock Zoo.
The collective said its work “originate[s] from a desire to convey a message that can reach and engage the public, encouraging interaction and empathy,” and explained why the capybara suited the commission. The animal “known for its cooperative social behavior, is able to live in large groups while maintaining a peaceful coexistence. It was therefore chosen as a symbol of an open, respectful community in dialogue with its environment.”
“These new sculptures will bring together two things our guests love, animals and experiences,” said zoo director Susan Altrui. “Capybaras are incredibly social and engaging, and pairing their return with this bold, sustainable art installation gives us a new way to connect visitors to conservation in a fun and meaningful way.”
The sculptures are on view across the zoo grounds now.
