In 1902, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo began as a private alligator farm owned by H.L. Campbell, which he later sold to Donny Older. Up till the late 1920’s, the farm had been known as the Hot Springs “Gator” Farm. Then, it served as both a small museum and home to more than 1,500 Mississippian alligators.

People who often come up to the city for its natural hot springs or hot thermal baths would eventually drop by at the zoo, thus making the zoo one of Hot Springs’ most popular attractions.

In 1945, Jack Bridges Sr. and his wife became the new owners of the zoo. Under their management, the zoo welcomed additional species such as logger-head turtles, raccoons, and monkeys. A gift shop had also been opened.