About Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated about an hour’s drive from Little Rock, Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe haven for African and Asian elephants in need. Discovering these magnificent creatures in the heart of Arkansas farmland is a delightful surprise for many visitors.
Riddle’s shelters any elephant in need, regardless of species, gender, or background. The sanctuary primarily accommodates retired entertainers, including circus elephants and those once housed in smaller zoos. However, some elephants have more tragic histories. Solomon, Artie, and Felix, African elephants, were relocated to the U.S. after their family herds were culled in Zimbabwe.
The sanctuary has also experienced success in captive breeding, welcoming three baby African elephants—Miss Betts, Batir, and Maximus—who were born at the facility. Moreover, the dedicated staff at Riddle’s actively contributes to research related to elephant pregnancy and hormonal development.
Although many residents are retired circus performers, they now enjoy a life free from entertaining. Retirement for elephants parallels that of humans, allowing them to live without the pressures of performance. Nonetheless, they do engage in “exercises,” as physical activity is just as beneficial for elephants as it is for people.
Visiting the Sanctuary
The sanctuary hosts an open house on the first Saturday of every month. For a nominal fee, the public can observe the elephants from a safe distance and ask the keepers questions about their care and well-being.
For those with a profound interest in elephants, the sanctuary offers an “Elephant Experience Weekend.” During this event, participants can engage closely with the elephants by feeding, watering, and bathing them, in addition to assisting with daily care routines.
If you’re seeking a more indirect interaction, you can adopt an elephant from a safe distance. By sponsoring an elephant, you help Riddle’s cover essential costs such as food, water, and medical care for that individual animal.
Riddle’s is tucked away a couple of miles down a rough gravel road off Highway 25, situated between Guy and Quitman. As you navigate past Greenbrier, keep an eye out for a small sign featuring an elephant, as it can be somewhat elusive to find.
