Little Rock City honors Fran Lion for decades of service at zoo

City officials recognized Fran Lion for her long service to the Little Rock Zoo at the March 31 agenda meeting.

The mayor invited Fran Lion to the podium and asked the board to applaud her years of public service. Susan, speaking for the zoo, said Fran had worked in the field for more than 46 years, including 10 years at the Little Rock Zoo, and credited her with leadership on projects including the Angolan Calibus exhibit, the Conservation Learning Center, the Komodo exhibit and the Hidden Corners exhibit. Susan said Fran “has been absolutely remarkable as a leader for our organization.”

Fran Lion, called forward for the recognition, said she preferred to work behind the scenes and thanked colleagues and the team. “It’s been a pleasure,” she said, noting pride in work accomplished with bond funds and the zoo’s improvements.

The tribute was presented as an acknowledgment of long service and leadership; no board action was required.