Not far from Conway, just outside Quitman, Arkansas, is the Riddle Elephant Sanctuary. Elephants in central Arkansas?! Yes, you read correctly.

This non-profit facility primarily exists as an old-folks-home for retired circus and zoo elephants, but is also a training facility for elephant husbandry, veterinary care, and scientific research. This facility has over 300 acres, and has both Asian and African elephants on site. The sanctuary is a non-profit, and has several different "adoption" programs by which one can donate to the provide for care/food/bedding for the elephants.

The sanctuary is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM. This provides an excellent opportunity for the general public to get close to this giant mammals. 

Entrance to the Riddle Elephant SanctuaryBooper and Peggy, two female Asian elephants