Alabama's Gulf Coast provides fantastic ways to get in touch with nature at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo provides visitors with unique opportunities to encounter a wide range of creatures; it's an excellent opportunity for both kids and parents to make memories on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's main purpose is to educate visitors about the animals and their conservation. The zoo was founded in 1989 as Zooland Animal Park. The zoo strives to provide the best zoo experience on Alabama's Gulf Coast by offering wide walkways, over 500 different exhibits, plenty of shade, and concessions.
The zoo's revenue comes from sponsorships, grants, and endowments to provide its visitors with the greatest possible experience. There you'll find lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves, and other animals! Your zoo visit will be even better thanks to caring keepers who work with the animals to make your visit as pleasurable as possible!
Animal Encounters
The zoo's best attraction is its animal encounters. You may get up close and personal with several creatures, such as lemurs, giraffes, anteaters, kangaroos, and sloths at a reasonable price. The goal of the program is to allow visitors to have a more intimate connection with the animals.
Sloths Encounter
Sloths spend most of their time in trees, but since they sometimes come down to the ground to move from tree to tree or take a drink, you may see them at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! You can even hand-feed these cute critters.
Lemurs Encounter
Lemurs are primates that can be found in the wild only on the island of Madagascar. They spend their days socializing, climbing trees, and eating fruits and leaves. Once you see them at the zoo, they'll quickly become your favorite animal! They are always getting into mischief (just like your kids!), so you won't want to miss out on having an encounter with these playful little guys – especially if you're looking for entertainment! While there's no scheduled feeding time for this animal, we bet that if you ask one of the zoo staff nicely and offer some fruit, they'll be glad to hand-feed one of these little guys!
Kangaroo Encounters
You can walk around with kangaroos and pet the ones lounging around while learning from the staff member all about the adorable creatures. Depending on the age of the kangaroos that are currently at the zoo, the little Aussies can be held in a pouch. This is such an amazing experience, your kids will love this!
Reptile Garden Encounter
Snakes, boas, lizards, tortoises, turtles, and baby alligators are some of the most fascinating and gentle creatures here at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. You can meet these beautiful creatures and be hands-on with them, as long as you follow safety precautions. This is an excellent opportunity if you're looking to get up close and personal with some of nature's best hunters!
Giraffe Encounter
You can feed a giraffe at the zoo if you schedule your encounter ahead of time. These kind-hearted animals are truly majestic, so don't miss out on this exciting experience! You'll reach out to touch their powerful necks while they eat from YOUR HAND. Make sure you have permission from your little one before getting too close – their tongues can reach way further than you'd expect!
This is only a small sampling of the wonderful events that happen regularly at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Give Back
It's not just an animal encounter, but a chance to give back to the zoo. All funds raised will go towards preserving and saving endangered species.
So there you have it, folks! If you're looking for an enjoyable way to spend your Saturday or Sunday afternoon this summer (or winter!), consider checking out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for its unique opportunities like these. We've had some great time with friends and family here hoping you'll enjoy your experience too! Bring on those cuddles!!
How to get there
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located at 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. The zoo is open year-round 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day ). Admission prices are $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for senior citizens 55 years and older and military with valid ID and $14.95 for children age 3 to 12 years old. Children 2 years of age or younger are admitted free! Call 251-256-7008 or visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com for more information.