Education, Conservation, Adventure, Community at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which launched in 1989 and opened in March 2020 at its new location, is one of the most popular family attractions in the region. Building a new zoo from scratch is an enormous project and it hasn’t been done in the U.S. in more than 20 years. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is also known as the “Little Zoo” for its starring role in the 2006 hit Animal Planet documentary series, The Little Zoo That Could.

Voted number one zoo two years running by the “Best of Bama Awards,” the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 300 animals, over 122 species and haven to 10 endangered and 5 threatened species. The mission is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world.

Tucked just off the main highway, visitors may feel like they have entered a tropical sanctuary thanks to the intriguing sounds from the diversity of exotic animals. From monkey chatter to wild birds, one is instantly transported out of life’s hustle and bustle and into the zoo’s tranquil domain.

Over four times larger than the old location, the new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is spread over 25 acres with expansive pathways. The exhibits provide close-up views of the animals along with picnic areas, rest stops, an onsite restaurant and a gift shop filled with unique animal-themed merch. The venue is ideally suited for all ages and levels of mobility as all buildings are handicap accessible and provide free parking.

Additional attractions include the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Animal Adventures, one-onone visits with sloths, lemurs, kangaroos, giraffes and more. Interacting with some of the zoo’s most gentle and friendliest creatures is an educational experience beyond compare. If you find a zookeeper roaming around, ask what they like best about their job and their answer will always be educating kids and grown-ups about animals and conservation.

Sustainability is a high priority for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. There is a seasonal community garden onsite for the restaurant and the animals where a variety of seasonal veggies, fruits and herbs are grown in 16 organic raised beds.

Safari Club restaurant, open daily, has a popular Sunday brunch and is a Green Circle Certified venue. With emphasis on LED lights, Energy Star equipment, recycling and composting, it’s easy to see how important conservation and sustainability is to both the zoo and the Safari Club restaurant. With great tasting food as a priority, the staff competes over who can deliver the most delicious meals. Try the vegan, gluten-free mushroom burger, cauliflower crust pizzas or ever-popular blackened shrimp tacos or Gulf lump crab. All proteins are cooked over a fragrant wood fired grill.

“One of the unique features at the zoo is having a full service green circle certified restaurant on site,” says Joel Hamilton, Zoo Executive Director. “Come enjoy yourself, the zoo has something for everyone. Learn about the animals, conservation, and explore our adventures. You can even contact us about holding your special event in one our uniquely charming spaces.”

The zoo’s most important mission is to offer zoo goers of all ages educational experiences that are accessible, engaging and meaningful, providing current science-based information about animals and the threat of mass extinction of our planet’s wildlife over the coming decades.

In addition, the zoo offers events throughout the year such as Zoo Camp in June, July and August; Fall Zoo Brew with food, beer and bands; National Seed Swap Day and Art on the Wild Side where animals make art!

The new and improved Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a 501c3 nonprofit that relies solely on admissions, memberships and contributions to maintain and grow their organization. All are invited to visit and become an active participant by joining the zoo family. The zoo has an additional 72 acres, purchased by the Zoo Foundation, waiting to be developed. You may sign up for a zoo membership, donate, become a sponsor or leave a legacy with brick pavers. Or you can simply help spread the word about The Little Zoo That Grew and cheerlead on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social networking sites.

ZOO HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:30)

RESTAURANT HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed 11-4; Thu, Fri, Sat 11-8; Sun 10-3

LOCATION: 20499 Oak Rd. E, Gulf Shores, AL. 251-256-7008. For more information visit: AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.com.

Are you passionate about women’s health? Are you a holistic healer or provider of healthy products and services in the Gulf Coast area? We want to include your story in May’s Natural Awakenings. Call or email Michelle Smith. 251-990-9552 • MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com