Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
	CONTACT : Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (251) 968-5732
About the zoo : The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - opened in June 1989 as Zooland Animal Park. The zoo was founded as a private enterprise by Joey Ward of Gulf Shores. In 1991, the Ward family created the Zoo Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, and donated the 17 acres of prime real estate that makes up the zoo today. Three years later, the Ward family and the Erie Meyer Foundation graciously donated an additional 13 acres, which are still undeveloped. The zoo is tucked away just blocks from the beach and is home to more than 290 animals. Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and macaws are just some of the creatures that inhabit this Gulf Coast oasis. There's also a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary and daily animal shows in the summer. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo relies solely on admissions, memberships and contributions to remain in business. The local community and businesses have been generous in donating money, building supplies and services in years past. Substantial on-going funding through sponsorships, grants, and endowments from major corporations did not exist before 1998. These additional sources of revenue are now being actively pursued to ensure the zoo's longevity.
Open Hours : The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, New Year's Day and Christmas. Daily Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We take our last guests at 11:00 am the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's and close at 12:00 pm. We will resume our regular business hours the day after the holiday.
Admission : Adults (12-54) $10.00 (tax included) Seniors (55+) $8.00 (tax included) Children (3-12) $7.00 (tax included)
Events : Zoo Camp June 20-24, 2011 Zoo Camp is a callaborative effort between our zoo staff, local sponsors, and very talented licensed teachers and trained volunteers. Children will explore animal life at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, meet our animal care-takers, and even greet some of our animal residents personally. They will also participate in age-specific games, arts and crafts projects and special zoo-related events. There will be plenty of hands-on educational and fun activities carried out in a safe and educational environment. Spring Break Zew Crew 2011 March 2011 Thanks to the student ministry from Good Hope Baptist Church in Eclectic, AL. They came to our zoo last summer and found it so rewarding that they came again for spring week just a few weeks ago. The "Zoo Crew" got down and dirty with some spring cleaning and exhibit upkeep. We cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work - we loved working with you and look forward to seeing you again next spring! Click here to see photos on our Facebook page from this very productive (and fun) day! Annual Low Country Boil February 25, 2011 What a FANTASTIC turn out we had for this annual Snowbird Event! Thanks to all who worked so hard to put it together and to all who came to spend a day with our zoo family! We so appreciate your loyalty and your donations! Annual Boo at the Zoo October, 2011 Boo at the Zoo is always a popular event for our local children and parents, who continue to support our operation during the shoulder season,” said Patti Hall, zoo director. “Parents particularly enjoy our carnival atmosphere because it is geared towards younger children and is a safe environment for everyone.”
Website : http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org/