Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Over 500 exotic animals await you at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the local 'Little Zoo That Could'.
Inside you will find such animals as lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), leopards, wolves, and primates, as well as many residents within the Reptile House, Petting Zoo, and Aviary. There are several different seasonal Animal Encounters, Animal Shows, and Zookeeper Talks, as well as various seasonal special events. Meet Buck and Boomer the Kangaroos or Rani the Tiger while exploring the zoo on your own, or perhaps sign up for a guided Animal Encounter, which allows you to journey into certain animal exhibits in a completely safe and incredibly immersive educational way. The exhibits open for animal encounters are the Kangaroo, Lemur, Sloth, Tamandua, and Reptile Garden exhibits.
There is also a Mining Sluice exhibit, in which your students can mine for fossils, gems, and minerals and learn all about the process while doing so. Various seasonal concessions are scattered throughout the park, as well as a gift shop and shaded picnic areas.
Be sure to learn all about this zoo's history before you go, featured in the past on Animal Planet's documentary 'The Little Zoo that Could'. This documentary explores how the zoo serviced hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Dennis and shows footage of the evacuation plans and aftermath of each. After this documentary aired, land was donated to the zoo for future use, a 25-acre plot of land with a flood-proof construction layout. Construction is currently underway, and the new venue is expected to be open to the public in the Fall of 2019. There will be room for about 100 more animals, new family entertainment, event venues, educational areas, and even onsite gourmet dining.
