Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a must-visit during a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama. The little zoo that could is a great family adventure.

TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Gulf Shores Zoo is fun for the entire family! This small zoo features giraffes, monkeys, bears, snakes, wolves, and many more variety of animals.

Wait until you see the animal encounters you can enjoy! The sloth encounter is unbelievable!

You may recognize the zoo from the Animal Planet documentary series - The Little Zoo That Could!

One of the things we love about the Gulf Shores Zoo is not only do they have endangered species you can learn about, but they showcase animals we may not know much about.

They utilize space in an amazing way including really fun tortoise exhibits. We were so impressed with the number of tortoises we saw.

Don't worry, they also have lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!

The African Lions are amazing! During the summer months we suggest arriving early so you can enjoy the animals while they are most active.

They tend to nap and enjoy the shade during the heat of the day.

Make sure to check the daily what to do at the zoo activity schedule to see what events are happening while you are there!

There are daily bird chats at the South American Adventure, goat agility training, bobcat chat, animal ambassador walkabouts, big cat and camel chats, reptile feelings, aviary feeding chats, baboons chat, and so many more fun activities.

Reptile House

The reptile house includes a yellow anaconda named Magic, iguanas, and more.

One nice thing about the reptile house is you can easily skip it if you are not a fan of snakes. If you are with people that enjoy reptiles they can check out the exhibit while you wander around the building and enjoy the super cute monkeys.

I will say that I am not a big snake person and the exhibit did not bother me. It was a nice cool shaded break from the heat of the sun.

Chuckie the American Alligator

Make sure to look for Chuckie the American Alligator near the reptile house. He is the oldest resident of the zoo.

Petting Zoo

There is a great petting zoo inside of a wooden barn filled with goats, donkeys, and a cute little deer.

Hay cups are available outside of the barn at the stand near the snow cone truck and carousel.

The goats are very happy to be fed and will lean out over the fence. If you have a little one with you make sure they are prepared for the animals to be really excited to see them.

We saw a few little kids standing in shock that the goats were so close. The goats took advantage of the shock and cleaned out their hay buckets quickly.

There are two new white tailed deer, Ophelia and Jolene, who you can see in their new habitat near the contact barn.

Aviary

There is an open air aviary that gives you the chance to see colorful birds up close. Fair warning they are flying around and can get pretty close.

On the outside of the aviary are some gorgeous macaws.

Animal Adventures at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Animal Adventures give you the opportunity to learn about specific species up close and personal.

South American Adventure: Sloth Encounter

I brought our nephew with me to check out the Sloth Encounter at the Alabama Gulf Cust Zoo. It was honestly amazing!

The encounter started with us using hand sanitizer and learning about the few rules for the encounter. Once we had agreed to the rules, we were led into the enclosure.

The highlight of the sloth encounter was being able to pet Patron a two-toed sloth. The keeper we interacted with was amazing.

They happily took our photos with the sloth and told us a ton of information about their lifestyle, habitat, and ways we could help protect them.

I would happily do the sloth encounter again. It was such a fun experience and one of those bucket list moments you won't forget.

You also get to meet Artie the Armadillo who is so cute! He is hilarious to watch running around on his tiny little legs.

Giraffe Feedings at Twiga Station

Have you ever fed a giraffe? At the Gulf Coast Zoo, you can not only feed a giraffe but have the chance to give them a pet and feel just how soft they are.

I never imagined that a giraffe would be so soft. They were so cute and leaned into getting their cheeks rubbed.

The keepers did a great job of teaching us about the giraffes while keeping the line moving.

Sulcata Tortoise Feeding

Sulcata Tortoise Feeding Adventure at Coola Springs is so much fun. You have the opportunity to meet and learn more about the Sulcata Tortoise a keystone species of the Savanna.

Feed the tortoise their favorite snack of leafy greens and touch their shells. The adventure is $5 per person for ages 5 and older.

I really enjoyed learning about the Sulcata Tortoise and seeing how excited they were for lettuce.

Destination Madagascar: Lemur Adventure

Have you ever wanted to meet a lemur? This is one of my bucket list Gulf Shores adventures I still need to do.

You can go on a Lemur Adventure at the Gulf Coast Zoo! During the adventure you learn about the black and white ruffled lemurs and the red ruffed lemurs.

Each animal adventure is $24.95 plus the regular zoo admission. Adventures are done on a first-come, first served basis.

Premium Animal Adventures

There are two premium animal adventures available, a big cat experience and giraffe experience.

Big Cat Premium Experience - 45 minute experience behind the scenes with the zoo's carnivore department. Up to 4 guests can watch a training session with the large cats, provide treats, help prepare food, and learn more about the lions, lynx, serval, and clouded leopards.

Giraffe Premium Experience - 45-minute experience behind the scenes with the zoo's giraffes, Benjamin and Akayla, along with their ostrich friends Netty, Poppy, and Clover. Help feed the giraffes their afternoon meal, explore the giraffe barn, and learn more about these amazing animals.

Coola Springs Walkabout Kangaroo encounter (Closed)

Gulf Coast Zoo recently announced that they are not hosting the Kangaroo Encounters at this time due to the age of the kangaroos.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Map

We suggest taking a picture of the zoo map when you see one. They do not pass out paper maps but you can use a QR code to download the map to your phone.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is easy to maneuver but it is nice to designate a meeting area and have everyone know where to go on the map.

Ababa Marketplace

Inside the marketplace, you will find a self-serve drink and snack station. You can pay with your credit or debit cards on the self serve machine.

Snacks include chips, popcorn, candy, and cookies. They also have soda, water, and energy drinks in a cooler that were nice and cold.

There are tables inside that are great on a hot summer day! The perfect place to cool off in the shade with some air conditioning.

There are also bathrooms next to the building.

Why you will love Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

• Petting zoo for kids of all ages
• Interactive zoo keeper chats
• Great gift shop filled with fun souvenirs
• Fun for the whole family
• Featured on Animal Planet
• 118 species, 22 critically endangered species
• One of the most popular family attractions in the area

Things to know when planning a visit to Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Admission Price - Adults (13-61) $23.95

Seniors (62+) and Military - $20.95

Children (3-12) $15.95

Kids 2 and under - Free

10% off regular admission for Baldwin County Locals with ID.

Address - 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, Al

Right off of the main highway into Gulf Shores.

Phone - 251-256-7008

Hours - Daily 9 am to 4 pm

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Please confirm with the Gulf Shores Zoo to ensure that the hours have not changed.

Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals - The zoo has strollers, double strollers, and wagons available to rent at the gift shop.

They also have a complimentary manual wheelchairs available on a first come first served basis.

You can rent a mobility scooter from the gift shop.

Accessibility - The zoo is paved with elevated boardwalks and ramps to allow visitors to move around easily.

If you have a service dog make sure to review the Service Dogs Guidelines.

Plus Size Seating - There are comfortable chairs and benches spread throughout the zoo.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat.

Be prepared for the blaring sun and heat that comes with visiting the Gulf Coast of Alabama! Even in October the sun is strong.

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the Gulf Shores Zoo

Parking  - There is a large free parking area in front of the zoo entrance.

Picnic Areas - There are multiple areas within the zoo that have seating for relaxing with a snack or lunch.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is operated by The Zoo Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and a 509(a)(2) charitable foundation under section 170, 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code, and is governed by a board of directors.

The zoo originally opened as the Zooland Animal Park in June 1989. The park became a nationally known zoo during Hurricane Ivan when they had to evacuate their animals.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ivan destroyed the zoo, and they had to stage a comeback to build the new zoo. The zoo we get to experience today is all new and truly a work of love and hard work.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

We love living in the coastal town of Gulf Shores and exploring the area. These are great restaurants and attractions you can visit on your Gulf Shores vacation.

Safari & Vine - Located near the entrance to the zoo is one of Gulf Shores newest restaurants. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch!

Gulf State Park - Enjoy this large Alabama State Park that offers an epic campground, wildlife, and trails. Enjoy easy access to gorgeous world-renowned white-sand beaches!

LuLu's Gulf Shores -  One of the most popular restaurants for locals and visitors. Enjoy great food and fun!

The Hangout - Enjoy the epic fun atmosphere right next to the Gulf Shores Beach.

Sunliner Diner - Step back in time and enjoy this 1950s retro diner!

Souvenir City Gulf Shores - Get a fun family photo in the shark's mouth.

The Wharf Ferris Wheel - One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach, Alabama. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast. Don't miss all of the fun at The Wharf Orange Beach.

Gulf Place Public Beach - Check out the world famous white sands of Gulf Shores at our favorite public beach.

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Best Pizza in Gulf Shores - Check out our favorite local pizza restaurants.

Family Friendly Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Restaurants - Our recommendations for the most family friendly restaurants in the area.

Best Ice Cream in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the best ice cream shops in Gulf Shores you do not want to miss.

Gulf Shores Breakfast Restaurants - The best of the best breakfasts including southern comfort food, diner classics, and more.

Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores - Check out all of the different coffee shops in Gulf Shores, Alabama

What's New in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants, attractions, hotels, and things to do in town.