If you're planning a family vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama, make sure the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is on your itinerary. Known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” this beloved attraction has grown into one of the Gulf Coast's most popular family-friendly destinations, offering visitors the chance to get up close with incredible animals while supporting conservation efforts.
Whether you're traveling with kids, animal lovers, or simply looking for a fun break from the beach, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is well worth a visit.
If you love the Gulf Shores area, be sure and check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Gulf Shores Alabama and Orange Beach.
About the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Located just a few miles from the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo sits on a beautiful 25-acre property filled with exotic animals, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences.
The zoo is home to more than 200 animals representing over 100 species, including lions, lemurs, giraffes, alligators, capybaras, porcupines, macaws, and even sloths. The zoo's mission focuses on education, conservation, adventure, and community involvement.
The zoo gained national recognition through the Animal Planet series The Little Zoo That Could, which documented its resilience through hurricanes, relocations, and growth into the impressive facility visitors enjoy today.
Animal Encounters You Won't Want to Miss
One of the biggest highlights of visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the opportunity to participate in hands-on animal encounters.
Popular experiences include:
- Sloth Adventures
- Lemur Adventures
- Giraffe Feedings
- Sulcata Tortoise Feedings
The giraffe feeding station is a guest favorite and allows visitors to feed these gentle giants while getting an unforgettable photo. Animal adventures are available daily, though reservations are recommended during busy travel seasons.
Daily Keeper Talks and Educational Programs
Throughout the day, guests can attend keeper presentations and animal chats where zookeepers share fascinating facts about the animals and conservation efforts. These educational programs are included with admission and provide a deeper understanding of the zoo's residents and the challenges wildlife face in the wild.
Families with children will especially enjoy the interactive nature of these presentations, making learning fun and engaging.
What You'll See at the Zoo
As you stroll through the zoo's beautifully landscaped pathways, you'll encounter a wide variety of animals from around the world.
Some visitor favorites include:
- African Lions
- Ring-Tailed Lemurs
- Eurasian Lynx
- American Alligators
- Capybaras
- Macaws
- New Guinea Singing Dogs
- Porcupines
- Yellow Anacondas
- Eurasian Eagle Owls
The zoo's layout makes it easy to navigate, allowing families to see most exhibits in just a few hours while still taking time to enjoy the encounters and presentations.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
Arrive Early
The zoo opens daily at 9:00 a.m., and many animals are most active during the cooler morning hours. Arriving early also helps you avoid crowds and secure spots for popular animal encounters.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing quite a bit of walking throughout the 25-acre facility, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended. The entire zoo is wheelchair accessible making it the perfect place for handicap people to visit.
Plan for Animal Encounters
If meeting a sloth or feeding a giraffe is on your bucket list, check availability when you arrive and book early if possible.
Bring Your Camera
From feeding giraffes to snapping photos of lions lounging in the sun, there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the zoo.
Admission Information
Current admission prices are:
- Adults (13–61): $23.95
- Seniors (62+): $20.95
- Children (3–12): $15.95
- Children 2 and under: Free
Animal encounters and feedings require an additional fee. Parking is free for all guests.
Why Families Love the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers the perfect blend of education, conservation, and family fun. Unlike some larger zoos that can feel overwhelming, this zoo provides a more intimate experience where visitors can connect with animals and learn about wildlife conservation in a meaningful way.
Whether you're spending a week in Gulf Shores or just passing through for the day, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one attraction that consistently delights visitors of all ages. From feeding giraffes and meeting sloths to learning from passionate zookeepers, it's an experience your family will remember long after your beach vacation ends.
Planning Your Visit
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located at 20499 Oak Road East in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Last admission is at 3:30 p.m. Be sure to allow at least two to three hours to fully enjoy everything the zoo has to offer.
If you're looking for one of the best family attractions in Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo should definitely be at the top of your list.