ABOUT US
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.
Wide pathways throughout the park offer close up views of over 500 exotic animals including: lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves, and more! Visit the reptile house, petting zoo, and aviary. There is a shaded picnic area, gift shop and seasonal concessions. We are open year round with seasonal animal encounters, animal shows and keeper talks.
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.
Our facility is managed year round by the following department heads:
Director, Patti Hall
General Manager, Kim Dahlgren
Curator, Cyndi Johnson
Retail Manager, Ruthie Taylor
Facilities Manager, Rusty Gilbert
Marketing & Major Gifts, Cindy Pouyadou
Lion Soul Marketing, LLC.
251-301-7177
A Board of Directors governs the Zoo Foundation, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Stephen Jones, Chairman
Wayne Martin, DDS, Vice Chair
Vicki Kopf, Secretary
Bill Stromquist
John McIiness
Nicole Woerner
Penelope Taylor
Lisa Laraway
HOURS
ADMISSION
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day. We will resume our regular business hours the day after the holiday.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., taking our last guests at 3:30.
* Service Dogs are permitted by appointment only. Must call 24 hours in advance. For the safety of our animals and all guests, access to the Big Cat areas is not allowed with Service Dogs.
Rates
Adults (12-54) $11.00 (plus tax)
Seniors (55+) $9.00 (plus tax)
Children (3-11) $8.00 (plus tax)
Children 2 and Under Free
Military Discount: Show your valid Military ID and get $1.00 off admission per person in your family
Group Rates
We are happy to accommodate most types of groups and require a reservation at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Please call us at 251-968-5732 for details, forms and scheduling.
School Groups & Named Organizations
If you are wanting to plan a trip to the zoo for your school, church, or civic organization and are exempt from Alabama State Sales & Use Tax groups will be charged $5 per person, including chaperones. Teachers and bus drivers are FREE. Advance reservation required. Qualifying tax-exempt documents must be provided at time of reservation.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate at the zoo with 13 or more paying guests* and enjoy a full day at the zoo, a scheduled Animal Show, and use of the shaded picnic area for your party for just $5 plus tax per person. Each guest will also get a souvenir cup of animal feed for the petting zoo for just $1 per cup.Family Reunions: Celebrate at the zoo with 13 or more paying guests* and enjoy a full day at the zoo, a scheduled Animal Show, and use of the shaded picnic area for your party for just $5 plus tax per person. Each guest will also get a souvenir cup of animal feed for the petting zoo for just $1 per cup. (*Paying guests do not include Members or Children 2 and Under)
Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Escorts must stay with their children throughout the zoo and in the gift shop.
LOCATION
From the Beach
Traveling from East Beach (turn right onto Gulf Shores Pkwy - Hwy 59) or West Beach (turn left onto Gulf Shores Pkwy - Hwy 59.) You will travel north approximately 9/10 of a mile. Turn right at the light onto Zoo Drive.
From the North
From I-10 merge onto AL 59 S via Exit 44 toward Loxley/Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.Travel south on AL 59 for approximately 28 miles. Once you come to the intersection of Hwy 59 and Ft. Morgan Rd. (180) you will continue on Hwy 59 for approximately 2 more blocks. Turn left at the light at 12th Avenue and the driveway to the zoo will be just ahead on your left.
