Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo spreads across 25 acres (10 hectares), with meandering, paved paths between exhibits and picnic areas. Visitors will notice plenty of animals they recognize, and some they likely won’t—22 species, from the Bengal tiger to the citron-crested cockatoo, are endangered or threatened, and the zoo is part of the species’ preservation.

For folks who want to go above and beyond, the zoo offers up-close animal encounters, like feeding giraffes or hanging out with sloths, for an additional fee. There are plenty of ranger talks and demonstrations to enjoy with any standard visit. The Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass offers visitors a discount.

• The paths are wide, paved, partially shaded, and stroller– and wheelchair-accessible.

• A small market with light fare, snacks, and desserts is on-site, though outside food and drink are also allowed.

• Strollers, wagons, and manual wheelchairs are available at the front desk.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a few miles north of Gulf Shores International Airport. Most visitors arrive via private vehicle; on-site parking is free and plentiful. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, taxis and rideshares, like Uber and Lyft, are widely available.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is typically open every day, excluding major national holidays. Hours are roughly morning through late afternoon, with the last entry a half-hour before closing. There’s no wrong time to visit the zoo, though public feedings—which can be a fun addition—typically occur around 10–11am and 2–3pm.

When Hurricane Ivan struck the Alabama Coast in 2004, the zoo had to evacuate all its animals at the last minute—and it did. The story and the damage the zoo sustained in the hurricane garnered the zoo its 15 minutes of fame, resulting in an Animal Planet TV series called The Little Zoo That Could. Today, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is on new grounds in a new facility that is further inland.