Alabama Rock Zoo: A Stone Safari

The Alabama Rock Zoo is a unique and free roadside attraction located in Fackler, Alabama [7, 8]. What began in the 1970s as a single boulder resembling a rooster has evolved into a whimsical collection of painted rock animals [3, 8]. Leonard Dawson, the zoo's original creator, started the attraction after road construction workers pushed two large boulders onto his property [3, 7, 8]. Seeing a rooster in one of the rocks, Dawson added a comb made of cardboard and cement [3, 7, 8]. Over the years, the collection expanded to include a bull, turtles, bears, giraffes, elephants, and even sea creatures [3, 7, 8, 10]. Dawson's granddaughter, Tammy Murphey, and her family now maintain the site, continuing his legacy [3, 7]. Visitors come from all over to admire the colorful creations, take photos, and even leave their own painted rocks to add to the ever-growing menagerie [3, 7, 8, 10]. The Rock Zoo offers a fun and imaginative experience for children and adults alike [6, 8]. It's a testament to local creativity and a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places [5]. The zoo is open every day during daylight hours and is free to visit [3, 7].