Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Mobile Bay Travel Guide

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a cornerstone of Gulf Shores, Alabama, began as Zooland Animal Park in 1989. Founded by Joey Ward, it started as a small community zoo and has since blossomed into a 25-acre haven for over 500 animals. The zoo gained national recognition through Animal Planet's series, 'The Little Zoo That Could,' which chronicled its resilience in the face of devastating hurricanes and highlighted its commitment to animal welfare.The original location faced numerous weather-related challenges, including severe flooding from hurricanes. This prompted a move to a larger, more secure site further inland, which reopened in March 2020. The new zoo features wide pathways for close-up views of the animals and specialized areas such as a reptile house, petting zoo, and aviary. Visitors can enjoy unique animal encounters, interacting with kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, sloths, and anteaters.Beyond its exhibits, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is dedicated to conservation and education. It participates in breeding programs for endangered species and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages. The zoo also contributes data to the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), aiding global knowledge of species and their conservation. The zoo's mission is to inspire guests to support conservation efforts and increase awareness of the world around them.