Wild Fun for the Whole Family
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a must-visit for families on Alabama’s Beaches. This 25-acre, ZAA-accredited zoo offers up-close wildlife experiences with over 118 species, including 22 critically endangered, several of which guests can interact with. Its Gulf Shores location and accessibility features make it the perfect off-the-beach attraction!
"We’ve got a wide variety of things for your family to do here at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! Have you ever fed a giraffe? We’ve got tortoise feedings and adventures with lemurs and sloths, too." - Joel Hamilton, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Director
Get Closer with Animal Encounters
Looking at wild animals is fun, but interacting with them is even better! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers hands-on animal encounters with several of its critters. Families can get face-to-face with exotic wildlife through guided, interactive sessions led by animal care experts. All animal adventures are weather-permitting and on a first-come, first-served basis. The level of interaction with each animal is dependent on its temperament and interest in participating.
Lemur Encounter: Destination Madagascar
Get close and playful with Madagascar’s most endangered species in the lemur playhouse with a lemur encounter! These furry little creatures will walk across your lap, try to steal your hat, and enjoy holding your hands. You'll play with some of the zoo’s ring-tailed lemurs for 15 minutes in a handicap-accessible, shaded structure. Children must be at least five years old to participate, and an adult must accompany all children under 10. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the zoo.
Sloth Encounter: South American Adventure
If a sloth isn’t on your things to see on Alabama’s Beaches checklist, add it! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo’s sloth encounter is a 20-minute experience, where you will learn all about the slowest animal in the world, and then you may even get to feed him one of his favorite treats. The sloth exhibit is handicap-accessible and shaded. This encounter is open to all ages; however, all children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the zoo.
Giraffe Feedings
Every day, guests have a chance to feed the zoo's tallest residents. Giraffe feedings take place from 10-11 am and 2-3 pm, and participants will receive leaves to feed these hungry beauties at their shaded station. These spotted giants eat up to 70 pounds of leaves a day, so you don't have to worry about them being too full to eat! This encounter is only $5 a person, and all ages are welcome to participate.
Sulcata Tortoise
Take it slow and feed some of the zoo's oldest living residents, the Sulcata tortoises. These endangered species animals are the third-largest tortoises in the world and have the appetite to prove it. For just $5, guests can feed them leafy greens in their yard every day from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm. You'll learn all about the habits of these critters and even get to touch their shells. Children must be five years or older to participate, and an adult must accompany all children under 10.
Must-See Zoo Exhibits: Petting Barn, Big Cats & Interactive Presentations
The zoo boasts a variety of exhibits showcasing animals from across the globe. Access to all exhibits, excluding the animal encounters, is included with general admission. From lions and monkeys to alligators and birds, you’ll see plenty of fascinating creatures!
Big Cat Exhibits
Several species of big cats reside in the zoo, including lions, lynx, leopards, servals, and bobcats. Like house cats, these furry felines are curious, agile hunters that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems -- and love taking long naps!. Be sure to spot the zoo’s African lions (Daniel, Chadwick, Regina, and Nandi), as they are truly majestic creatures!
Tip: Stop by the big cat exhibits at 2:15 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for free keeper chats to learn more about the zoo's big cats.
Barnyard Animals
Not all the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo are wild and exotic. The shaded Contact Barn features several friendly farm animals, such as sheep, goats, donkeys, bunnies, and pigs, that guests can pet. You also may spot a few chickens roaming around near the zoo’s small garden! No extra tickets are required to interact with the animals in the Contact Barn.
Reptile House
Lovers of all things creepy, crawly, and scaly must step inside the reptile house, which is home to several snakes, skinks, turtles, and iguanas. Several Many of these species are vulnerable or endangered, making their livelihood at the zoo crucial. Many of the inhabitants are also masters of camouflage, so you may play a game of I Spy while peering into their glass enclosures, looking for them.
Tip: Keep an eye out for the massive yellow anaconda, Magic, who appeared in the Red Clay Stray’s “Devil in My Ear” music video!
Catch a Keeper Chat
While you’re exploring the zoo’s various exhibits, check out the day’s keeper chat presentation schedule and make plans to visit take in a talk about one of your favorite animals. These keeper chats are free and give guests a deeper understanding of the zoo’s residents.
Events & Seasonal Family Fun at the Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo hosts several family-friendly, fundraising events throughout the year, giving guests even more opportunities to interact with the extraordinary animals.
Boo at the Zoo
Every October, the zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, a Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, kids’ activities, and animal meet-and-greets. This year’s event is on Saturday, October 17 and is included with regular zoo admission. Be sure to wear your best costume and bring a bag or bucket for trick-or-treating! The 2026 event has already happened, but stay tuned for the 2027 dates.
Harvest Moon Festival
Experience the zoo after dark during the Annual Harvest Moon Festival in September. This fall festival includes an interactive hay maze, bounce houses, animal meet-and-greets, nocturnal animal activities, food trucks, and a DJ glow party. Best of all, guests can roam the zoo and observe the animals’ behavior at night!
Art on the Wild Side: Wine & Whiskey Stroll
During the spring, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo hosts an exciting fundraising event just for adults 21+. Guests at Art on the Wild Side can stroll the zoo while tasting fine wines, craft whiskeys, and delicious food. Several of the zoo’s animal ambassadors will be at the event for attendees to interact with. The event kicks off a week before with an online auction featuring artwork painted by the zoo’s residents, using paws, claws, footprints, and even nose boops! 2027 daters will be available soon.
Events at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Keeper Chats: South American Adventure Bird Chat
Keeper Chats: Small Gator Feeding
Keeper Chats: Animal Walkabout
Keeper Chats: Big Cat Chat
Keeper Chats: Barn Chat
Fun Beyond
While the exotic and fascinating animals are the highlight of the zoo, they aren’t the only reason to visit. When you need a break from walking through the exhibits, hop on the zoo’s carousel, safari cards, or kiddie trains for family-friendly entertainment. Thrill seekers will love the zip line, which offers a bird ’s-eye view of the zoo and its critters! Tickets for these attractions can be purchased at the zoo.
Plan Your Visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
No matter the time of year, a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the perfect addition to a family vacation on Alabama’s Beaches. Before you head to this beloved Gulf Shores attraction, be sure to put on comfortable shoes and sunscreen and check the zoo’s daily schedule for feedings, encounters, and keeper chats!
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