Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions & Their Answers

What hours are you open?

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last guest allowed entry at 3:30 p.m.). We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Where is the zoo? How do I get there?

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located at 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

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What is the cost of admission?

Adults (ages 13-54) are $22.95, seniors (62+) and military are $19.95, children (ages 3-12) are $14.95, and children 2 and under are free. Prices do not include tax.

Does the zoo offer stroller and wheelchair rentals?

Yes, the zoo offers strollers, double strollers, and wagons to rent. We also offer complimentary manual wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A mobility scooter is available to rent for $20.

Do animal encounters cost extra?

Yes, our Animal Adventures are a very popular and unique educational zoo program. All children under age six must be accompanied by a paying adult (which can include a sibling age 13 or older). The price of each adventure varies, but children, age two and under, are free.

Do you provide group discounts?

Yes! Please view our Groups page or call 251-256-7008 for more information.

Do you host birthday parties or other private celebrations?

Yes, the zoo is ideal for any celebration. We also offer a few zoo party perks to add to your special occasion. Find out more about private parties. or call us on 251-256-7008

Can the Zoo accomodate school groups?

Yes, we love educating schoolchildren about wildlife and conservation. Our tax-exempt school, church, or civic group program offers an affordable and unique learning opportunity. Learn more on our Groups Page!

At what age can a child visit the Zoo unattended?

All zoo guests, age 15 and under, must be chaperoned by someone at least 16 years old who is also a paying zoo guest.

Does the Zoo have animal shows?

Our zookeepers love educating visitors about the animals. They offer keeper presentations at various times and locations throughout the park. Our highly entertaining, educational animal stage shows are presented daily during the warm-weather months.

Our current Keeper Presentation Schedule:

Does the Zoo have a gift shop?

Yes, the gift shop is also the main entrance to the zoo and where admission tickets are sold. However, you do not have to buy a ticket to shop for merchandise in our store. We sell a great variety of animal-themed items, from clothing and jewelry to toys and books.

Can I buy food at the Zoo?

Yes. Drink machines, mini melt ice cream, and snow cones are available inside the Zoo. A Micro Market is open inside The Manor, near the Lemur Adventure. It will offer self-serve convenience-type foods and snacks.

Can I bring food during my Zoo visit?

Guests are allowed to bring food into the zoo. Drink machines, mini melt ice cream, and snow cones are available inside the Zoo. A Micro Market is open inside The Manor, near the Lemur Adventure. It offers self-serve convenience-type foods and snacks.

What is the Zoo's smoking policy?

Smoking any kind, including electronic or vape cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, is not permitted anywhere on the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo grounds.

Are firearms allowed in the Zoo?

We do not allow zoo guests to carry any firearms inside the zoo grounds.

Can I bring my pet to the Zoo?

To ensure the safety of all animals, yours and ours, please keep your pets at home, and please do not keep them locked up in your vehicle while visiting the zoo.

Are service dogs allowed in the Zoo?

Service dogs are permitted in the park by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, to ensure the safety of our guests and our animals, and the visiting service dog, certain precautions must be followed.

Can I take photos while at the Zoo?

We encourage guests to take photos for their enjoyment. However, as a non-profit organization, it is strictly prohibited to commercially use, or reproduce in any form, photography of our facility, animals, staff, or any zoo events that take place at off-site venues, without prior written permission from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

Dose the offer Zoo memberships?

Yes, we do. A zoo membership is also an exciting gift for families or employees.

Can I sponsor a Zoo animal?

Yes, whether you’re a resident or live out of state, you can participate in the care and feeding of a favorite zoo animal or the upkeep of a zoo exhibit through our sponsorship programs. Please call 251-256-7008 ext 124 and for more info.

What other ways can I support the Zoo?

There are many options to provide much-needed support to our non-profit zoo. You can become a “Friend of the Zoo” and hold a fundraising event, sponsor one of our educational programs, participate in “Leave a Legacy,” or simply make a cash contribution. All donations and support programs may be tax-deductible. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more about supporting the zoo on our Support Page.

Reviews

5 Over 6 Reviews

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Chad Riehle 6 months ago

Always a must when in Gulf Shores!

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brittny92 6 months ago

We have never been to this zoo, and it sure is the “Little Zoo that Could!” We are on a family vacation with 4 children 5 and under. They all had fun and were so excited to see all the animals. We arrived right at 9am and all the animals were ready to show off!

We even got to watch the keepers interacting and providing enrichment which was such a cool experience. You can tell the workers loved the animals and are really dedicated to the care and treatment of the animals.

It took us around 2-2.5 hours to go around the whole zoo so it won’t be a full day trip, but it will definitely be a wonderful stop to make on your trip to Gulf Shores!

Thomas Crowley 6 months ago

While visiting Orange Beach decided to visit the local zoo. What a great place, helpful employees who did a lot of explaining of animals feeding. It was a great walk. A great day. All the animals are very interesting and especially loved the herb garden..

Lynette Keith 6 months ago

I’ve been bringing my children here since they were little and now I’m bringing my grandchildren. I love our little zoo. It’s not too big and by the time the kiddos are wore out, we are all done. Everyone is so hospitable and kind. Cute gift shop and love feeding Ben the giraffe.

bethany Barlow 8 months ago

We loved our visit! Such an affordable option for a zoo. Plenty of animals to see. Loved how close you get to all of them. Very clean and tidy. Disappointed the tigers weren’t out though. But overall a fantastic experience! Our kids loved it.

Julia Anne 9 months ago

Such a beautiful zoo! Very clean with ample restrooms and benches. There were so many animals to see which was very unexpected. We saw tigers, lyons, monkeys, giraffes, lemurs, many types of local birds, etc. For an extra fee, you can feed the giraffes and have an opportunity to get up close and personal with several different zoo animals.

There is a great little enclosed bird area with turtles where you can sit and watch the birds. They also have a great gift shop with wonderful gift items.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. We had a great time watching the animals and will definitely be back!