Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become 'The Little Zoo That Grew' since we moved to our new 25-acre home! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, reptiles, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths, to name just a few. The Zoo features a domestic barn, seasonal animal adventures, a mining sluice, and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for the conservation of the natural world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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75 within 5 kms
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See what travellers are saying
- Navigate044312588941 contributionGulf Shores, Al. SnowbirdingGulf Shores is a beautiful place to see and Gulf State Park has wonderful bike trails perfect for e-bikes or walking. Bellingrath Gardens in nearby Theodore is incomparable, especially with the Christmas light show. BUT, I couldn't help feeling I'd entered a tourist trap when I saw a 10 percent sales tax on everything from food to lodging with no exception even on groceries. Beauty is not warmth if you are looking to snowbird in the winter months. Truly warm days- in the 70s are few and far between and the breeze has a bite to it. If you are looking to RV, I'd do so May through November albeit watch the hurricane season. Come prepared to pay high tax rates and take a proper fleecing on dining out.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 January 2024
- Stephanie W2 contributionsOkay but not great.Small and it felt a bit scattered as far as layout. I’m sure we missed something. No printed maps available. We are supposed to scan a QR code to open map on small phone. However, we are not from the US so our cell phone plans don’t work in the states. Animals are neat to see and they are obviously well cared for. A few signs here and there and the option of a printed map would make it better. We tried to give this feedback but we’re told no printed maps as they were trying to be environmentally friendly. Meanwhile I can pick up some tourist magazine thing there. Printed on a lot of paper. It was a disappointing visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
- Marcia H15 contributionsGreat zoo! Highly recommend!Great zoo that has a great variety of animals that are easy to view. The zoo and exhibits are clean and well maintained. It’s a small zoo so it only takes a couple of hours to get thru it but we highly recommend it!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 March 2024
- Tidemom2011Orange Beach, Alabama217 contributionsYOU GOTTA GO!This was the most pleasant experience for a winters day. You would have thought it is winter, the animals won’t be out, but we were wrong. So many animals out sunning and playing. The walk around the property was so pleasant. Very clean. It was more crowded than we thought it would be for January. Our 14 month old loved it. We will be back.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 March 2024
- RMSNevada66 contributionsGreat small zooCute little zoo. We spent 2 hours here and it was the perfect amount of time to leisurely see everything and we very much enjoyed it. I think the biggest disappointment for us was the staff. With the exception of the giraffe encounter, staff were unfriendly and made us feel we were interrupting their social hour.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1 671 reviews
Excellent
886
Very good
451
Average
206
Poor
79
Terrible
49
Keenan M
Dallas, TX9 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We visited this zoo while in town from TX and we were sorely disappointed. For our family of four it cost $78 to get inside. Once inside they had an excessive amount of add on attractions requiring you to pay even more money to partake. The carousel was closed, the zip line, kangaroo encounter, petting zoo, kids train, old time cars, zip line, and giraffe petting/feeding all cost extra. Several animals were not on display and many exhibits had yet to be completed. We definitely feel like we got ripped off and the trip was NOT worth the price. Save your money and skip it!
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billysjean
Gulf Shores, AL47 contributions
Jul 2020
Most of the animals are not visible because the cages appear empty. Perhaps they have areas where they can escape the sun unlike the rest of us. Shade is hard to find here. Encounters for the most part are unavailable. Train ride is pricey and goes in a wee circle where the highlight is they point out the closest restroom. Second visit to the new location and I hate to admit it is a real letdown after so many years of waiting. They need steps so kids don’t have to climb the fence to catch a glimpse. They need to cut the greenery back in the enclosures so we can actually see what is there. Do they actually walk the path as a visitor to see what we (don’t) see?
Written 7 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacy M
7 contributions
May 2021 • Family
My daughters and I were very disappointed in this place. We got there at 9am and started walking around the zoo. We were done by 10am. Why did we get done so quick? 70% of the animals were not out while their enclosures we're being cleaned. Why not do that prior to opening? If you're gonna charge $20 a person, then at least try to provide us with what we paid for.
I understand that the cost of keeping up a zoo is extensive, but why if we are already paying $20 a person, does it make sense to charge each person and additional $20 just to go in the enclosure with a few kangaroos? Most zoos include that for free. They have no petting zoo either.
But wait, there were a few animals out! Unfortunately, the zoo keeper came over and asked us to move on and posted a sign that said the animal was having a bad day and everyone should simply leave her alone.
We thought, well maybe we can feed a giraffe. We waited and the posted time that the attendant was supposed to open the feeding station passed by. At that point, we were not going to wait forever.
I see a lot of good reviews, so perhaps we were simply there on a bad day? A very bad day!
I understand that the cost of keeping up a zoo is extensive, but why if we are already paying $20 a person, does it make sense to charge each person and additional $20 just to go in the enclosure with a few kangaroos? Most zoos include that for free. They have no petting zoo either.
But wait, there were a few animals out! Unfortunately, the zoo keeper came over and asked us to move on and posted a sign that said the animal was having a bad day and everyone should simply leave her alone.
We thought, well maybe we can feed a giraffe. We waited and the posted time that the attendant was supposed to open the feeding station passed by. At that point, we were not going to wait forever.
I see a lot of good reviews, so perhaps we were simply there on a bad day? A very bad day!
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabitha D
Hesperia, MI22 contributions
Apr 2021
Disappointment is an understatement. The price to get into this zoo is absolutely NOT WORTH IT! Not only does it take less than an hour to go through, the cages that the animals are in, are entirely too small. Witnessed MULTIPLE animals with definite anxiety.
Not only do you pay a ridiculous amount to get in , you then are required to pay an additional $20 per person for the "petting zoo".
Don't waste your time or money!
Not only do you pay a ridiculous amount to get in , you then are required to pay an additional $20 per person for the "petting zoo".
Don't waste your time or money!
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyles E
North Augusta, SC6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
This was a pleasant surprise. Brand new facility, the people there were all really friendly and answered all our questions with a smile. The restaurant food was excellent. We ate lunch there and our compliments to the chef and staff. Great food and very tasty. Menu had something for everyone. Shrimp tacos, pizza, burger, and chicken sandwich. All of which were delicious and well prepared. Wait staff was great and we recommend you to eat lunch while there. Very nice clean well managed restaurant.
The animals are well taken care of and the staff takes pride in their work to make sure they all are taken care of. You can tell they enjoy what they do.
This is not a giant state run zoo, but it is a very nice facility and we enjoyed the day there and highly recommend it for a family outing. We enjoyed the day there.
The animals are well taken care of and the staff takes pride in their work to make sure they all are taken care of. You can tell they enjoy what they do.
This is not a giant state run zoo, but it is a very nice facility and we enjoyed the day there and highly recommend it for a family outing. We enjoyed the day there.
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllOver1
Orange Beach, AL731 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Very good for a small town zoo. Brand new buildings and exhibits. Great restaurant on site also. You can walk the entire zoo without any problem. As locals we receive discounts so not real sure about standard pricing. Nice petting zoo. When you buy feed for the animals they don’t take cash, you have to use a card for a $2 purchase. Train rides were $3.95 but we had three small children and two adults so they only charged for the adults, but a very short ride basically in a circle. As I say Exhibits were knew and looked great. Nice selection of animals. Enjoyed our visit.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ashlynboulton
Baton Rouge, LA619 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
My boyfriend and I decided to visit this zoo on an early Saturday afternoon. We were a little stunned with the $20 admission price per person. They offered no map so we just picked a direction and went with it. We completed the zoo in about an hour and a half if even that long. It is a very small zoo. I will say though, that for a smaller zoo I was pleased with the animals that they had. Their animals included two giraffes, two tigers (a white tiger!!!!), lions, leopards, lots of monkey’s, lemurs, and kangaroos. They do offer giraffe feedings twice daily for one hour increments, one in the morning and one in the afternoon for $5. They also offer multiple additional encounters at an extra cost with the lemurs, kangaroos, and sloths. We definitely enjoyed the zoo but I personally think it is overpriced. It would be more worth it to visit if it was priced a little lower. I highly recommend for families with small children as there were multiple playgrounds. If you’re interested in seeing a lot of different animals though, save your money.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Michael
Branson West, MO403 contributions
Apr 2022
After four years of making Gulf Shores our destination point for our 3 week ministry and personal sabbatical we decided to take advantage of places and things we had never experienced, one of which was the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Having read the reviews we came with great expectation. However towards the end of our visit we had a huge disappointment. We tried unsuccessfully to view the multiple places were the "cats" were located. Seemed their habitats were completely empty. Found a could of workers who my wife Karen stopped and asked where they were. They were wonderful in getting in touch with Katelyn the local resident cat trainer and overseer at the Zoo. Katelyn went over and above the ordinary to give us an exhibit by exhibit tour of where they were hidden and an extensive history of each animal. She was truly a grace gift to us. We highly recommend the entire zoo for "children" of all ages: 8-80. It will be worth your time and effort!
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FhopeO8
Fairhope, AL486 contributions
Nov 2020
We've visited this zoo twice and our main complaint is that the lay out is very bland - lots of concrete and no shade for visitors or animals . The animal enclosures are very small too. There's just not much too the zoo.
Only positives are the large gift shop and employees are very nice. Would only go back in fall or winter when it's not hot or crowded with beach visitors.
Only positives are the large gift shop and employees are very nice. Would only go back in fall or winter when it's not hot or crowded with beach visitors.
Written 19 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb62862
Memphis, TN11 463 contributions
Nov 2021
This is a small zoo in apparently a new location. They don't even have maps to hand out and signage was lacking. Much of the staff seemed to not much give a hoot when we asked questions. There's no fee for parking, but they're making it up on the entry fee and fees for their experiences. We did the kangaroo encounter, which consists of petting a couple of young kangaroos for about fifteen minutes. The keeper gave her canned speech about kangaroos when we arrived and answered a few questions. Mostly, she seemed bored. We also fed the giraffes. You're given a few small branches with leaves and it goes very quickly. Its not somewhere we'd visit again for the price we paid.
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I are going to be in Gulf Shores next week. Does anyone know if the lemur or kangaroo experience are still options and what days they are available?
Written 14 March 2023
When we were there about a month ago, they were still an option. I don't think it matters what day you go.
Written 15 March 2023
Myra F
Birmingham, Alabama
We are heading that way in mid-June, which I know is busy. Is there a day of the week that seems to be a little less crowded?
Written 30 May 2021
Depending on the weather, in the summer, Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the less busy days.
Written 11 August 2022
When the zoo reopens, will we be able to pre purchase tickets online?
Written 7 March 2020
Yes, tickets are available online to n our website.
Written 1 June 2020
Are you closed now for the move? October 5th is today.
Written 5 October 2019
We are open at current location through end of 2019 holiday season. Projected opening date at new zoo is Feb 2020.
Written 5 December 2019
Will you be open during the week of Memorial Day? I read an article that you sustained damage during a storm a few weeks ago and had closed until the place could be cleaned up.
Written 22 May 2019
Yes! We are open today. Hours are 9am-5pm.
Written 27 May 2019
Is there a fee for parking? Included in admission?
Written 6 May 2019
No fee for parking at current location.
Written 22 May 2019
When we were there, we spent about 2 hours. We had a wonderful Sloth Experience which took about 30 minutes. The Zoo was very small, but they are moving in September to a new location.
Written 25 April 2019
No, animals are not allowed in the park. For service dog information please call our gift shop at 251-968-4910.
Written 26 April 2019
Has a moving day been scheduled?
Written 13 January 2019
We will be closing the current zoo on Sept 30th. Starting move on Oct 1st with a projected opening date end of Nov.
Written 12 March 2019
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