Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gift & Greeting Card

Business Description

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is home to over 300 exotic animals, including lions, tigers, macaws, reptiles, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths to name just a few. Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, seasonal animal encounters, a new mining sluice, and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The zoo is the highest ticked attraction in Baldwin County and welcomed more than 175,000 visitors in 2017.

The zoo's mission is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world. The zoo is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The admission fee is $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors (55+), $14.95 for kids 3-12, and kids age 2 and under are free.

In March 208, construction began at the 25-acre future home of the zoo, north of the Intracoastal Waterway. As the first Zoological Association of America (ZAA)-accredited U.S. zoo to be built from the ground up in more than 20 years, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be able to provide a more spacious modern haven for more than 300 animals at its new location. The complex will also include theme-park family entertainment, event venues, gourmet dining, shopping, and educational programs.

The history of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is rooted in the dedication of its founders, Joey Ward and the Ward family, who created the Zoo Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, and donated the acreage that makes up the zoo today. After seeing the devastation to the zoo wrought by Hurricane Ivan, devoted animal-lovers Clyde Weir and his daughter Andrea wanted to make a meaningful difference in the zoo's long-term survival. So they donated 25 acres of prime real estate for the future location of a new zoo. Four miles inland on elevated, flood-proof terrain, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will finally be safe and sound, thanks to the Weir's generosity.

Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo rave about the fun and educational experiences they have had, with many noting the zoo's smaller size as a major advantage, allowing visitors to have a more intimate experience with the animals. The zoo is a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

Gift Ideas for Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

For any animal lover, a gift from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is sure to bring a smile to their face. With over 300 exotic animals, there are plenty of options to choose from when selecting a special gift.

For the young ones in your life, consider gifting an animal-themed stuffed animal or toy from the zoo's gift shop. They'll love cuddling up with a plush sloth or lion, or playing with a toy kangaroo or lemur.

For the more adventurous giftee, consider purchasing a zoo experience. They can get up close and personal with their favorite animals by booking an animal encounter, where they can meet a kangaroo, lemur, or sloth. Or, for the ultimate animal lover, consider gifting a behind-the-scenes tour, where they can learn more about the care and feeding of the zoo's exotic animals.

If you're looking for a gift with a more lasting impact, consider supporting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's conservation efforts. You can make a donation in someone's name to support the zoo's mission of connecting people and community with wildlife and inspiring personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world.

No matter what gift you choose, it's sure to be a hit with any animal lover. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation efforts, and any gift from the zoo is sure to be a meaningful and memorable gesture.

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