Spring Construction Scheduled For New Gulf Coast Zoo
GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo announced plans to move the zoo to higher and safer ground. The new zoo location is soon to change into a full-time construction zone.
Officials with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo say they hope to begin construction on their new facility in Gulf Shores this coming spring.
Zoo officials say they’ve outgrown their current seven acre facility and are moving to a larger 25 acre area on Oak Road East (County Road 6 in Gulf Shores).
They say the new zoo will cost about $16 million, and they are talking with the county and other sources about funding.
Joey Ward with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo says,”We’ll have a lot more animals. We’ll be adding zebras, giraffes, antelope are some of the bigger species that we have and, of course, everybody at the zoo all has their favorites, and I’m sure we’ll be trying to get as many of those here as we possibly can.”
Zoo officials say the new facility will also include rides, a children’s area and an event center.
They hope to have the zoo open in 2018.
About the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is operated by a not-for-profit corporation, Zoo Foundation, Inc., based in Gulf Shores, Ala. which helps preserve wildlife as well as educates the public about various and diverse species. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, macaws, reptiles, and more! It also features a petting zoo, seasonal animal encounters, and interactive animals shows during the spring and summer months.
Website: www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org