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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

9 hours ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

11 hours ago

Summer Zoo Camp has come to an end with an incredible final week. This week our future keepers designed zoos, participated in zookeeper olympics and had some epic water balloon battles. Check out all the fun in the photo album https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.886073940220599&type=3 #AGCZSummerCamp #futurezookeepers

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

11 hours ago

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 days ago

From our Conservation Committee: Why Zookeeper Week Matters.
National Zookeeper Week is the third week of July (July 21-27 this year) and seeks to highlight what zookeepers do and why. The whole point of what zookeepers do is to educate guests about the animals under our care and what the world looks like for wild animals. It is easy to assume that keepers “play” with animals all day, but that isn’t quite true. We build positive relationships with our animals but do not forget what they are. We hope that our positive relationships with them, be it a lion, a snake, a tortoise, a hog, a giraffe or even a scorpion can show guests that these animals have unique personalities and are worth saving so that future generations can get to see and love them, too. Happy Zookeeper Week, we hope you can stop by and say hi to one of the keepers here at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo!

(video: Keeper Ashlyn during a training session with Waylon, New Guinea Singing dog). Waylon is proudly sponsored by Phillip and Dru Wheat.

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

3 days ago

Last week of Summer Zoo Camp! The fun is at full throttle! #zoocamp #wildaboutcamp #summerfun

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

3 days ago

Look who's playing ZOO BREW!!!!! The amazing Red and the Revelers 🎺🎸🎷If you haven't seen these guys, what are you waiting on?! Get your tickets today at https://ZooBrew2024.givesmart.com 🍻🦁 #AGCZooBrew #BeerMusicFoodAnimals #PartyforaCause #SupportYourZoo

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

5 days ago

Zookeepers have dynamic and rewarding daily routines that revolve around the well-being of the animals they care for. They wear many hats—caretakers, educators, and advocates for wildlife. Their dedication keeps our animals healthy and happy! Let's take a peek into their typical day:

1. **Morning Team Meeting**: Many zookeepers start their day with a team meeting led by a section curator or manager. They discuss news, updates, and any issues related to the animals. Veterinarians might also attend to provide health updates¹.

2. **Observing the Animals**: Zookeepers closely observe animals to check for health or behavioral issues. Whether an animal is refusing food, moving sluggishly, or acting aggressively, these observations are crucial. They document their findings and report them to supervisors or vets¹.

3. **Cleaning and Maintenance**: Keeping enclosures clean is a top priority. Zookeepers remove waste, uneaten food, and dirty bedding. They spray down concrete areas, rake leaves, and ensure the exhibits are visually appealing for visitors. Regular cleaning maintains health and sanitation¹.

4. **Feeding and Medication**: Zookeepers prepare and feed animals multiple times a day. For some species, like gorillas, they distribute food around the enclosure or hide it to encourage natural foraging behaviors. Zookeepers also administer daily oral medications as needed¹.

5. **Play and Enrichment**: Enrichment activities keep animals mentally stimulated. Zookeepers provide toys, puzzles, and challenges to prevent boredom. It's like playtime for the animals!

6. **Guiding Visitors**: Zookeepers engage with visitors, answering questions and sharing fascinating facts about the animals. They play a vital role in educating the public about conservation efforts and wildlife.

7. **Checking Security Measures**: Ensuring enclosures are secure is essential. Zookeepers inspect fences, gates, and locks to prevent any escapes or accidents.

8. **Staying On Call**: Emergencies can happen anytime. Zookeepers remain on call to handle unexpected situations, whether it's a sick animal or a weather-related issue. #nationalzookeeperweek #teamwork #wildlifewarriors

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

5 days ago

Zoo Open! - Due to the recent lightning storm the zoo is experiencing some technical limitations. Our phone lines and internet are temporarily down. You can still visit but we encourage purchasing admission tickets online at alabamagulfcoastzoo.org. Due to storm damage, the zipline is closed until further notice but there’s plenty more to explore! Come join the adventure!

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

6 days ago

Today starts a week-long celebration of National Zoo Keeper Week: Celebrating the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to caring for our animal friends!
This year, we’re highlighting how great animal care and conservation efforts require teamwork. Zookeepers collaborate to ensure the well-being of our beloved creatures and protect their habitats. 🌎🌿

Let’s honor their hard work, dedication, and passion during this special week and join us in celebrating. #nationalzookeeperweek #teamwork #WildlifeHeroes! 🦓🦒

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

6 days ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1 weeks ago

This week our campers/future zookeepers learned about conservation and endangered species and what each of us can do to protect our environment. Check out the photos of all the fun here.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.881618303999496&type=3

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1 weeks ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1 weeks ago

Happy 4th birthday to Chadwick, Regina, and Daniel! The African lion siblings turned 4 on July 16, 2024, and keepers celebrated their day with special treats. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is so proud to care for the siblings as they are very important to ensuring genetic diversity in ZAA institutions. African lions are considered “Vulnerable” by the IUCN and at risk of extinction in the near future.

If you want to help support our conservation efforts, please visit https://ZooConservation.givesmart.com. No gift is too small. Your support is greatly appreciated.

The Lions are proudly sponsored by the City of Orange Beach and Perdido Beach Service.

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1 weeks ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1 weeks ago

Join us tomorrow, July 18 at 10 am, for our Facebook LIVE news conference as we introduce our new zoo residents. #catsoutofthebag #AGCZoo #AGCZFamily

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

How do you like your peanut butter? On bread, with jelly or right out of the jar like Pebbles?

Puzzle Feeders and Foraging Fun - Did you know that zoo animals enjoy solving puzzles too? Our enrichment program includes puzzle feeders that encourage animals to forage for their food, just like they would in the wild. Whether it is as simple as peanut butter in a jar, hiding treats inside a paper bag or freezing them in ice, the animals love the challenge!

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Today's activities included in zoo admission you can enjoy! #JoinTheAdventure

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Make today a Zoo Day! Check out Today's activities!

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Wondering what’s going on today at the Zoo? Check out today's activities!

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Week 4 Zoo Camp is complete and we had a great time learning about Zoo Homes (Habitats and Exhibits). Check out all the fun at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.877152621112731&type=3

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Conservation News
Some good news for black rhinos in Kenya! The Kenya Wildlife Service helped move 21 black rhinos to the Loisaba Conservancy, a 58,000-acre area in northern Kenya, which became the 17th sanctuary for rhinos in Kenya. Black rhino populations were decimated by poaching and their population dropped to less than 400 individuals in 1989, but have started to recover a little with increased numbers to over 1,000 individuals.
Read more at: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/21-black-rhinos-successfully-moved-to-new-kenya-home-with-space-to-breed/.
(Photo: Rhino released in Feb 2024 – by Margaret Southern / Courtesy San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Check out Today's activities included in zoo admission.

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Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

2 weeks ago

Our animal ambassadors are ready to celebrate with Tuki on Saturday!

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Read Our Recent Reviews:

Reviews

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Chad Riehle 2 months ago

Always a must when in Gulf Shores!

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brittny92 2 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!

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Thomas Crowley 2 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..

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Lynette Keith 3 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.

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bethany Barlow 4 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.

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Julia Anne 5 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!

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