Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 7K

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo  opened in June 1989 in Gulf Shores, Alabama as Zoo Land Animal Park. It is now operated by the Zoo Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and relies on admissions, memberships and contributions for its funding.

 It was the basis of the Animal Planet show “The Little Zoo That Could” that chronicled the relocation, rescue and recovery efforts before, during and after the devastation of Hurricane Ivan’s direct hit in September of 2004.

The zoo is several blocks north of the beach and is home to more than 500 animals including lions, leopards, tigers, wolves, bears, monkeys, macaws…and of course, ‘gators! It includes a petting zoo, reptile house, and aviary, as well as daily animal shows in the summer.