Discover Alabama's diverse collection of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers featuring over 2,000 animals from 300+ species across 7 major facilities. From AZA-accredited institutions to coastal aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation centers, Alabama offers exceptional opportunities to connect with animals from around the world and native Alabama species.
Zoos & Aquariums
Animals
Species Represented
AZA Accredited Zoo
Alabama's premier zoological facilities offer world-class exhibits, conservation programs, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Location: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Size: 122 acres
Animals: 950 animals from 230 species
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Admission: Adults $19.95, Children (2-12) $14.95, Seniors/Military $16.95, Under 2 Free
Website: birminghamzoo.com
Highlights: The only AZA-accredited zoo in Alabama features Trails of Africa with elephant and giraffe encounters, Asian Passage with red pandas, Alabama Wilds children's zoo, Predator Building, and extensive conservation programs. The zoo participates in Species Survival Plan programs for endangered species.
Location: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
Size: 42 acres
Animals: 750 animals from 140 species
Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Admission: Adults $20, Children (3-12) $16, AAA/Military discounts available
Website: montgomeryzoo.com
Highlights: Divided into five continental realms (Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, South America), features Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, Zoofari Skylift, McMonty Express train ride, Petting Zoo, Parakeet Cove, Giraffe Encounter, and the new Waters of the World aquatic exhibit opened in 2021.
Location: 20499 Oak Rd E (1204 Gulf Shores Parkway), Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Size: 25 acres
Animals: 300+ animals from 200+ species
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Admission: Adults $24.95, Children (3-12) $14.95, Under 3 Free
Website: alabamagulfcoastzoo.com
Highlights: Known as "The Little Zoo That Could" after surviving Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, features South American Adventure, Destination: Madagascar, giraffe feeding ($5), animal encounters ($24.95), and Big Cat Premium Experience. ZAA-accredited facility just blocks from the beach.
Status: Developing
Mission: Nonprofit organization focused on wildlife education, conservation, and research
Website: nalzs.org
About: The North Alabama Zoological Society is actively working to bring a world-class zoo and aquarium to the Huntsville Metro area through their "A Zoo For You, North Alabama" program. This will provide educational opportunities about wildlife and conservation to residents and visitors in North Alabama.
Location: Harvest, Alabama
About: Wildlife refuge dedicated to exotic animal care and education in the Huntsville area.
Location: Birmingham
Accreditation: AZA (through March 2028)
Notable Exhibits: Trails of Africa (opened 2011) with elephant bachelor herd and giraffe encounter, Asian Passage with red pandas and Sumatran orangutans, Alabama Wilds with native species, Predator Building with lions and rare cats, Flamingo Lagoon, Lorikeet Aviary (seasonal), and Wild Explorer VR experience.
Location: Montgomery
Special Features: Continental realm design, Mann Wildlife Learning Museum with preserved North American wildlife displays, train ride, skylift
Interactive Experiences: Petting Zoo, Parakeet Cove, Giraffe Encounter, Waters of the World aquatic exhibit (opened Fall 2021)
Location: Gulf Shores
Special Features: Beach proximity, hurricane survival story, extensive animal encounters
Conservation: Participates in breeding programs for endangered species including red panda and cotton-top tamarin, contributes data to Species360 ZIMS global database.
Location: 15161 Ward Road, Wilmer, AL 36587
Website: mobilezoo.cc
Animals: Wildlife from around the world including two species of black bear, tortoises, leopards, tigers, lions, serval cats, tropical birds, reptiles, non-flying birds, deer species, antelope, bison, long-hair cattle, giant horses, miniature donkeys, wild hogs, alligators, various primates including chimpanzees, and more. Features indoor exhibits and open-range viewing.
About: Drive-through safari experience operated by Zoofari Parks (along with Gulf Breeze Zoo and Virginia Safari Park)
Conservation: Dedicated to wildlife conservation through public education, captive breeding programs, and habitat preservation. Provides financial aid to conservation projects in over 135 countries worldwide. Participates in Source Population Alliance (SPA) breeding programs for 12 endangered hoofstock species including Arabian oryx, dama gazelle, mountain bongo, scimitar-horned oryx, Grevy's zebra, and others.
Location: 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Website: disl.edu/aquarium
Hours: Check website for current hours
Features: Educational venue highlighting four key habitats of coastal Alabama: Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, Barrier Islands, and Northern Gulf of Mexico
Exhibits: Rays of the Bay featuring four ray species (southern stingray, Atlantic stingray, bluntnose stingray, cownose ray), large outdoor touch tank with daily feeding at 2 PM, indoor tank feedings Saturday-Sunday at 11 AM
Mission: Marine science education, research, coastal zone management policy, and public education about Alabama's estuarine ecosystems.
Location: Within Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
Opened: Fall 2021
Features: Aquatic exhibit featuring fish, invertebrates, and reptiles from aquatic habitats around the world. Located adjacent to the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum and near the Chimpanzee exhibit.
Alabama operates public fish hatcheries producing approximately 3,000,000 fish annually for stocking public waters. While primarily focused on fisheries management, some facilities offer limited educational opportunities.
Location: 36 Bass Dr., Marion, AL 36756 (Perry County)
Size: 100 ponds totaling 63.4 acres
Species Produced: Florida largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), striped bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, grass carp, southern strain walleye, and forage fish
Location: 1930 Hatchery Rd., Eastaboga, AL 36260 (Calhoun County)
Size: 32 ponds totaling 22.6 acres
Species Produced: Marion-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, hybrid striped bass, spotted bass, grass carp, channel catfish, black crappie, redeye bass, and forage fish
Location: 100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: 205-663-7930
Website: alabamawildlifecenter.org
Founded: 1977 by Anne Miller
Status: Alabama's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center
Annual Care: Nearly 2,000 wild bird patients from over 100 species
Total Impact: Over 50,000 native Alabama wild animals helped since inception
2024 Renovation: Completed in April 2024 with improved quarantine and diagnostic facilities, larger flight training area, refurbished restrooms, native pollinator garden, and new educational exhibits
Dual Mission: (1) Provide medical and rehabilitative care for Alabama's injured and orphaned native birds to permit their return to the wild, and (2) educate people to heighten awareness and appreciation of Alabama's native wildlife.
Service Area: North Alabama
Status: 501(c)(3) organization
Mission: Helps sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in North Alabama get a second chance at life. Provides rehabilitation services with the goal of eventual release back into the wild.
Location: Dauphin Island, AL
Website: dauphinisland.org/bird.htm
Partnership: National Audubon, Friends of the Sanctuary, and other conservation organizations
Features: 1,000-foot handicap access boardwalk from parking lot to Gaillard Lake, beautiful lake pier
Mission: Protects the needs of wildlife while providing educational opportunities for the general public, with special focus on bird conservation and habitat protection.
Location: 12695 C.R. 95, Elberta, AL 36530
Website: biophilia.net
Visits: By appointment only - call ahead to schedule
Tours: Biologist-guided tours available for school groups, garden clubs, families, and other groups
Features: Butterfly garden, plant and book shopping, reference library for research. No charge to shop or use library, but appointments required for all visits.
In Alabama, possession of most wildlife species is prohibited unless the person holds a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. For native birds, a Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is also required.
Currently, there are only 13 permitted rehab centers in the entire state. Some facilities specialize in specific animal types (birds only, deer only), and only three facilities accept mammals like skunks and raccoons. For a complete list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators, visit the Outdoor Alabama website.
Location: Holly Pond, Alabama (Cullman area)
Website: fortnerfarmalabama.com
Description: The largest petting farm attraction of its kind in Cullman Alabama, featuring a growing population of family-friendly farm animals and exotic livestock.
Location: 266 Roy Davis Road, New Market, AL
Website: animalsrus.net
Property: 40+ acres with multiple pastures
Service Area: Huntsville, New Market, Madison, and Mobile areas
Animals: 50+ animals including peacocks and other exotic animals, plus pigs, turkeys, donkeys, emus, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and horses. Offers hands-on petting and feeding experiences for children, families, seniors, and veterans.
Location: Huntsville, AL
Property: 6.5 wooded acres
Features: Hands-on petting and feeding of domestic, exotic, and unusual animals and birds. Amenities include picnic tables, snack bar, playground, and pond.
Website: theboydfamilyfarm.com
Description: Offers safari park, petting zoo, and blueberry picking. Fun-filled day of exotic animals and family fun in a beautiful country setting.
Website: pursellfarms.com
Description: One of the most popular family activities during a Pursell Farms getaway. Visitors can feed goats, chickens, and other farm animals.
Location: Huntsville area
Animals: Pigs, goats, baby goats, llama, sheep, chickens, roosters, dogs, cats, Pyrenees puppies, Highland cows and babies. Popular interactive farm experience.
Service Area: Huntsville and Birmingham areas
Description: Family-friendly farm offering petting zoo experiences and educational opportunities.
Service Area: Birmingham, Alabama
Description: Mobile petting zoo service available for events, parties, and special occasions throughout the Birmingham metro area.
Alabama's zoological facilities play a vital role in global wildlife conservation through breeding programs, research, and public education. Combined, these institutions employ 282 people and generate over $18 million annually in revenue dedicated to conservation and education missions.
Modern accredited zoos serve as crucial players in wildlife conservation:
| Zoo | Adult | Child (3-12) | Senior/Military | Under 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Zoo | $19.95 | $14.95 | $16.95 | Free |
| Montgomery Zoo | $20.00 | $16.00 | $18.00 (AAA/Military) | Check website |
| Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | $24.95 | $14.95 | $20.95 | Free |
Prices subject to change. Check official websites for current rates. Annual memberships available at all facilities offering unlimited visits and additional benefits.
Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited facility in Alabama, with accreditation through March 2028. AZA accreditation is the gold standard for zoos and aquariums, demonstrating excellence in animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. Less than 10% of the approximately 2,800 USDA-licensed animal exhibitors nationwide achieve AZA accreditation.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo holds ZAA (Zoological Association of America) accreditation, which is a different accrediting organization with its own standards.
Birmingham Zoo is Alabama's largest zoo, spanning 122 acres and housing approximately 950 animals from 230 species. Voted #1 by Alabamians in a 2019 poll by Alabama Living Magazine, the Birmingham Zoo features major exhibits including Trails of Africa (opened 2011), Asian Passage, Alabama Wilds, and the Predator Building.
By comparison, Montgomery Zoo covers 42 acres with 750 animals from 140 species, and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo occupies 25 acres with 300+ animals from 200+ species.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Yes, guests are allowed to bring food into the zoo. Drink machines, mini melt ice cream, and snow cones are available for purchase inside.
Birmingham Zoo and Montgomery Zoo: Check their respective websites for current outside food and beverage policies, as these may vary.
All zoos have on-site dining options. Birmingham Zoo features the Safari Café in Trails of Africa, while Montgomery Zoo offers food service near major exhibits. Bringing refillable water bottles is recommended to stay hydrated, especially during warm months.
Yes, accessibility equipment is available at Alabama's major zoos:
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo:
Birmingham Zoo and Montgomery Zoo: Both facilities offer wheelchair access and stroller rentals. Contact facilities directly for current rental prices and availability.
All Alabama zoos provide handicap parking, accessible pathways, and accessible restrooms throughout the facilities.
Alabama zoos actively participate in conservation efforts:
Birmingham Zoo: Participates in AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs for endangered species including red pandas, African elephants, Eastern black rhinoceros, and Sumatran orangutans. Contributes to research on animal genetics, behavior, and veterinary care.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Active in breeding programs for red pandas and cotton-top tamarins. Contributes data to Species360 ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) supporting global conservation knowledge. Partners with conservation organizations worldwide.
Alabama Safari Park: Member of Source Population Alliance (SPA) managing breeding programs for 12 endangered hoofstock species including Arabian oryx, dama gazelle, mountain bongo, and Grevy's zebra. Provides conservation aid to over 135 countries through the Zoofari Parks network, supporting anti-poaching units, habitat restoration, and species translocation projects.
These programs help prevent extinction, maintain genetic diversity, and support field conservation efforts globally.
Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab is the state's premier aquarium, showcasing four key coastal Alabama habitats: Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, Barrier Islands, and Northern Gulf of Mexico. Featured exhibits include:
Montgomery Zoo - Waters of the World (opened Fall 2021) features fish, invertebrates, and reptiles from aquatic habitats worldwide.
State Fish Hatcheries: Marion Fish Hatchery (100 ponds, 63.4 acres) and Eastaboga Fish Hatchery (32 ponds, 22.6 acres) produce 3 million fish annually for stocking Alabama's public waters, with some limited educational opportunities.
Additionally, most zoos feature aquatic exhibits. Birmingham Zoo has American alligator displays and reptile buildings, while Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Montgomery Zoo include various aquatic species in their animal collections.
Contact one of Alabama's permitted wildlife rehabilitation centers:
Alabama Wildlife Center (Central Alabama/Birmingham area):
100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: 205-663-7930
Specializes in native birds (nearly 2,000 patients annually from 100+ species)
Alabama Wildlife Rescue (North Alabama):
Serves sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in North Alabama
501(c)(3) organization
Important: In Alabama, possession of most wildlife species is illegal without proper permits. Do not attempt to keep or rehabilitate wildlife yourself. There are only 13 permitted rehab centers in the entire state, with only three accepting mammals like skunks and raccoons.
For a complete list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators across Alabama, visit the Outdoor Alabama website.
Free Admission:
Discounts Available:
Annual Memberships: Often pay for themselves in 2-3 visits and include reciprocal admission benefits at other zoos. Birmingham Zoo memberships may offer reciprocal access through AZA reciprocal admission programs.
Check each zoo's official website for current promotions, special event pricing, and membership options.
Birmingham Zoo:
Montgomery Zoo:
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo:
Interactive experiences vary by season and animal availability. Call ahead or check websites to confirm schedules and make reservations for premium experiences.
Currently, Huntsville does not have a traditional zoo, but the North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) is actively working to bring a world-class zoo and aquarium to the Huntsville Metro area through their "A Zoo For You, North Alabama" program. This nonprofit organization focuses on wildlife education, conservation, and research.
Current Animal Attractions Near Huntsville:
The nearest full-service zoos are Birmingham Zoo (1.5 hours south) and Montgomery Zoo (2.5 hours south). For animal encounters and family activities, the local petting zoos and farms provide excellent options while awaiting development of a Huntsville-area zoo.
Last updated on November 27, 2025