Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Expands and Welcomes New Family Members

Lions, tigers, and… more tigers! As you may have seen on a new billboard on Ala. 59, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is moving to a new home in 2011, and in honor of this the Marcan Tiger Preserve has donated a rare pair of Bengal tiger cubs to the zoo. This donation will make the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo the only zoo in the country that is home to all four color variations of the species.

Aside from the new additions to the family, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be relocating to higher ground just east of Ala. 59 to a 25-acre lot donated by Clyde Weir and his daughter Andrea Weir Franklin.

Because the zoo is currently located in a low-lying area,  it has experienced severe flood damage and several evacuations due to hurricanes. After Hurricane Ivan, the zoo received major publicity when it was featured on the Animal Planet series The Little Zoo That Could. This documentary not only told the story of the zoo and its three evacuations during an 11-month period, but also boosted its attendance to over 100,000 visitors annually.

Now, with its increase in publicity and donations, including the generous plot of land by Weir and Franklin, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be located further inland, at a higher elevation level. The new property is two miles north of the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge, off Highway 59 on County Road 6 in Gulf Shores.

The new plans for this gulf coast attraction are designed to allow guests to get as close to the animals as possible. Among the new buildings being planned, including an aviary, reptile house, pavilion for animal shows, and an education building, the zoo will also feature a building specifically designed for human-animal interaction. Along with the new buildings, two lakes will feature an island for monkeys and one for South American penguins, as well as an area for North American animals.

As for that new Bengal exhibit, well designers have created a special way to view these lively creatures  – from underwater! Because the tigers enjoy diving and playing in the water, a special tank was designed that will connect the pens, allowing an underwater view of the tigers at play.

The zoo will also feature a 6,500-square-foot storm shelter. This shelter will be used to house animals when they are unable to be in the general park, as well as act as a dorm for zookeepers and summer interns. And for those who are looking for a unique wedding idea, the zoo will also offer a pavilion for just such an occasion.

With the expansion of the zoo, you too can help and be a part of history with the Zoo Legacy Paver Program, a part of the Higher Ground Zoo Move Campaign. For a limited time, a donation of $150 will allow you to purchase a brick paver with your, or your loved one’s, name laser engraved on it. 100% of the purchase price will go towards new construction and relocation of the zoo. Pavers will be prominently positioned for all to see when they visit the zoo. Not only do the Legacy Pavers help the zoo, but they also make a wonderful gift or memorial.

With the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo currently featuring a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds, and offering educational programs, live-animal theatre and zoo camps, its convenient location near many wonderful Gulf Shores vacation rentals and hotels makes this a Gulf Shores attraction you simply don’t want to miss.

For more information on the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or the Legacy Paver Program, visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org, or call 251-968-5732.

Orange Beach Fire Department Holds 44th Annual BBQ

Remember those community barbeques we all loved as kids? Where the community gathered to eat the best food in town? Well, we have one right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast in Orange Beach at the Orange Beach Community Center on Canal Road.

Be sure to add the 44th Annual Orange Beach Fire Department BBQ to your itinerary when making plans to hit the beach this summer. Mark your calendars for June 12th – the day when 4500 pounds of Boston Butts meet (no pun intended) their match on the monster grill, affectionately known as the Black Dragon.

Held from 11am to 3pm, be sure to come hungry. These firemen know their BBQ and will be offering you the choice of a BBQ plate or two BBQ sandwiches for just $8. Plates include everything you could ever ask for at a beach BBQ – chopped pork, baked beans, coleslaw, bread, sauce, and a pickle.

Picking up the BBQ on your way to relaxing along the sugar-white sands of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores? No problem. A convenient drive-thru service will be set up to accommodate. Or, if you prefer to spend the afternoon chatting with locals, come early and grab a table. The Ladies Auxiliary will also have homemade baked items including cookies, brownies, cakes, and pies. And if you are looking for more than just a plate or sandwich, whole Boston butts and bulk pork go on sale at noon.

BBQ is a popular southern cuisine and the perfect addition to a day at the beach. Did we mention all money raised from the Orange Beach FD BBQ sales is used within the fire department to sponsor several community services? Orange Beach Fire Department provides the community with free CPR classes, held twice monthly. Additional benefiting projects include public education programs for area daycares, churches, schools and senior groups.

For more information on the Orange Beach Fire Department BBQ call Ms. Jeri Wilson at 251-981-6166. Tickets will be available day –of at the door.

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