There are many different types of animal attractions located throughout Alabama, whether they be zoos, sanctuaries or farms. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll DEFINITELY want to check out these 9 little known animal attractions in Alabama:
1. Harmony Park Safari - Huntsville, AL
Harmony Park Safari is a "drive-thru" animal park that requires its visitors to remain in their car on the 2-mile route to see many exotic animals, which include zebras, ostriches, buffalo, etc. Visitors will enjoy hand feeding the animals as they walk straight up to their car window(s). All ages, especially kids, LOVE this unique animal attraction! Harmony Park Safari is located at 431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803. Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00am-7:00pm / Price: $9 per person
2. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - Gulf Shores, AL
At Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, visitors will have the opportunity to get close views of over 500 exotic animals, which include lions, bears, tigers, leopards, wolves, etc. This wonderful zoo also offers entertaining animal shows. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located at 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Hours: Daily 9:00am-4:00pm / Price: Adults $11 - Seniors $9 - Kids (ages 3-12) $8 - Kids 12 and under are free.
3. Alabama Wildlife Center - Pelham, AL
Founded in 1977, Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility and a leader in the rehabilitation of wild birds. Over 50,000 native Alabama wild animals have received help at this amazing wildlife center. Everyone is encouraged to visit Alabama Wildlife Center to get an up-close view of their wild bird patients and to learn all about their rehabilitative methods. Alabama Wildlife Center is located at 100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 35124. Hours: Every Day 9:00am-5:00pm
4. Doodle and Boo Petting Zoo & Aviary - Boaz, AL
Doodle and Boo Petting Zoo & Aviary is the perfect place for a fun-filled family outing. At this zoo, visitors will have the opportunity to experience hands-on interaction with the animals and get to view the beautiful birds in the aviary. Doodle and Boo Petting Zoo & Aviary is also the perfect place to host a birthday party or other fun event. Doodle and Boo Petting Zoo & Aviary is located at 1500 AL Hwy 168, Boaz, AL 35957. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm / Sun 12:00pm-5:00pm / Price: $5 per person
5. McClelland's Zoo - Banks, AL
McClelland's Zoo, located on 70 acres, is home to many different types of animals from all over the world. Upon arrival to the zoo, visitors will see animals such as miniature horses and goats. As they further explore the zoo, they'll come across monkeys, kangaroos, snakes, birds, etc. A few of the more popular animals include a liger (lion and tiger mix) and two 6 feet tall black bears weighing over 600 pounds each. McClelland's Zoo is located at 753 County Rd 6618, Banks, AL 36005. Hours: Wed-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm / Price: Adults $12 - Children 12 & Under $10
6. Audubon Bird Sanctuary - Dauphin Island, AL
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of America's best places for migratory bird watching. It consists of 164 acres of "maritime forest, marshes and dunes, including a lake, swamp and beach." This beautiful sanctuary is the largest segment of protected forest on Dauphin Island. It's also the first landfall for neo-tropical migrant birds after their exhausting flight across the Gulf from Central and South America. Audubon Bird Sanctuary is located at 109 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528. Hours: Varies by season. Price: Ferry ride across Mobile Bay - Starts at $16 for one car and driver. No car - $5 per person
7. Pinchona Farm - Hope Hull, AL
Established in 1969, Pinchona Farm is Montgomery, Alabama's oldest horse boarding stable. On this farm, horses get to relax in the large pastures. If you don't own a horse, it's okay. Visitors are always welcome at Pinchona Farm during barn hours, which are 8:00am-7:00pm every day. Pinchona Farm is located at 1359 Windham Rd, Hope Hull, AL 36043.
8. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Gulf Shores, AL
Established in 1980, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,000-acre wildlife habitat for migratory birds, sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this area by walking one of five trails. With more than 100,000 visitors annually, it's easy to see why so many people love visiting this wildlife habitat. It's such a BEAUTIFUL area! Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located at 12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Hours: Daylight Hours - Every Day
9. Alligator Alley - Summerdale, AL
At Alligator Alley, which opened in 2004, all of the alligators were previously rescued from dangerous situations. While standing on an elevated platform, visitors will get a close-up view of over 400 alligators. Visitors will also have an opportunity to hold and feed an alligator. SO COOL! Alligator Alley is located at 19500 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580. Hours: Every Day 10:00am-5:00pm
What other animal attractions in Alabama would you recommend visiting? Let us know in the comments below!
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