Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo adds mining sluice with water tower

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo adds mining sluice with water tower

There’s a new attraction at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The newly installed mining sluice near the Reptile Garden is ready for visitors during the weekends through Memorial Day when it will be open daily throughout the summer.
A sluice circulates water through a stainless steel canal system where guests can pan for gemstones and fossils. Bags containing mining rough of fossils, emeralds and gemstones are available to purchase. The mining rough bags are available in various sizes ranging from $8 to $25 for a family-sized bag. The sluice, manufactured by Cold River Mining, is 24 feet long with a water tower.
“We are so excited to offer this unique experience to our guests,” said Patti Hall, zoo director. “This is a hands-on activity the whole family can enjoy together with a surprise discovery at every swirl. And it’s an educational activity where everyone leaves with their bag of gems and a smile.” Visit alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/mining-sluice for more information.
The zoo is home to many exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, macaws, reptiles, lemurs, sloths and more. The Zoo features seasonal animal encounters and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The Zoo is the highest ticked attraction in Baldwin County and welcomed more than 175,000 visitors in 2017. Pictured: The new mining sluice at the zoo; Board member Bill Stromquist sorts through his bounty.