Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo celebrates popular residents Benjamin & Akayla

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo celebrates popular residents Benjamin & Akayla

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo staff in Gulf Shores and its summer campers and visitors recently celebrated the June 21 World Giraffe Day with its tallest residents, Benjamin & Akayla.
As the world’s tallest land animal, giraffes can grow up to 18 feet tall, but they are facing what is called a silent extinction. Their numbers have decreased by 30 percent in the last 35 years. There are estimated to be about 117,000 of the majestic and graceful animals left in the wild.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which supports the cause through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. The zoo’s conservation committee recently auctioned off custom artwork by Benjamin & Akayla to raise funds for the non-profit.
The zoo sits on 25 acres and lies about two miles north of the Intracoastal Waterway and is home to more than 300 animals including giraffes baboons Barbary lions, lynxes, tigers, muntjacs, cattle, lemurs, sloths, wolves, bears, monkeys, turacos kangaroos alligators and snakes.
Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, and extended giraffe feedings are from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. daily. Entry is $24 for adults and $16 for kids 12 and under. Children two and under are admitted free. More info: 251-256-7008 or alabamagulfcoastzoo.com. It is located at 20499 Oak Rd E in Gulf Shores