The new zoo in Gulf Shores, opening in the fall of 2019, will be much more than “just a zoo.” Of course, the main focus is the care of the animals, but there is also an emphasis on the education of the thousands of children and adults who will visit each year. Attractions from playgrounds to paddleboats and a train to safari cars create a theme park atmosphere. You’ll even find a carousel and the Soaring Eagle Zip Line!

The Safari Club Restaurant, as well as three food trucks and beverage carts, will make it easy to keep your energy up. The Safari Club restaurant is an ideal venue for birthday parties, family reunions, cocktail parties and weddings.

As the first certified Green Restaurant in the state of Alabama, The Safari Club has been recognized by the Green Restaurant Group from Boston, Massachusetts as a leader in conservation. As a Green Certified establishment, there will be no plastic straws served, no Styrofoam products used, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances will be installed throughout the park. The Safari Club Restaurant and the food and beverage program led by Executive Chef Greg Buschmohle will drive many of the green, eco-friendly segments of the park operations.

No single-use cups or bottles will be used in the park. The refillable souvenir containers will greatly reduce the disposal of plastics. The zoo’s very own sustainable gardens will produce many organically grown fruits, vegetables and herbs that will be utilized by both the animal-keeper staff as well as the food and beverage operations. All by-products of these gardens will go to compost beds and will eventually return to the planting beds, completing a full circle of usefulness. Everything in the park will be done by thinking first of ways to reduce, recycle, reuse and educate.

The zoo will work closely with the City of Gulf Shores recycling program and will also be working with local farmers to source as much produce and other food products as possible. Both efforts will lessen the carbon footprint of the operation.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will remain in operation on the island through Sept. 30. The new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo & Safari Club Restaurant is expected to open mid-November.