Gulf Shores – The Zoo Foundation Board announced in a statement Friday, April 28, 2023, that the Safari Club Restaurant at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will close temporarily beginning Saturday, May 1, 2023.

The zoo’s daily operations will not be affected and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The statement attributed the closure to a need to a need to make seasonal preparations for the Safari Club Restaurant.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this causes the public. Our goal is to create the best restaurant experience for guests and staff. We hope everyone will be back as soon as preparations have taken place,” said Paige Griffin, Zoo Foundation Board chairperson. “Most importantly we want everyone to know that the restaurant is operated separately from the zoo and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo remains open and ready to provide the same wonderful educational experiences it always has every day of the week.”

Although the restaurant will be closed, drink and Mini Melt ice cream machines are located through the zoo. Guests are welcome to bring in snacks and drinks during the restaurant closure (no alcohol or glass allowed on zoo premises).

For more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.