Explore what nearly 8,000 students and chaperones did during the 2006-2007 school year.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo invites everyone on their way to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast beaches to meet the stars of the Animal Planet series “The Little Zoo That Could.”

Visit series stars “Salt” and “Pepper,” a pair of sister Siberian tigers or chat with “Joe,” a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (she might just sing you a song).

The 17-acre zoo is home to about 300 animals, ranging from the fuzzy monkeys to scaly alligators. It also features a petting zoo, a reptile house and a bird aviary.

Be sure to check out the exciting animal shows that occur daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

On June 25-29, the zoo will host its annual Zoo Camp. During this extremely popular summer camp, the children develop a respect for animals through guided interaction with the zookeepers and animals. They also participate in age-specific game, arts and crafts projects, and special zoo-related events.

Preschool age children (3-5) will stay for half the day while elementary school age children (5-11) will enjoy a full day session.

Since Zoo Camp is currently full, applications are being taken for those wishing to be placed on the waiting list. Send an e-mail with the child’s name, age and address to zoocamp@alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.

The zoo is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $8.80 for adults (ages 12-54), $6.60 for seniors (55+), and $6 for children (ages 3-12). Children 2 years of age and under are admitted free of charge.

For more information, visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.