Founded in 1989, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a nonprofit animal park, spread over 17 acres of land. The zoo is located near a beach and is home to more than 250 animals. It houses various species of animals, including feline, canine, ominivore, primates, procyonidae, macropodidae, rodents, avian and reptilian. The zoo also has a reptile house and aviary, and offers daily animal shows in the summer. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo operates a gift shop that provides plush animals and toys, umbrellas, mugs, shirts and T-shirts for the whole family. It also provides various annual membership programs, including family, grandparents friendship and individual programs. Located in Gulf Shores, Ala., it also organizes various informative events and animal shows.