TENNESSEE VALLEY-The North Alabama Zoological Society‘s prime goal is to create a zoo and aquarium in North Alabama. But it is not our only focus. We are actively putting together and executing programming to support our missions of wildlife conservation and education. The zoo will provide a unique environment in which to accomplish these noble missions. Zoos take time to build and we feel that northern Alabama also provide a very unique setting to further these focuses. Did you know that Alabama is the number one biodiverse state on the eastern side of the Mississippi River?
There has been a lot of interest to know what the zoo and aquarium will look like. Truthfully this cannot be determined until the procurement of a site has been completed. We are getting close. In a few weeks we hope to unveil a “Vision Plan”. It is based upon an actual site that we are working to finalize before announcing it to the public.
The theme of the exhibits are based on national parks or preserves. We feel this is a distinctive and fitting way to help our visitors connect with wildlife and their wild places. As a conservation society, we support and encourage the roles and missions these special designated areas play in wildlife conservation. We also want to provide our visitors a “trip” to these unique places on Earth. The Adventure Treks will allow visitors to move through those animal habitats in some unique, adventurous ways.
The zoo, yet to be officially named, is projected to be 279 acres, and will include an aquarium as well. Alabama Natives – the exhibit will feature wildlife reaching from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf of Mexico; guests will be able to interact with domesticated animals and purchase dairy/ice cream from cows in the exhibit. Cosmic Jungle – the exhibit will showcase animal heroes who went into space.
Future phases of the zoo will focus on national parks around the world, such as Yellowstone National Park, Asia, and both the forests and savannas of Africa.
As for an aquarium, there will be one building devoted to aquatic wildlife. However, the majority of the aquatic species will be in aquaria co-located with other wildlife from their respective national parks and preserves.
Media Release/A ZOO FOR YOU, NORTH ALABAMA/NALZS North Alabama Zoological Society
