Yes, it's absolutely real! The North Alabama Zoological Society is dedicated to bringing a unique and enriching experience to North Alabama by developing a state-of-the-art zoo and aquarium. Targeting Limestone County along the I-65 corridor as the location, our upcoming facility aims to combine conservation efforts with recreation, providing an educational and enjoyable destination for all ages. Our mission is to foster a deep connection between people and wildlife, while promoting conservation awareness and action. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we progress towards making this visionary project a reality!

The highly anticipated North Alabama Zoo will be nestled in the heart of Limestone County, along the I-65 corridor, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient access for all visitors. This prime location not only makes it easily reachable for families and wildlife enthusiasts from across North Alabama, but also those families from out of town traveling to and from the beaches.

The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) is a nonprofit organization focused on establishing and promoting the creation of the North Alabama Zoo. Their mission is to provide nature-based education and conservation efforts in the North Alabama region. For more details, visit their website: www.NALZS.org.

Yes in addition to a dedicated aquarium, we plan to include a variety of aquatic species alongside our land and bird species. When we say "zoo," we really mean a zoo and aquarium.

Wouldn't it be fun to say... "Lions, and tiger, and Bears, OH MY!" Truthfully, we don't have an answer to that question yet. We have our zoo experts working on it. We will say that there are plans for raccoons and beavers to be in our Alabama Natives Exhibit. Keep the suggestions coming. We love hearing about your great ideas, and check back for updates!

We appreciate all those who have expressed their concerns for the welfare of the animals that will be housed at the zoo. We truly share those concerns as well. One of the reasons we started this venture was the desire to help animals and be a center where our community members, who share that same desire, can combine resources to make a difference. These animals are ambassadors for their species and natural habitats. We feel a great responsibility and respect for every living entity that comes through the gates of the zoo. We are working towards being an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The model, standards and best practices set by the AZA will be our baseline day one of the zoo. We will strive to go beyond the AZA model to provide the utmost care, conservation, and education. To understand more about how AZA Zoos and Aquariums work to protect and care for animals, we encourage you to visit: animal care management Specifically, we plan to obtain our animals mostly from other zoological facilities. Some will be rescues. Every effort will be made to return animals that come to us from the wild back to the wild. If the animal cannot return to the wild, we will work to find a home that is in the best interest of the animal.

North Alabama Zoo is currently in the fundraising phase. Our team is working diligently to secure the necessary funds and approvals to bring this exciting project to life. While we don't have an exact opening date yet, we are making significant progress and will keep the community updated on our website and through our social media channels. Once funding is secured, the project timeline estimates that it will take approximately one year to complete the engineering and design phase, followed by an additional two years for construction.

As positions come available, we will be posting them here on the website.

The economic impact of the North Alabama Zoo will extend well beyond the immediate area, driving regional growth and prosperity. Over the first six years, the zoo is projected to generate $117 million for the local economy. This figure includes the benefits from both the construction phase and the zoo’s ongoing operations, as well as the anticipated rise in tourism. The creation of hundreds of jobs—both during construction and in the day-to-day running of the zoo—will boost local employment, supporting families and stimulating local businesses through increased spending. In addition, the zoo's ability to attract tourists from across the country, and potentially from abroad, will fuel growth in hospitality, dining, and retail sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and shops will experience increased demand, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and existing businesses. The zoo will help elevate the region as a key tourist destination, drawing visitors to other local attractions and contributing to a thriving tourism ecosystem. The community investment proposed to fund the zoo represents a forward-looking step toward North Alabama's future prosperity. It highlights how smart investments in quality-of-life projects can generate long-term economic returns that benefit the entire region. By supporting this initiative, residents have the chance to enrich their community while boosting its cultural, educational, and economic vitality for generations to come.

Limestone County is an ideal location for the North Alabama Zoo for several key reasons: Strategic Location: Limestone County's proximity to Huntsville, Athens, Decatur, and other major cities makes it central and accessible to visitors across the region. Its location along I-65 allows the zoo to attract a wide range of visitors, benefiting from both local residents and travelers. This location encourages tourists to explore other nearby attractions, boosting tourism across the region, rather than just passing through on their way to other destinations. Economic Growth: Limestone County is experiencing significant growth, and the zoo will further contribute to this by creating jobs, attracting tourists, and supporting local businesses. The zoo will not only benefit Limestone County but also positively impact surrounding areas, including Greater Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur, driving regional development and economic diversification. Space and Sustainability: The availability of land in Limestone County provides ample room to create diverse animal habitats, educational facilities, and visitor amenities while adhering to environmental sustainability practices. This land is more affordable compared to areas closer to Huntsville, allowing for a thoughtfully designed zoo that prioritizes both conservation and the visitor experience. Complementary to Huntsville: It's important to note that Huntsville extends into Limestone County, and adding the zoo there enhances the entire region's appeal. Huntsville already offers a range of attractions, and placing the zoo in Limestone County creates a broader tourism ecosystem, linking attractions across North Alabama, including Athens and Decatur. Community Support: Limestone County has shown exceptional support for the zoo project, with strong backing from local leaders and residents. Their enthusiasm for the educational, conservation, and recreational opportunities the zoo will provide has been a driving force behind the decision to locate the zoo here. By choosing Limestone County, the North Alabama Zoo can leverage these unique advantages—strategic location, economic momentum, community support, and environmental sustainability—positioning the zoo to become a vital regional asset. The zoo will enrich the lives of both residents and visitors, creating a destination that serves the entire North Alabama region. Additionally, while Huntsville and other cities in the area have shown great support for the zoo, they are also managing significant growth and implementing 10-year master plans that require their full attention. These urban centers are focusing on infrastructure, housing, and services to accommodate their rapidly expanding populations.

The funding model for the North Alabama Zoo is designed to ensure long-term sustainability and community benefit. Initially, the construction and first phase of operations will be supported by community investment, made possible through the approval of the referendum. This initial contribution is essential for establishing the zoo's infrastructure, habitats, and animal care. After this foundational phase, the zoo will operate on a self-sustaining model, generating revenue through admissions, memberships, concessions, and other zoo-related activities. This approach ensures that while public support is necessary to launch the project, the zoo will not rely on ongoing public financial contributions for day-to-day operations. The North Alabama Zoo will utilize an innovative Public-Nonprofit Partnership (PNP), which differs in some ways from a traditional Public-Private Partnership. In this model, the North Gateway Authority, as public entity, will retain ownership of the land, infrastructure, and buildings, ensuring long-term stability for the zoo. The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS), as a nonprofit entity, will manage the animals, operations, and businesses. This partnership blends the strengths of public entities, philanthropic goals, and nonprofit flexibility, creating a structure that serves the community’s interests while maintaining operational efficiency. By positioning NALZS as a nonprofit, the zoo benefits from charitable donations, grants, and other funding sources, while also gaining the operational advantages typically seen in private-sector ventures. This is how the majority of successful zoos across the United States are setup. This PNP model allows for a dynamic collaboration between the public sector (Limestone County), the nonprofit sector (NALZS), and future nonprofit-owned enterprises. This collaboration enables the zoo to attract a broad range of support, including donations, grants, and revenue-generating opportunities like special events and unique visitor experiences. Donations and grants will focus on conservation, education, and community programs, ensuring these vital missions receive the attention and resources they need. At the same time, nonprofit-owned enterprises under NALZS can innovate and drive revenue to support zoo operations in creative ways, such as through retail, concessions, and entertainment. This multifaceted funding structure reinforces the zoo's commitment to serving the public, advancing conservation efforts, and providing educational opportunities. It showcases the power of collaborative efforts to create a lasting community asset—one that is financially sustainable, deeply engaged with the community, and dedicated to enriching lives through education and conservation.

The construction of the North Alabama Zoo is a carefully crafted project, with Phase 1 estimated at $65 million. This phase includes securing the site, engineering, construction, and initial operational expenses, creating the essential infrastructure for the zoo’s launch and early operations. The overall vision, which will unfold over six phases, anticipates a total community investment of $250 million. This funding reflects the zoo’s dedication to providing a top-tier facility focused on animal welfare, visitor experience, and conservation education. Upon a successful community vote, a $65 million community investment bond will be issued to fund these critical first steps, ensuring the project is well-resourced from day one. The phased approach allows for strategic growth, ensuring that each phase supports the zoo’s mission while remaining financially responsible and sustainable. This financial plan highlights the significance of the community vote as a defining moment, giving residents the chance to invest in a transformative project that will enrich education, boost community engagement, and enhance economic growth. The North Alabama Zoo isn’t just a community asset—it’s a long-term investment in the region’s future, fostering environmental stewardship, community engagement, and setting a new standard for how zoos contribute to the well-being of animals and people alike.

The name comes from the fact that I-65 and the north-central counties of Alabama are northern gateway into Alabama. This is what has been political established as the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. The North Gateway Authority is a public government entity that upon passage of the referendum for the zoo will be created to handle the bond issuance for the North Alabama Zoo project instead of the Limestone County Commission. There are three justifications for this. 1) The Limestone County Commission has stated they feel the need to stay focused on their current responsibilities as they address the challenges of the county’s rapid growth. 2) The community has raised doubts about the commission's ability to oversee similar such initiatives as the zoo project. and 3) While Limestone County will receive a greater measure of benefits, zoos are regional amenities. Having an Authority that has the potential to be a regional and not just a county public entity will help to take advantage of potential regional partnerships with other counties and cities in the future. Establishing the Authority addresses these concerns. It also ensures that the bond issuance does not impact the county’s ability to issue future bonds for their future projects. The Authority will be composed of appointed, non-paid professionals from the tourism, economic development, and education sectors, which reduces conflicts of interest and ensures decisions are made based on merit, regardless of election cycles. Additionally, the Authority can expand to include other counties and cities, enabling broader regional support for tourism, economic development, education, health, recreation, and conservation initiatives, not just the zoo project. The Authority is designed to collaborate with, support, and augment the efforts of existing organizations, non-profits, associations, institutions, and government departments involved in the contributing area, without replacing or displacing them. In addition to collaborating with existing entities, the Authority will also independently spearhead its own projects and initiatives, taking on the associated responsibilities. The definition of a contributing area or Community Investment District, is a local government that has passed legislation, an ordinance, or a resolution to fund an initiative of the Authority either through its elected officials or by public vote.

The North Alabama Zoo referendum seeks public support through a small contribution added to utility bills, allowing the community to invest in this public asset. The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) has explored traditional fundraising methods, such as donations and grants, but these approaches alone are typically insufficient for projects of this scale. Historically and even today, successful zoos employ the use of community investment bonds to fund major projects. A small investment that delivers big community returns. This community investment will pay dividends in the form of increased tourism, job creation, and economic growth. Similar initiatives have succeeded in other areas demonstrating the unique benefits zoos bring to a region. The contribution will help secure a future where the North Alabama Zoo fills a vital need of the region while also providing educational enrichment, conservation efforts, and family-friendly recreation for generations to come.

In the state of Alabama, a county commission does not have legal say over such a referendum. This authority lies at the State Legislature level. Before the referendum can be scheduled, a "local bill" must first be passed during the 2025 Alabama Legislative session by the Limestone County Legislative Delegates, which includes state representatives and senators whose districts cover parts of Limestone County. This "local bill" will authorize a special ballot to be held, likely in the summer of 2025, where voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to approve a bond to fund the establishment of the North Alabama Zoo. Keep an eye on updates from your local state representatives and NALZS for more information as the legislative process moves forward.

Supporting the North Alabama Zoo project before the public vote is essential to ensuring its success and laying a strong foundation for future development. Community members can play an active role by raising awareness about the zoo’s benefits and the importance of the upcoming vote. Having conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, sharing information on social media, and attending community meetings are great ways to spread the word. Additionally, volunteering at zoo events or participating in awareness activities can help mobilize support and inform the public about the zoo’s positive impact on education, conservation, and the local economy. Beyond community engagement, residents can also contribute by offering financial support through donations, no matter the amount, to help cover the costs of raising awareness for the vote. Encouraging local businesses to endorse or sponsor the project can further enhance visibility and support. By rallying together, the community can demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Limestone County, showing widespread backing for a project that benefits both people and wildlife. This phase before the vote is a crucial time for building momentum and ensuring that the North Alabama Zoo becomes a reality, reflecting the community's shared values and aspirations for growth and sustainability.

While the upcoming referendum specifically involves Limestone County residents, the benefits of the North Alabama Zoo will extend across the region, reaching neighboring communities. The zoo is set to become a major destination, bringing educational opportunities, conservation efforts, and economic benefits that will positively impact surrounding counties as well. Increased tourism will support local businesses like restaurants, hotels, and shops, creating job opportunities and boosting economic activity in the entire area. Even if you cannot vote in the referendum, there are still many ways you can support the zoo's development. Advocacy and spreading awareness are key—you can help by sharing information about the zoo's benefits within your community, on social media, and encouraging friends or family in Limestone County to vote in favor of the referendum. Additionally, you can contribute by participating in fundraising events, volunteering your time, or making a donation to the North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS). Your support helps demonstrate the broad regional interest in making this vision a reality. This broader involvement highlights the zoo’s role as a regional asset, not just for Limestone County, but for all of North Alabama. Your contribution, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or financial support, helps bring this transformative project to life, fostering conservation, education, and economic growth for the entire community.

For the North Alabama Zoo project to move forward, funding will need to be secured through the issuance of a $65 million bond by a public entity. In bond issuances, there must be a reliable method to repay the funds, which is typically done through contributions like property taxes, sales taxes, or usage fees. In this case, a community investment fee has been proposed, which would be added to electricity bills in Limestone County. This fee has been carefully structured to minimize the impact on residents while ensuring the successful completion of Phase 1 of the zoo's construction. NALZS is suggesting that every household will contribute the least amount required (no more than $4.49 per month)—a manageable investment. The actual amount would be the decision of the North Gateway Authority. For those experiencing financial hardship, provisions will be made to exempt them from this charge. This type of charge isn’t new to Limestone County residents—they previously paid a previous incarnation of the fee to fund the construction of the county jail, which was recently paid off early. The original referendum, which passed in 2001, allowed for a fee of up to 2%, though only 1% was enacted. The impact was so barely felt as the overwhelming majority of the residents reported that they didn't even notice there was a fee. To thank the community for their support, the North Alabama Zoo will provide special benefits to Limestone County residents. This includes a Lifetime Membership valid for the life of the bond, offering a "half-plus-2" discount on admission (50% off the regular price, plus an additional $2 discount). This far exceeds the smaller $2-$3 discounts typically offered at other zoos. Additionally, the zoo will hold a monthly free admission day for all Limestone County residents and businesses, ensuring everyone in the community can experience the zoo at no cost. Free field trips for select grades in local schools will also be offered, further extending the zoo's educational benefits within the county. The financial plan behind this initiative has been carefully designed to cover more than just the $65 million needed for construction. It's anticipated that the funds generated may exceed the direct costs, allowing for additional revenue to support other community needs and infrastructure improvements. This ensures that the community's investment provides value far beyond the zoo itself, contributing to the overall well-being of the county. Lastly, the zoo promises a strong return on investment. An economic impact study conducted by UAH estimates that for the $65 million investment, the community will see an additional $117 million in economic growth over the first six years. In addition to creating hundreds of jobs, the zoo will boost tourism and become a powerful driver of regional economic development. A small community investment that yields significant returns for everyone.