North
Alabama Zoo
"Let's Get a Zoo!"
© 2024 by North Alabama Zoological Society
Why We Need a Zoo
North Alabama needs a zoo because it fills a unique gap in the region's offerings. A zoo appeals to all ages, offering education, recreation, and real connections with nature that can't be replicated on a TV or phone screen. Currently, the community and families have limited ways to engage with wildlife and biology in meaningful, hands-on experiences. Zoos boost tourism, create jobs, support local businesses, and reduce tax burdens on residents. It’s the missing piece that will enrich lives, strengthen community pride, and improve the quality of life in North Alabama.
The Numbers
What's Possible for North Alabama
Huntsville is the largest Metro Statistical Area without a zoo among cities with 400,000-500,000 people, while 22 of 27 similar cities have one.
A University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) economic study projects that a zoo will generate $117 million in economic impact and 850+ jobs over the first 6 years.
Zoos contribute $22.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy through tourism, job creation, and local spending.
Zoos provide 208,000 jobs, $8.4 billion in wages, and $650 million in local taxes annually.
In 30 states, a least one zoo or aquarium is in the “Top Five Most Visited Paid Attractions”, Alabama is one of those states.
Zoos attract 183 million visitors annually - 38% more than the combined attendance of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.
Zoos are protecting 230+ endangered species and have already saved over 30 species from extinction.
79% of people feel more positive towards businesses that support zoo conservation efforts, and 66% are more likely to buy from them.
Zoos host over 5,000+ educational programs and engage 12 million students on field trips every year.
700,000 teachers benefit yearly from zoo resources to enhance science education for their students.
Zoo visitors walk 2.5 to 5 miles on average, promoting physical activity and cardiovascular health.
Spending time in nature-rich environments like zoos reduces stress hormones by 20%.
The Numbers
Survey Results
Zoos enjoy strong support in Alabama, with 83% of respondents expressing a favorable opinion and only 3% unfavorable. This approval rate surpasses the 2020 national AZA study, where 70% were favorable and 11% unfavorable. Zoos and aquariums also have a 34% higher net favorability than the NFL, emphasizing their strong positive perception compared to other major organizations.
Support for building a zoo in North Alabama is overwhelmingly positive, with strong backing across Morgan, Madison, and Limestone counties. This aligns with national trends. National Geographic highlights that zoos are essential for biodiversity conservation, offering unique educational and recreational opportunities that foster strong community support.
Nationally, the need for better infrastructure and amenities, like road maintenance and public parks, has become a growing concern. This chart’s reflection of these priorities showcases the public's desire for enhancements in both local amenities and larger infrastructure projects and where the priority for a zoo fits in. Zoos offer a dual benefit by serving as both a public amenity and a catalyst for bringing in funding for infrastructure improvements.
The majority of Alabama respondents would visit a zoo at least once a year, with almost 48.5% planning to visit at least five times annually if there were one close by. These findings highlight the consistent public interest in zoos both locally and nationally. Zoo visits generate approximately $600M annually to field conservation efforts, making zoos one of the largest contributors to wildlife conservation globally.
Zoos are very high contributors of quality-of-life benefits as reported nationally. Educational opportunities are consistently cited as one of the top benefits. This chart highlights eight key benefits and their significance to Alabamians. These aspects of zoo operations help illustrate why zoos are seen not only as attractions but as vital institutions contributing to societal well-being both locally and globally.
Master Plan Concept: Shaping the Future of the North Alabama Zoo
The North Alabama Zoo's Master Plan Concept is the conceptual blueprint for creating a world-class destination focused on education, recreation, and community engagement. Once funding is secured, a detailed Master Plan will be developed to solidify these concepts into actual buildings, walkways, bathrooms, and more placing them where they will truly go. The zoo will be developed in phases, with Phase 1 being our immediate focus. Future phases will introduce exciting new areas based on the list below, expanding our ability to serve the community with diverse and engaging experiences.
Key Areas of the Zoo
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Cosmic Jungle – A one-of-a-kind experience highlighting animals that have contributed to space exploration.
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Alabama Natives – Showcasing native wildlife from the Tennessee River Valley to the Gulf Coast and providing educational insights into the region’s biodiversity, along with interactive opportunities with domestic animals.
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Yellowstone National Park Zone – A fully immersive area inspired by the beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone.
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Asia, Africa, and Australia Zones – Large exhibits featuring wildlife from around the world, offering diverse and engaging learning experiences.
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Aquarium – A stunning aquatic display featuring penguins, fish, and other marine creatures.
Phase 1: The Foundation
In the first phase, we will establish the key areas of the Cosmic Jungle, Alabama Natives, Australia, and the Education & Conservation Campus. Essential visitor amenities, including the Guest Arrival Plaza with fountains and the Market & Entertainment Zone with shops, will also be built. This phase will lay the groundwork for future growth, such as core infrastructure and service roads.
Amenities and Attractions
The zoo will offer a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring a full-day experience for families and visitors. Additionally, perimeter jogging and biking trails will provide recreational activities beyond traditional zoo exhibits.
As each phase is completed, the North Alabama Zoo will continue to grow, becoming a top destination for education, family fun, and economic development in the region.
A Vision for the Future: The North Alabama Zoo at the Heart of a World-Class Destination
The North Alabama Zoo is more than just a place to see incredible wildlife; it’s has grown to be the heart of a larger vision of community leaders and businesses that will bring vibrant growth, economic opportunity, and new attractions to the region. As the cornerstone of this vision, the zoo will serve as a regional anchor, drawing in businesses, destinations, and recreational facilities that will transform the area into a bustling hub of community activity, tourism, and family fun.
Several developers and businesses have already expressed their eagerness to come to the area once the first shovel of dirt for zoo has been dug, and with it, the future of North Alabama will unfold in exciting ways. This site concept is a vision based on the responses we have received so far and we continue to get new ones. Imagine not just a zoo, but a much larger ecosystem of attractions, including:
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Sports and Recreation Centers: Travel sports and large tournaments play a significant role in today’s family activities. With facilities including soccer fields, softball/baseball complexes, tennis/pickleball courts, and an indoor sports complex for swimming, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and more, the area will offer sporting families everything they need for a premier recreational experience.
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Themed Attractions and Hotels: World-class hotels, a including themed indoor waterpark lodge connected with the zoo's African Savannah and wellness retreats, will allow visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
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Entertainment Zones and Conference Centers: From live shows and restaurants in the Entertainment Zone to business events at the state-of-the-art Conference Center, the surrounding area will cater to both tourists and local professionals.
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Green Spaces and Trails: The zoo and surrounding areas will be connected by lush parks, clear ponds, and trails, perfect for walking, biking, and relaxing amidst nature. These green spaces will offer visitors a peaceful retreat, whether they're exploring the grounds or simply enjoying the fresh air.
This project isn’t just about the zoo—it’s about creating a thriving community. By supporting the North Alabama Zoo, you're not only investing in conservation and education but also ensuring that North Alabama becomes a premier destination for visitors, businesses, and residents alike, ultimately improving the area's quality of life through economic growth.
