Review: Lemur Experience at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Can’t decide to splurge on the hands-on Lemur Experience at Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo? We share our experience and what to expect when you sign up for this unique Gulf Shores attraction.

From King Julien in Madagascar to Zoboomafoo, ring-tailed lemurs have captured our hearts on and off the screen. That is why, when I saw an opportunity to get up close with these incredible creatures, I knew I had to do it!

Where Is The Experience

The Lemur Experience takes place at Destination Madagascar inside the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The area is accessible to people with disabilities, and a keeper is present throughout the experience.

Address: 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores AL 36542

How Much Does The Lemur Adventure Cost?

The Lemur Adventure costs $24.95 (as of 2026). You will also need to purchase zoo admission at $23.95 and adult, $15.95 for a child (3-12 years old) or $20.95 for Military or seniors (62 & older). That makes your total roughly $50.

How Do I Get Tickets

Tickets are sold at the zoo admission counter on the day of your visit. Since they offer the experience multiple times throughout the day, the chance of them selling out is slim.

How Long Is The Lemur Experience?

The entire experience lasts 15 minutes, which includes feeding, petting, and observing them. While it may seem short, I found it acceptable as the lemurs got bored and went off to groom themselves after the treats were gone.

What To Expect During Your Lemur Experience?

Upon paying for your experience, you will receive a separate ticket that will need to be scanned to be able to get into the lemur exhibit, so guard it carefully.

With life’s obstacles, bathroom breaks, and navigation detours, I recommend aiming to arrive at your lemur adventure about 5 minutes before your scheduled time.

Keepers will greet you, ensure your ticket is valid, and review the rules when you enter the lemurs’ habitat. Being crafty escape artists at times, only the keepers can open and close the doors to prevent a resident lemur from going on their own tour of the zoo.

Once you have entered the land of the lemurs, the keeper will hand you a snack for our furry friends. This haute cuisine may not look appetizing to you, but the lemurs find it irresistible, especially if it has been soaked in water.

With each bite the lemurs take, the keeper tells stories and educational tidbits about the lemurs. Fun fact: they are all older males who use this space as their retirement home, since the ladies on Lemur Island won’t let them eat because they are past their prime.

Know Before You Go: The lemurs have the final say on what happens during this experience. No one is going to force them to come out, to eat, or even be seen. The keeper will try fun tactics, such as offering their favorite treats, but ultimately, the animals have the final say, and we must respect that.

If luck is in your favor, two of the lemurs do enjoy a good back scratch and will happily sit up next to you for a few pets.

After the snack was over and the itch was scratched, our lemur friends ventured to the grass for an afternoon grooming session, where they remained the rest of our visit.

Takeaway: Getting this close to these endangered creatures was magical. With their adorable faces, calm dispositions, and curious natures, I loved watching them interact with the guests and with each other. It saddens me that the illegal pet trade is what brought these guys and most lemurs to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

I Can’t Decide Between the Sloth Encounter or the Lemur Encounter

If you want to get hands-on with an animal than the lemur encounter is for you. I have personally experienced both, and the lemurs are at the top of my list.

An important fact to remember is that the animals control the experience. Sloths are not the most spritely animals and will likely sleep for most of your visit. Do you get up close to a sloth? Yes, but there is a good chance that is the extent of your adventure. You are not allowed to hold the sloths. However, if you are a sloth enthusiast and seeing one up close will make your entire trip, do it!

The lemurs are more active and entertaining as they interact with each other and the guests. If you are choosing one with kids, this is hands-down the one I would pick.

Other Tips For the Lemur Encounter

• You are allowed to bring phones and cameras into the enclosure for pictures.
• If the weather is questionable, call ahead to see if they are offering the experience.
• The Lemur Adventure will not be available if it is stormy weather and lightning is in the area.
• Service animals are not allowed inside the enclosure.
• The keeper has the right to make any last-minute decisions regarding the group visit to make sure it is enjoyable for all guests and the lemurs.
• The enclosure where the encounter happens is shaded, screened, and has a bench.

Looking for more great things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during your visit? Check out these related articles:

The Ultimate Spring Break Guide to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL

31 Things To Do With Kids in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

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