The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo opened its doors March 14 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Gulf Coast, forcing its closure. The closing of the beaches and shortened spring break hurt many local businesses, including the zoo.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo made a request for the City of Gulf Shores to make the remaining balance of a donation available to cover expenses. During the April 13 Work Session and Regular Council meeting Finance Director Cindy King made a presentation to Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council.

“The zoo requests waiver of the City’s 60-day right to rescind requirement set forth in Section 5.12 (b) of its Trust indenture so to immediately release the zoo’s remaining $625,000 operational reserve balance for operational expenses being incurred during the zoo’s closing during the current COVID-19 pandemic in conjunction with a $1,000,000 City grant,” King said.

 In 2017 the city agreed to give the zoo $1 million within 30 days of the zoo receiving the certificate of completion. The money was to assist with operating expenses once all other resources were exhausted.

 During the presentation it was mention that “the zoo believe it has enough money to last through March and most of April while being closed.”

 According to City documents, the zoo will need the city’s $1 million as well as the $625,000 the zoo borrowed for operating reserves for operating expenses sooner than the 60-day period. The council passes the resolution 4-0 with Steve Jones, member of the zoo’s board of directors abstaining. Councilman Gar Sinak was not present at the April 13 meeting.