GULF SHORES, Ala. — Residents of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo wondered in amazement at the hundreds of children who recently visited their compounds. This planned invasion was a part of the facilities’ annual Zoo Camp. Under the guidance of zoo camp directors Jennifer Holloway and Lisa Murphy, this week-long summer program was held June 23-27 and had 170 campers, ages 3-11.

For the first time in this program’s history, eight scholarships were awarded to local students thanks to a generous $2,500 sponsorship from the Gulf Shores Woman’s Club. With these scholarships, students, who otherwise might have been unable to attend the camp, were able to join in the fun.

Two scholarships were given to each group: the Alabama Sheriffs’ Baldwin County Boys Ranch, Foley Elementary School, Orange Beach Elementary School and Gulf Shores Elementary School.

Also new this year, camp organizers held a T-shirt design contest, where local students were able to submit hand drawn artwork. Of the numerous entries, Caroline White of Orange Beach Elementary won the contest and received $175 zoo dollars, which are redeemable for gift shop merchandise, zoo camp admission fee, annual zoo membership or anything else related to the zoo.

All campers enjoyed learning about the zoo’s inhabitants by moving among stations, each dedicated to a different topic or animal.

They made enrichments for the animals, which were fruit kabobs, bird feeders and treat bags for the primates, in addition to making monkey picture frames, grocery bags, turtle rocks, cat visors and tiger masks. The younger campers enjoyed some of the same age appropriate activities, but did not migrate to the various stations.

In addition to the educational activities, the campers were also treated to presentations from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Coastal Wonders Environmental Education Program, Weeks Bay Reserve and Alligator Alley.

Campers were also treated to a special preview showing of the Tigers of India. This tiger show from the Marcan Tiger Preserve will be at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo until Sept. 23.

“This was the best year ever,” Murphy said. “It is always a delight to see these children learn how to become responsible citizens and good stewards of our natural resources. It is my hope that they all gain a new respect for those animals in nature and in our homes.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Holloway added that “we have been so organized thanks to our influx of 30 counselors, who are all students at local middle and high schools, and worked well with our staff of certified teachers. Without their volunteer efforts, this enriching experience would not have been possible.”

“Zoo Camp continues to grow in popularity every year, and I am so grateful for the camp’s co-directors Holloway and Murphy,” said Patti Hall, zoo director. “Thanks to their hard work, paired with the efforts of all the teachers and counselors, we had the opportunity to provide a fun and educational summer camp for these students.”

The zoo is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admits the last guest at 3:30.

Admission is $10 for adults (ages 13-54), $8 for seniors (55+) and $7 for children (ages 3-12). Children 2 years of age and under are admitted free of charge.

For more information, call (251) 968-5731, or visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.