It’s difficult to say that a place that has had its own television show is still a secret, yet you really don’t want to miss an opportunity to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Made famous by Animal Planet’s show “The Little Zoo That Could,” this collection of exotic animals and endangered species has survived four hurricanes and keeps growing stronger. It can feel like a risk to leave the beach for an inland adventure, but families who decide to check out the zoo find it to be fun, affordable, and often the biggest highlight of their vacation. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is educational and interactive, where you can get extra close to some of the animals while learning about them. It’s amazing how the lessons about personal responsibility, when it comes to wildlife conservation, hit home when there’s a lemur sitting on top of your head.