McClelland's Zoo

McClellands Zoo - Banks, Alabama #McClellandsZoo #MrMike #WildAnimals #zoo
The month of January by Appointment only
McClellands Zoo can accommodate family reunions, socials, school groups and church groups. We have a gift shop on sight, picnic area and grills available.


Surrounded by overgrown fields and groves of trees, The McClelland's Zoo is easy to miss, which is likely why it has been one of Pike County's best kept secrets for more than 20 years.

McClelland's Zoo got its start as a place for special needs children and adults to visit and interact with the zoo's inhabitants. While it has since expanded into a full scale zoo open to all, McClelland's dedication to helping those with special needs hasn't wavered with time.

"I think time with the animals is the best therapy for any kid," McClelland said. "You should hear how happy the kids are when they're out here with the animals."

Nestled into 70 acres of land located on a remote country road, the zoo is home to more than 75 animals, including monkeys, snakes and 9 big cats. McClelland admitted that the zoo doesn't have the upscale decor and habitats of other zoos in the state, but said McClelland's Zoo gives people the chance to see and interact with the animals up close.

"What's so different about our zoo is you're not 20 or 30 feet away from any animal out here," said McClelland, "I know my cages aren't like the Montgomery Zoo, but they get special funding. My funding is people coming out. I tell people at least give it a try. I make sure everyone has a good time."

While being closer to the animals may make some zoo-goers nervous, McClelland goes out of his way to show patrons just how loving the animals can be.

"When people come out, I do a tour and show them every animal," McClelland said. "It's just an everyday thing for me. These are my babies, and I can go into any of the pins out here. I'm not worried about anything eating me."

McClelland, who is originally from Connecticut, said he first got the idea to start his own zoo while working with the animals at another zoo. While most would have begun the process of opening a zoo by taking on a small endeavor, McClelland wanted to start off with a bang -- or, better yet -- a roar. After becoming state licensed, the McClelland's Zoo's first inhabitant was a lion appropriately named Chaos.

Since then, McClelland has traveled to various zoos across the country to pick up different exotic animals in need of a home. In spite of the time and money required to continue to update and maintain the zoo, McClelland said he would have two of every animal if that was a possibility.

"All of these animals are my kids," said McClelland. "I don't have biological children so these are my babies. Most people will tell you I treat these babies like they're humans because this is my passion. I don't care what type of animal it is, I love all of 'em."

McClelland's Zoo is located at 753 County Road 6618 in Banks, Ala. The zoo is open For the month of January By Appointment only Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children

For more information, visit the

McClelland's Zoo website. http://mcclellandszoo.com

#McClellandsZoo