Families vie to raise money to buy Alvin zoo

ALVIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Several families are vying to purchase a local zoo, and they're hedging their bets on the generosity of strangers.

Multiple GoFundMe campaigns have popped up, all created by different families hoping to raise the $7 million required to purchase the Bayou Wildlife Center outside of Alvin.

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One family runs the Mutt Mesh Animal rescue and wants to merge the zoo with their nonprofit, and another fundraiser would support a single dad trying to live out a certain Matt Damon movie in real life.

Whoever places the winning bid will walk away with control of the zoo and its 500 exotic animals.

VIDEO: Take a virtual tour of the Bayou Wildlife Center

Love the zoo? You now have the chance to have your own wildlife sanctuary. The Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin is up for sale.

The zoo's current owner says the place is perfect for anyone -- he's only selling it because he is 80 and ready to retire.

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