Plan an Exciting Day at the Birmingham Zoo

On your next visit to Birmingham, Alabama, you won’t want to miss the Birmingham Zoo.  This 122-acre zoo is home to approximately 250 species of animals, including several endangered species from around the world.  

There are many different themed exhibits at the Birmingham Zoo, including seasonal displays such as the Native Butterfly Encounter.  There is a bird exhibit with a huge variety of some 300 birds.  You can see flamingos, colorful macaws, cranes and vultures among many other types of birds.  An interactive Lorikeet exhibit is available daily, as is a Pelican feeding demonstration.  

Another popular daily show is the new Sea Lion Splash Show.  There are two new sea lions at the Birmingham Zoo, and pool shows are held twice a day.  The African-style Savannah Safari area of the zoo houses lions, zebras, kudu and of course, giraffes.  A Giraffe Encounter special exhibition is available weekends.  

Other popular exhibits at the Birmingham Zoo include the Pachyderm area housing rhinos, hippos and elephants, and the Ferocious Felines exhibit in the Predator building.  There you can see a white Bengal Tiger and other predator cats.

 If you love reptiles, you won’t want to miss the Reptile House which features unusual and large species of snakes such as boas and pythons.  You can also see Komodo Dragons and turtles. The Birmingham Zoo is home to a variety of Primates, including massive western lowland gorillas, tiny tamarins, lemurs and also gibbons.  

The newest exhibit to be added to the Birmingham Zoo in April of 2008 is Kangaroo Kountry featuring animals native to Australia.  You can see birds, reptiles, amphibians, wallabies and red kangaroos.  A public walk-way through the exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to view kangaroos up close.  

Children as well as adults will enjoy spending time at the Junior League of Birmingham - Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo. There is a stream with fish, a Carousel and play fountain, and boarding area for train rides throughout the Zoo.  Goat wagon rides are available seasonally.  A display of animals native to Alabama such as bald eagles, opossum, otters and venomous snakes is also included in this area.

Visitors to the Birmingham Zoo will enjoy shopping at the Gift Shops, and there are a variety of dining areas for food and snacks at the Zoo.  An Accessibility Guide is available at the Visitor Services station to assist individuals with physical challenges in planning their day.  Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the Gift Shop near the entrance to the Birmingham Zoo.

To plan your visit to Birmingham Zoo, visit BirminghamZoo.com and download a map of the Zoo.  You can also access a listing of animals currently on display, as well as directions to the Zoo.