Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Your Spice Destination: Tikka Nation!
Tikka Nation Tikka Nation
101
I like visiting different American cities and it is always nice when the city has a zoo. I say that because, with two teenage girls, zoos are the one attraction that we can all agree to visit. On a recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama, we had several hours before our flight from the local airport, and it was just the amount of time we needed to visit the Birmingham Zoo. We arrived at the zoo around noon and, fortunately for us, it wasn’t very crowded and we didn’t have any trouble finding a place to park. Walking inside, we decided to forgo using a map and started to visit the different animals based on whatever caught our attention. We continued to go from one section to the next until we had covered everything, which took less than two hours. The Birmingham Zoo is staffed by friendly folks and even though it wasn’t that crowded overall, there were lots of kids present, many of them from local summer schools, apparently. It was great to see so many happy children making their way from one animal exhibit to the next and learning about the different species. Zoos are great fun and great education for young people and it was nice to see so many youngsters soaking up the scenery and learning about the creatures that inhabit our planet. There were a fair number of animal exhibits that were closed, so we were a little disappointed in that respect. We also noticed that some of the areas, while clean, were in disrepair and this was most evident with the indoor exhibits. We also noticed that the Birmingham Zoo does have a train that will take you from place to place, for an added fee. We decided to keep walking, but it is good to know that this option is there, for those who need it. The animals on display at the Birmingham Zoo seemed to be well taken care of and while this zoo isn’t as large as others I have visited, it proved worth the investment of time and money. It is very close to the airport- only about 7 miles away- and thus made for a nice excursion before flying home. I recommend a visit if you find yourself in the Birmingham area.
Great Beer NowGreat Beer Now
10
Been coming here since I was a child in the 90s and it's still as big & fun as I remember. The elephant habitat was beautiful and the elephants were interactive and enjoyed eating their snacks off the ground in front of us. The entire place was clean and well kept. My favorite part of the grounds is the giant Wisteria canopy that was in full bloom when we went in early spring. It was breathtakingly beautiful and made the whole area smell amazing. Most of the animals were sleepy on the day that we visited so there wasn't much action but that's to be expected. They have a pretty cool swamp for their reptiles. Use discretion if you have any autistic children as the crowd was pretty closely packed in the indoor habitats at times, but we were allowed to roam free throughout the zoo without needing to follow a group or guide. The only real complaints that we had are regarding the parking situation and the concessions/food options. Parking was a nightmare, we ended up having to just pick a random spot close to the parking area and go with it. This zoo does not allow outside food or drink, yet the restaurant with the outdoor dining area didn't provide a great experience at all. We waited over 40 minutes after placing an order for a burger and fries and ended up just having to get a refund and keep it moving as we were just so tired of waiting. Not to mention the prices of the menu items are way too high. It was also like $20 to rent a stroller which is ridiculous when you can go purchase a new stroller at a department store for the same price. They even charge you to feed the animals which is insane. I could understand paying a few quarters for a handful of feed like at other places, but come on. There is a substantial discount for children and for families on EBT which is awesome, but they'll charge you for every tiny thing on top of the entrance fees, so be prepared for that.
Brittany SimzakBrittany Simzak
10
We visited the zoo on a Wednesday morning during our summer vacation. We arrived one hour after opening. The lot was probably half full. No waiting at any of the ticket booths out front. They no longer have paper maps, which is great for the environment but not practical for those that don't want to kill thier cell phone battery using GPS to easily navigate the digital map they offer. Tickets were pricey...$14+tax for kids under 12. $19 plus tax for adults. We had a discount on one adult ticket as the person buying the tickets had a military I.D. Usually places give a military discount across the entire purchase, but they only gave it on his particular ticket. Once inside, my children's excitement (and mine) quickly began to wane. One exhibit after another and no animals. We immediately went to see the elephants and there were only zookeepers there cleaning. Went on to the rhino cage and there was none there (exhibit being built). We went to the trail for local animals and no bears, despite a bear icon being shown on the map. Went through the primate exhibit and at least 3 of the animals were not there. Went into the reptile exhibit and the main attraction, the Komodo Dragon, was not there. There were no tigers, hyenas, hippos, chimpanzees or many of the other big animals you would expect to see in African/Asian habitat areas of a zoo. We stayed for a little over 2 hours and after circling back a couple times, we were finally able to see the elephants right before we left at least. We bought the kids drinks to beat the summer heat, a 20 ounce soda and a Powerade. These two drinks were just over $9. I assume these high prices for tickets, beverages, etc are to help with the high cost of maintaining so many big animals, however the high cost to the customer should also mean more effort should be put into providing a good experience. For example, couldn't the zookeepers have cleaned the habitat BEFORE the zoo opened? Elephants, lions, tigers, etc are the main attractions...they should be available to view by opening time as a rule considering the high prices. No one wants to visit a zoo, pay high prices, walk around in the heat, only to leave without seeing the animals they came for. I would not recommend this zoo.
PhillippiaPhillippia
50
I remember going to the Birmingham Zoo as a kid and being amazed at all the different animals in their habitats. It was such a treat to go and I enjoyed myself immensely. I have such fond memories and wanted to do my part in supporting the zoo when I became an adult. I purchased a membership right away and take my children regularly. However, lately the zoo seems to be in terrible shape. Of course when you walk in, it looks newly redone, but the exhibits themselves look awful or are closed most of the time. We went today, and I took more photos of different sections being blocked or roped off than actual animals. Then, when you do see an animal it is through filthy glass or plastic shields. The reptile and feline areas are disgraceful. There has been an awful job done boarding up and patching instead of remodeling it. I purchased train tickets just so we could have something to do today. But even that was disappointing. There is more trash or storage than animals being seen. I don't understand. Even what I was told originally when gifted our first membership has changed. The facility is no longer open year long, except for holidays. I have to make sure it's not a Monday or Tuesday and then pray we get to see anything before closing at 4 p.m. The coupons I recieved are worthless. The parakeet house is under construction and the giraffe feedings are hardly ever being offered. The carousel Is still being refurbished and the camel rides are no longer available. I am all about preserving wildlife and protecting different species. But I do not see much of that being administered according to the state of the place. I feel awful for a lot of the creatures, and my kids were upset by how most of them looked -- when actually seen. It was a very sad trip and makes me question if I want to keep investing money into something that holds no value or little benefit.
Lea DavisLea Davis
110
The Birmingham Zoo is a delightful destination for families, animal enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a day immersed in wildlife conservation and education. Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, this well-maintained zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural habitats and behaviors of its inhabitants. One of the standout features of the Birmingham Zoo is its layout, which is thoughtfully designed to make your visit both enjoyable and educational. The animal exhibits are spacious and naturalistic, allowing you to observe the animals in environments that closely mimic their wild habitats. From the majestic African elephants and fierce lions in the Trails of Africa to the playful sea lions at the Sea Lion Splash Show, each exhibit is a window into a different world. The zoo’s commitment to conservation is evident throughout your visit, with informative signage and interactive displays that educate visitors about the wildlife and the zoo’s efforts in global conservation initiatives. The staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to share interesting facts and answer questions, which enhances the learning experience. For younger visitors, the Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of engaging activities such as the Children’s Zoo, where kids can get up close with farm animals and explore nature through hands-on experiences. The carousel and train rides add a touch of whimsy to the day, making it a hit among the little ones. With its wide array of exhibits and dedication to providing a safe and engaging environment for learning about nature and wildlife, the Birmingham Zoo is more than just a place to see animals. It’s a place where visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of the natural world, making it a must-visit for anyone in or traveling to Birmingham.
mahmoud Amahmoud A
20
Nearby Attractions Of Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Breakout Games
Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection
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Sanders Jewelry
Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers
Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Public Library
Botanical Place
Ant The Jeweler & Co.
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Post Office Pies Mountain Brook
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Davenport's Pizza Palace - Mtn Brook
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Map
Phone
(205) 879-0409
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Website
birminghamzoo.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.3
(3.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological park that opened in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 organization, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, participating in AZA Species Survival Plans.
attractions: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Breakout Games, Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection, ABC Select Spirits, Sanders Jewelry, Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Public Library, Botanical Place, Ant The Jeweler & Co., restaurants: Post Office Pies Mountain Brook, Davenport's Pizza Palace - Mtn Brook, CHOP N FRESH, Charbar no. 7, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Mtn. Brook, Continental Bakery, Brick & Tin Mountain Brook, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Mexico Lindo Restaurant, Habitat Feed & Social
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