Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Zoo

 

 

Birmingham Zoo

Going to the Birmingham Zoo is one of our favorite things to do in Birmingham. We could stay all day here (and we have!). There are so many animals to see and lots of extra activities to keep kiddos busy and entertained.

 

The Birmingham Zoo is currently under some renovations. Here is a current map showing the new entrance and location of the animals and activities.

Above Photo via

 

You know you’re almost there when you see this sign…

 

The Birmingham Zoo has several animal exhibits including:

 

• Alligator Swamp
• Bird Aviaries
• Camel Rides
• Cassowary Exhibit
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Lorikeet Interactive Feeding and Observation Aviary
• Macaw Plaza
• Predator Building
• Predator Zone
• Primate Building
• Reptile Building
• Sea Lions and Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show
• Secretary Birds
• Tortoise Yard
• Waterfowl Ponds
• Wildlife Stage
• Boma Interactive and Experience Yard
• Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
• Main Elephant Yard
• Pachyderm Building
• Savannah Hoofstock Yards
• Alabama Barn
• Alabama Wilds
• Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail
• The Corral (goat petting area)
• Granny’s Butterfly House
• Granny’s Goose Patch

 

 

In addition to all of the animals at the Birmingham Zoo, there are a few play areas and a splash pad for the kiddos in the summertime. There are also lots of extra activities that are not included in the price of admission. You can pay for these activities individually or you can purchase a wristband for the kiddos to ride the train, carousel, and slide as many times as they would like. There is also giraffe feeding, lorikeet feedings, camel rides, and a zip line all at an additional cost.

 

Red Diamond Express Train Ride

Riding the Train is always a highlight of visiting the zoo. The kids enjoy the ride and seeing all of the animals throughout the zoo.

9am – 4:45pm — Every Day

Cost: $3.50

 

Protective Life Carousel Rides

 

The kiddos love picking their favorite animal and riding the carousel.

Cost: $3.50

 

 

Play Fountain & Bubble Bath

 

It was too cold to play in the Play Fountain/Splash Pad (we visited in March during Spring Break). I found a few pictures from one of our visits a few summers ago. The splash pad is included with admission. I suggest bringing a swimsuit, change of clothes, and towel. The kiddos won’t be able to resist playing here.

There is also a Bubble Bath play area in the summertime. It costs extra. There is a sitting area with tables and chairs (near the Kudzoo Café) and it is under a nice pergola. It’s a nice way to cool off, especially in the hot summer months.

There is also a play area here near the splash pad:

 

 

 

Birds

Above: American Flamingo at the Flamingo Lagoon

There are several bird species including the African Ground Hornbill, Double-Wattled Cassowary, Great Horned Owl, and Kori Bustard. See the list of all birds at The Birmingham Zoo HERE.

 

 

 

Full Moon BBQ Wild Slide

Cost: $3.50

Riders must be 4 years of age and 40 inches tall to ride the slide

 

 

Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Feeding

 

There is a little area where you can enter to feed the Lorikeets. The nectar can be purchased here for $1.65 per cup.

 

 

The Alligator Swamp

 

 

 

Red Diamond Sea Lion Show

Above photo via

This is a really cute show. These Californian Sea Lions are really talented and have the best personalities.

 

 

Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure

Above photo via

$12 (plus tax) – Member
$15 (plus tax) – Non-member*

 

 

 

Camel Rides

Open Spring and Summer

The Zoo also has Camel Rides for $5.50

 

 

Granny’s Butterfly House

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Included in Admission price

 

 

 

Trails of Africa

The Trails of Africa includes the Boma Yard/Elephants, The Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, and an area with Rhinos and Hippos. The Safari Hut Café and a small play area are located in this area.

 

Above:  The Boma Yard with  African Elephants

 

Photo Above: Southern White Rhinoceros

 

 

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter & Feeding

 

 

9:30am – 11:30am — Every Day
1pm – 3pm — Every Day

Cost: $3 plus tax

Weather Permitting

 

Safari Café and Play Area

 

 

 

 

 

The Corral

 

 

The kids were able to pet some goats at The Corral.

 

 

The Alabama Wilds

 

Alabama Wilds is a wooden walkway through a wooded area and showcases animals native to Alabama. There are Black Bears, Sea Otters, Foxes, and lots of varieties of birds. This is also where the zip line is located.

 

 

 

Above photo via

The path leads to a rock ledge and a waterfall where we watched the otters play

 

 

We didn’t see any bears on the day we visited. I think they were hiding from us.

 

 

 

The Alabama Barn

 

 

 

 

The Predator Zone

Above: Ostrich

 

Photo Above: Grant’s Zebras

 

Above:  Khan the Jaguar

 

 

 

Primates

Above:  I really wanted to talk about the meaning of life with this DeBrazza’s Monkey, but he wasn’t having it.

 

Photo Above:  A momma Sumatran Orangutan and her sweet baby

 

Above: Black-handed Spider Monkeys

 

 

 

Photo Above:  Lemurs

 

Predators

Above:  African Lion

 

Photo Above: Malayan Tiger

 

Above:  Coyote

 

For a list (and some photos) of all the zoo animals click HERE

 

Birmingham Zoo  //  2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223  //  205.879.0409

Birmingham Zoo WEBSITE

 

We had a great time at the Birmingham Zoo as always, and we can’t wait to go back. It’s a great place to spend the day or a few hours with the kiddos. Have you been to the Birmingham Zoo? What was your favorite part? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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