Birmingham Zoo

Alabama's only AZA-accredited zoo

The Birmingham Zoo sits on 122 acres at the southern foot of Red Mountain and is home to more than 550 animals representing about 180 species from six continents. Headline habitats include Trails of Africa - a multi-acre exhibit anchored by a bachelor herd of African elephants alongside giraffes, zebras and rhinoceroses - and the Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo, which focuses on Alabama's urban, rural and wild wildlife. Visiting families also get interactive moments like the lorikeet feeding aviary, giraffe encounters and seasonal sea lion shows.

Programs for kids and families

The zoo's education team runs a deep slate of family programming. Zoo Camp serves kids ages 5-12 in week-long sessions over summer and school breaks, with daily themes built around live animal encounters, behind-the-scenes visits and hands-on craft stations. Older students (ages 13-15) can step up to the Conservation and Careers track, which pairs them with zookeepers to learn how an AZA-accredited facility actually operates. Add-on experiences include Homeschool at the Zoo classes, ZooSchool preschool sessions, Scout badge workshops, Sunset Safaris and the overnight Zoo Snooze for families and groups.

Planning a visit

The zoo is open year-round (with some weather closures) and offers reduced winter hours. It is an easy drive from downtown Birmingham, with on-site parking, stroller and wagon rentals, food service and an accessible main path that loops most exhibits. As the only AZA-accredited zoo in Alabama, it participates in Species Survival Plans for endangered animals and runs ongoing conservation education tied to its exhibits.