Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham Zoo’s 122 acres (49 hectares) is home to around 700 animals representing 230 species from around the world, including lions, rhinos, and jaguars, as well as birds, including flamingos and roadrunners. While getting up close with beasts big and small, you can also learn about how the zoo takes care of them and how it supports the conservation of endangered species.
Birmingham Zoo has a daily schedule of activities, including animal feedings and a variety of talks led by zoo keepers. On certain days throughout the year, the zoo also has special educator-led animal encounters, which visitors can book online in advance. You can save money on admission by purchasing a Birmingham area multi-attraction pass, which includes the zoo.
Admission is discounted for children, seniors, students, first responders, military members, and Alabama residents who receive SNAP benefits. Children under two get in for free.
The zoo is wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs can be rented at the gift shop.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Pets, outside food, and feeding the animals are all prohibited.
Birmingham Zoo is located on the southern side of Alabama city, south of US 280/31. It’s a 10-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham, or 45 minutes through a combination of bus and walking—the closest bus stop is a 30-minute walk away. From Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, it’s around 15 minutes by car to the zoo.
Birmingham Zoo is open from Wednesday through Sunday year-round, with opening hours from morning until early evening. The zoo is typically at its busiest on weekends and during school holidays. Check the online calendar for details of scheduled daily activities and special events.
The zoo is known for its efforts in elephant conservation and is the only US facility home to an all-male herd of African elephants. This provides valuable opportunities to study the behavior of these elephants, which can be very difficult to do in the wild.
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