by Amanda Dcosta

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: February 18, 2011

The Birmingham Zoo is a special part of the city of Birmingham in Alabama. This city with its thriving industries, towering skyscrapers, educational institutions, banks, restaurants, clubs, and parks would not be complete without a botanical garden and the famous Birmingham Zoo.

The Birmingham Zoo was created mainly in 1950, although parts of it were constructed much earlier and was not known as The Birmingham Zoo but rather by other names such as Lane Park Cemetery Zoo (as it is constructed on the old Cemetery property) and The Jimmy Morgan Zoo. The earliest collection of animals and birds were few, with no exotic or endangered species and were protected in a fire house. Today the Birmingham Zoo has grown to such extent as to house around 250 species of approximately 750 animals. It covers 122 acres and is famous for its Alligator Swamp, Bird Aviary, Elephant House, Flamingo Lagoon and Butterfly Encounter to name a few.

There are many programs happening at the zoo. Some of the main events are listed below.

# 1. Kangaroo Kountry:

This is an exclusive section for the special Australian collection of animals. You name it, they have it the many reptiles, birds, wallabies, amphibians and various types of grey and red kangaroos. There is also a walk-way that takes you hiking into the bush to help you get a closer view of the inmates of this make-believe Land Down Under. And you've got that right. It is one of the newest sections and if you have visited the zoo earlier this should definitely make you want to visit it again.

# 2. Rhino Encounter:

Should you want to travel way across the globe for an African Safari experience, you need to look no further. Birmingham Zoo has an exclusive program that hosts African themed expeditions out into the wild to witness the world of the Southern White Rhino. This event features twice a day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

# 3. Gorilla Talks:

Daily, at 11 a.m, the zoo hosts special Gorilla programs at the Western Lowland Gorilla Exhibit. This event features Jamie among other gorillas and teaches about the life and health of gorillas all over the world.

# 4. Camel Rides:

This is one of the most adventurous of trips. Sit atop a camel and move around the exhibit, imagining the desert life and the means of transport for many a desert dweller. This event is featured twice daily at 10 a.m. and at 4 p.m. The many tour guides are there to help you.

# 5. Sea Lion Splash Show:

You do not have to be a child to enjoy this. Watch Bart,

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