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, Triton and Cecily, the sea lions do their flip show and their comic water moves. And yes, they whisper (listen close), talk, interact and do the flip that gets everyone into squeals of laughter. This is a must visit for every depressing day. These three hilarious sea lions are sure to brighten up your mood.
# 6. Lorikeet Aviary:
Most zoos prevent visitors from feeding the animals, but at the Birmingham Zoo, visitors are invited to feed nectar to the Lorikeets. Experience the suspense, thrill and adventure through the Lorikeet Aviary as these birds sit atop your shoulder or perch on your finger as you walk through.
# 8. Butterfly Encounter:
Admire over twenty species of Alabama's own butterflies fluttering around by the hundreds. This is a 3000 feet botanical exhibit of exotic plants where these butterflies find space to live and be free.
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These are but few of the sections of the zoo. There are corridors and pathways leading to the tigers and lions, the elephants and the monkeys. Birds like the penguins, toucans, African cranes, and animals like the wolves, hippos cheetahs and zebras are a beautiful sight to see.
Apart from those mentioned above, there are special train rides and carousels to liven up the mood. The Children's Zoo is an added attraction and features a lot of educational programs for both kids and adults. Birthday or friendly parties can be hosted here and the barn yard animal petting zone is a big attraction.
If you have not visited the zoo yet, be sure to make plans for a day of fun or a night of camping at the zoo. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to *Boogie With The Beast* at the Formal Dress, late evening dine and dance. Do make these memorable events happen. Be a part of Birmingham.
Birmingham Zoo
2630, Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
Phone: 205-879-0409