Birmingham Zoo, Blount Mountain Travel Guide

4.3 (8165)

Discover wildlife from around the globe at the Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's premier zoological park, offering fun and education for the whole family.

The Birmingham Zoo, home to over 550 animals from 180 species, offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From its humble beginnings in a firehouse menagerie to its current status as Alabama's only AZA-accredited zoo, it's a testament to Birmingham's commitment to wildlife conservation [2, 3]. Explore diverse habitats, encounter fascinating creatures, and create lasting memories [2].

A brief summary to Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, Redmont Park, Alabama, 35223, US
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Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Birmingham Zoo.

Arrive early, especially during the summer or on weekends, to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit [4].
Check the zoo's daily schedule for animal feedings, shows, and other special events [4, 8, 10].
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking [4].
Bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Water fountains are available throughout the park [19].
Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry [4].

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Explore Birmingham Zoo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Birmingham Zoo, mapped for you.

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Getting There

Driving

The Birmingham Zoo is located at 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. From downtown Birmingham, take US-31 S/US-280 E. Follow US-280 E to Cahaba Rd. Take the Cahaba Road exit. Continue on Cahaba Rd to the zoo. Parking is available in the zoo's parking lot [24, 25]. Parking availability may be limited on weekends and during special events [24]. Expect to pay for parking, though specific rates may vary [13].
Public Transport

MAX Transit operates bus routes that serve the Birmingham Zoo [18, 26, 28]. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. Several bus lines stop near the Birmingham Zoo, including the 280, 31, and 90 [18]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [18].
Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham. Request a ride to the Birmingham Zoo at 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. The cost of a ride will vary depending on the distance and time of day, but a typical ride from downtown Birmingham may cost between $15 and $25 [15].

Discover more about Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo, nestled at the foot of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, has been a beloved destination for wildlife enthusiasts since its opening on April 2, 1955 [2, 3, 7]. Starting as a small collection of animals housed in a firehouse, the zoo has grown into a 122-acre park accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) [2, 3].Today, the Birmingham Zoo is home to over 550 animals representing 180 species from six continents [2, 3]. Visitors can explore various themed areas, including the Trails of Africa, which showcases African elephants, giraffes, and zebras [2]. The Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo offers interactive exhibits designed for younger guests, while the Reptile Building and Primate Building house a diverse collection of fascinating creatures [3, 4].The zoo's history is intertwined with the city's development. In its early days, the zoo was known as the Jimmy Morgan Zoo, named after a key supporter, Mayor James R. Morgan [2, 3, 7, 9]. Over the years, the zoo has faced challenges, including financial difficulties that led to privatization in the late 1990s [2]. However, through strong community leadership and dedicated staff, the zoo regained its AZA accreditation and continues to thrive [2].The Birmingham Zoo is not just a place to see animals; it's also a center for conservation and education [11, 16]. The zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plans (SSP) to protect endangered species and works with local and global partners on conservation projects [2, 16, 20]. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the zoo aims to inspire a passion for conserving the natural world [11, 16].