Birmingham Zoo: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Alabama

4.3 (7984)

Explore wildlife from around the world at the Birmingham Zoo, a conservation leader and family-friendly destination in Alabama.

Home
Alabama
Cahaba River
Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo, home to over 550 animals from around the globe, offers an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From its humble beginnings in a firehouse to its current sprawling 122-acre site, the zoo has grown into a leading conservation and recreation destination in Alabama [2, 3].

A brief summary to Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, Redmont Park, Alabama, 35223, US
Click to display
Click to display

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

Local tips

Arrive early, especially during the summer, to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit [4].
Check the zoo's daily schedule for show and feeding times to enhance your experience [4].
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking [17].
Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry [4].
Visit during the week for a more relaxed atmosphere [4].

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A Green Oasis

Breakout Games - Birmingham

Breakout Games - Birmingham: Escape the Ordinary

Samuel Ullman Museum

Samuel Ullman Museum: A Homage to Youthful Ideals

Getting There

Driving

The Birmingham Zoo is located at 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223 [25]. From downtown Birmingham, take US-31 S/US-280 E. Follow US-280 E to Cahaba Rd. Take the Cahaba Road exit. Follow Cahaba Rd to the zoo. Parking is available in the zoo's parking lot [17]. Parking fees are not explicitly stated, checking with the zoo is recommended [10].
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve the Birmingham Zoo [13, 22]. Check the MAX Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information [22]. From the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Central Station, you can take Route 43 to the Zoo/Botanical Gardens [22]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [22].
Ride Share

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach the Birmingham Zoo. From downtown Birmingham, a ride typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Confirm the fare before you book your ride.

Discover more about Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo, nestled at the foot of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, has been a beloved attraction since its opening in 1955 [2, 3]. Starting as a small menagerie, the zoo has evolved into a 122-acre home for over 550 animals representing 180 species from six continents [3]. The zoo is divided into distinct areas, each offering a unique glimpse into different ecosystems. The Main Zoo features diverse exhibits like the Flamingo Lagoon, Predator Building, and Reptile Building [4]. The Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo offers younger visitors a chance to explore Alabama's native wildlife, with areas like the Alabama Barn and the Black Bear Trail [3, 4]. Trails of Africa showcases African elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more in a dynamic and immersive setting [2]. Beyond its exhibits, the Birmingham Zoo is committed to conservation efforts, participating in AZA Species Survival Plans and supporting local and global conservation projects [2, 9, 11, 15]. The zoo also provides various educational programs, including wildlife shows and interactive experiences, to connect visitors with the natural world [4, 9]. With its diverse animal collection, beautiful landscapes, and dedication to conservation, the Birmingham Zoo offers a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit [11].