It’s been some years back when the Birmingham Zoo came into existence with its first exhibit of the Monkey Island in 1955. Out of the very meager funding of $250,000 in only a 50-acre piece of land, now rose the ultramodern Birmingham Zoo. Who would say that this was once in the brink of collapse? That aside from the very small budget from where it started, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association pulled its accreditation from the zoo almost putting its humble beginning to an end?

Good thing that with Mayor Richard Arrington’s coordination with some of the community leaders, a new set of board was established converting the zoo into a private non-profit organization. As of now, there are more than 800 animals permanently housed in the zoo. It also accommodated a string of travelling animals like koalas, bats and penguins. Its accreditation from AZA was also regained and in fact, Birmingham Zoo now is considered as one of the most renowned zoos of United States.

With this brighter horizon for the Birmingham Zoo, the plan to hold various new exhibits was designed. It includes the Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo which aims to educate children of domestic and foreign species. All kinds of animals from all over the 6 continents in the entire world are permanently sheltered in the zoo. Reptiles, mammals, birds and everything can be found at the Birmingham Zoo. There are also endangered species like the bald eagle of which maturing chicks will soon be freed in the wilderness since conservation and rehabilitation is one of the objectives of the zoo.

Another sight to behold is the Sea Lion feeding at 10:30 to 3:00 daily. Keep an eye at how these marine animals jump, dive, splash and dance. Have a stop at the educational show of the Zoo’s Alligator Keeper as he introduced you to all gators and reptiles around. Don’t you find it fun and exciting? Indeed, it is!

Take also the chance to drive by the 200-mile road to Harmony Park Wildlife Refuge where a number of wandering animals, from buffalos to llamas, are present in this open-range zoo. You will truly get awestruck with this spectacle!

The history of the foundation of the Birmingham Zoo is but one of a kind. From the point of closure because of insufficient financial resources, now it becomes one of the most visited attractions of Alabama. Despite all odds, the zoo’s programs always upswing year after year, from community works to conservation plans and educational programs as well. Support such an institution. See for yourself the awe-inspiring place of the Birmingham Zoo.