Birmingham Zoo Receives Grant for New Komodo Dragon Exhibit and Names Campaign Chair

The Birmingham Zoo was recently awarded a grant from AutoTec, LLC for the Zoo’s Capital Campaign to fund the new Komodo dragon exhibit in the new Asian Passage. The Komodo dragon is one of several new animal exhibits to be included in the Asian Passage. The Zoo also announces F. Dixon Brooke, Jr., as its Campaign Chair. Brooke, retired CEO of EBSCO, says, “We are grateful to AutoTec for their gift, as it enables an important and exciting new animal exhibit while enhancing the Zoo’s education initiatives.”

AutoTec companies provide insurance, credentialing, vehicle history, vehicle inspection and claims administration services to a many automotive companies. Director of Business Development for AutoTec, Charlie Adams, says, “AutoTec is proud to have been a part of the Birmingham community for over 100 years and we recognize what an asset the Zoo is for our 130 employees and their families. We are thrilled to be a part of promoting the Zoo’s mission through the new Asian Passage exhibit and look forward to working with Bill Foster and his team on this next phase in our Zoo’s growth.”

To date, the Zoo has raised $12.3 million of its $15 million goal. In light of this initial success, Dixon Brooke would like to challenge the community to “stretch” this goal to $18 million to build out Phase 2 of the Asian Passage, which will include a new tiger exhibit. “In view of the initial success of our Campaign, this stretch goal will make it possible for the Zoo to accelerate development of the $2.5 million tiger exhibit, bringing joy to countless numbers of visitors in the years to come,” says Brooke.

Press Release