The Birmingham Zoo is Alabama’s must-see attraction, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually. Approximately 800 animals of 200 species call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, rhinos and endangered species from six continents.
In 1999, the Birmingham Zoo became an independent not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. In the short time following this privatization, the Birmingham Zoo has hosted traveling exhibits of bats, Koalas and Black-Footed Penguins, added permanent exhibits of a Komodo Dragon and interactive lorikeet aviary and regained accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Most notably, the Zoo completed the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo, a $15 million anchor exhibit dedicated to children and devoted to urban, rural and wild animals and environs of Alabama, in April 2005 to coincide with the Zoo’s 50th birthday celebration.
The Birmingham Zoo is uniquely poised to blaze new trails in the history of elephant conservation. The forces of expertise and opportunity are aligned perfectly for the advancement of elephant conservation. Opened on April 21, 2011, this new exhibit, “Trails of Africa”, designates the Birmingham Zoo as a national leader in the care and conservation of threatened elephants. The Zoo is embarking on a bold new initiative, one that is intended to set new benchmarks for the care and breeding of elephants in the United States. Visitors can experience, explore, and become educated on the new and existing animals and their expanded exhibit areas.
Trails of Africa is designed to be a mixed-species exhibit featuring a bachelor elephant herd, red river hogs, rhinos, and much more. Trails of Africa also includes ground and aerial observation opportunities providing education and entertainment to hundreds of thousands of visitors who will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.
With its botanical and cultural immersion-themed motif, Trails of Africa is creating an immediate impact as a prestigious, world-class community asset. It is an economic engine for growth and tourism, and a science and ecology hub for primary schools. Trails of Africa is a place where adults and children alike can observe African wildlife and, in the process, become enamored with the charm of many different species; they will also be enlightened about the plight of endangered animals and inspired to support global wildlife conservation efforts.
To view a complete list of the Zoo’s Board of Directors, Junior Board and Senior Management visit the links below.
