The Birmingham Zoo Receives $1 Million for Capital Campaign

The Birmingham Zoo was awarded a $1 million grant from the Hugh Kaul Foundation for the Zoo’s Capital Campaign to name the Hugh Kaul plaza to be located inside the front entrance. Funds for the Capital Campaign will go toward an Asian Passage exhibit and a new arrival experience. The Asian Passage will feature orangutans, tigers and other Asian species. The plans for the new arrival experience include a new front entry, community park area and plazas.

In addition, generous major gift donations to the Zoo’s Asian Passage and new arrival experience include $7.5 million from the City of Birmingham, municipal support including leadership and support from Mayor William Bell and several private donors. Full support and participation from the Board, the Zoo family and staff have helped to raise $10.1 million toward the Zoo’s $15 million Capital Campaign fundraising goal.

Chairman of the Birmingham Zoo Board of Directors, Jesse Vogtle, Jr. says, “The Zoo Board and staff are so appreciative to the City of Birmingham’s Mayor and Council for contributing the $7.5 million necessary to encourage other private donors like Hugh Kaul Foundation to make this Capital Campaign a success. The public-private partnership that exists at the Birmingham Zoo really is working to make our facility a world-class attraction for all to enjoy!”

Sam Yates of the Hugh Kaul Foundation commented, “The Hugh Kaul Foundation is proud to join the City of Birmingham and other donors, in supporting this great community and worldclass attraction. The Birmingham Zoo will continue to provide our youth with exceptional education and serve as a vibrant magnet for our citizens to enjoy!”

The Zoo also recently received grants for $500,000 from the Linn-Henley Charitable Trust, $300,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, $300,000 from the Tom and Julia Crawford Foundation and $10,000 from the Walker Area Community Foundation.

Birmingham Zoo CEO and President, Dr. William R. Foster, says “We are incredibly grateful to the Hugh Kaul Foundation for their continued support. This is an exciting time for the Birmingham Zoo and the community. The Zoo’s transformation would not be possible without the support of the community and our donors.”

Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under two-years-old receive free admission.

Press Release