Birmingham Zoo Receives Additional $1 Million and Selects Architect for Capital Campaign Projects

The Birmingham Zoo was awarded $1,000,000 from the Robert R. Meyer Foundation for the Zoo’s Capital Campaign to name the new outdoor orangutan exhibit. Elmer B. Harris, a member of the Robert R. Meyer Foundation Advisory Committee, says, “The Birmingham Zoo is a community asset, and the Robert R. Meyer Foundation is pleased to support the new outdoor orangutan exhibit. We strongly consider investments like this for the long-term growth and development of the community.” The Capital Campaign plans include a new Asian Passage exhibit and a new arrival experience. The Asian Passage will feature orangutans, tigers and other Asian species. Plans for the new arrival experience include a new front entry, park area and plazas.

To date, the Birmingham Zoo has received $11.6 million towards its $15 million Capital Campaign goal. Birmingham Zoo’s immediate past Chairman, Jesse Vogtle, says, “We are very grateful to The Robert R. Meyer Foundation for their generous support and we’re excited about their involvement with naming the outdoor orangutan exhibit. With the partnership and support of the Zoo’s donors and the City of Birmingham, we’re able to work together to further the Zoo’s mission and positively impact the community.”

The Zoo has selected Torre Design Consortium, Ltd., a New Orleans-based multi-disciplinary architecture firm with an emphasis on zoological facilities, as the architect for projects related to the new Asian Passage. The construction of the Asian Passage and the new arrival experience is projected to be complete in spring 2018. Ace Torre, President of Torre Design Consortium, Ltd., has more than 35 years of experience in master planning zoo development. Torre has been extensively involved with the management of multi-disciplinary teams on large, complex projects throughout the United States and Europe. Some of his projects include the Audubon Zoo, the Memphis Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Busch Gardens and other zoos in 21 states in the U.S., one in Canada and one in China.

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.

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