Birmingham Zoo and Red Diamond Coffee & Tea Introduce New Electric Train – June 7th, 2022

Red Diamond Coffee & Tea is excited to announce the unveiling of an enhanced train experience at the Birmingham Zoo with the arrival of the newest Red Diamond Express train, “Tea”.

“Red Diamond has been a proud partner to the Birmingham Zoo for nearly 15 years. We donated our first train, Coffee, in 2008 and are thrilled to continue our partnership with this latest addition,” said Emily Wood Bowron, Red Diamond’s Vice President of Strategic Marketing. “This state-of-the-art, electric, battery-powered train arrived just in time for summer and provides guests with a panoramic view of the zoo while offering animal facts, conservation info and educational messages through new, integrated audiovisual technology.” The train is American-made in Wichita, Kansas by Chance Rides.

The total donation from Red Diamond includes the new train, an AV package in the train, retrofitting AV into the existing train, AV for the queue line/depot, along with improved signage leading up to and throughout the train station.

“We’re excited for the Birmingham Zoo and their guests,” said Heidi Knotts, Marketing Manager for Chance Rides.

“With zero emissions and eco-friendly operations, our award-winning Electric C.P. Huntington model is the perfect choice for the Birmingham Zoo’s new Red Diamond Express train.”

The new Red Diamond Express is one of a kind. Here are interesting facts that make this train especially unique:

• The lithium-ion battery powered model produces zero emissions and has no fuel costs, reducing the carbon footprint.
• An integrated audiovisual program presents educational messages, conservation information, and animal facts for the duration of the ride.
• An audio system mimics the sounds of a steam engine train; this is necessary because the electric train doesn’t make detectable noise.
• Capable of supporting one wheelchair passenger + 52 adults + 26 children or 104 smaller children (4 per bench seat).
• The ultimate speed for the greatest satisfaction of its passengers is 5-6 MPH.
• Locomotive weighs 6,100 lbs. and the coaches (empty) weigh 3,300 lbs.
• Building of the new train took 32 weeks.

Guests from around the Southeast come to see the many animals at the Birmingham Zoo, play at the splash pad, ride the Red Diamond Express Trains “Coffee” and “Tea”, and so much more.

From Trails of Africa to the Children’s Zoo and everything in-between, the Birmingham Zoo features animals from all over the world, with educational signage highlighting the Zoo’s amazing animal care, conservation initiatives, and Species Survival Plans.

View Birmingham Zoo Announces Red Diamond Coffee & Tea Introduce New Electric Train Press release HERE