Visitor Info

The Birmingham Zoo is home to approximately 950 animals from many continents, including many endangered species nestled on 122 acres.

See our Daily Activities page for a dates and times for various activities.

Regular Zoo Hours:

9am to 5pm: Monday through Friday
9am to 7pm: Saturday and Sunday

Please note the below early closings. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause:

• On September 9, the Children’s Zoo, Nourish 205, and the gift shop will close at 3pm
• On September 14, the Children’s Zoo, Nourish 205, and the gift shop will be closed all day
• On September 14, the Zoo will close at 3pm and reopen for ZooGala 2018
• On September 28, the Children’s Zoo, Nourish 205, and the gift shop will close at 3pm

Please note we are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

General Admission Costs:

Adults – $17*
Children 2 – 12 years old – $12*
Senior Citizens 65 years+ – $14*
Military (Active duty and Veteran – must show military ID)- $14*
College Student (Must show current and valid student ID)- $14*
*Plus tax

Admission is half price every Tuesday.

Please Note: Half price special applies to individual admission only. It does not apply to group rates.

Members receive free admission every day!

Train Ride: $3.50*
Carousel Ride: $3.50*
Unlimited Ride Wristband, includes unlimited rides on train, carousel & slide (when open): $10*
*Plus tax

Rental Prices

Single Stroller: $9*
Double Stroller: $11*
Wheelchair: $10*
Electric Scooter: $25*
*Plus tax

Please note – kids scooters and roller blades are not allowed

What You’ll Find at the Zoo

Fine Feathered Friends

From ostriches and flamingos to vultures and endangered white-naped cranes, more than 300 birds nest here. Feed vibrantly colored lorikeets in the Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary.

Sensational Sea Lions

Intelligent and majestic marine mammals, the Zoo’s sea lions show off their grace and brains during demonstrations. Stop by the pool for this entertaining program – but be wary of the splash zone. These animals could be Olympic divers!

Gentle Giants

Rhinos and hippos are tons of fun with a memory to match their size. Rub a real rhino horn or spot a not-so-skinny dipping hippopotamus.

Savanna Safari

The African Savanna is home to some of the wildest beasts around. The Zoo’s Savanna features lions, zebras, ostriches, and giraffes.

Riveting Reptiles

The Reptile Building is full of beautiful and deadly reptiles and amphibians. From the world’s largest lizard, the komodo dragon, to colorful boas and a massive python, these reptiles are sure to excite every Zoo guest!

Ferocious Felines

In the wild, animals are either the hunter or the hunted. In the Predator building, catch a fishing cat and pounce on a Pallas cat. These kitties prefer fresh meat to catnip any day!

Monkey Business

From Sumatran orangutans to tiny tamarins, primates have lots of personality. Listen for the distinct call of gibbons and look for lemurs, primates found only on the island of Madagascar.

Child’s Play

The Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo is the place to be for the young and young at heart. See the Cahaba River’s fishes at the Stream, ride the carousel and brush the sheep in the barn.

Wild in Your Backyard

Hike through Alabama Wilds. See native Alabama animals like chickens, North American river otters  and more.

Zoo Manners

• Please respect the special diets of the animals. Treats or “people food” can cause stomach problems for these wonderful creatures.
• Please help us by not throwing items into the habitats of the animals. Even simple objects can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Fences and barriers around the animal areas are there for your safety and that of the animals. Please stay on the walkways and viewing areas provided.
• We want all children to have a great time in the Children’s Zoo play area. Parents and chaperones, please guide children to use the play area properly. Climbing on the rockwork walls to the play area is prohibited.
• Thank you for not bringing your pet to the Zoo today. We allow trained service dogs. Please check with Visitor Services for exact instructions if you are here with a service dog.
• Recognizing the health, safety and comfort benefits to humans and animals, Birmingham Zoo maintains a smoke-free, e-cigarette and tobacco product free environment for all, including areas of Birmingham Zoo property, parking lot, outside grounds, picnic areas and buildings.
• Thank you for not bringing outside food into the Zoo. Food and beverages can be purchased at the Kudzoo Café, Safari Peak and the Gift Shop.

Our goal: Capture images of wildlife at the Zoo, along with recording activities and interactions of visitors during their Zoo experiences to share with others. Your images could be used for promotional and educational purposes, web pages, newsletters and the like. We thank you for providing us with these images and we will give photo credit when name is provided.

Allergy Information

The Birmingham Zoo is a facility that uses nuts and nut products for animal diet purposes. Traces of nuts or nut products may be found in areas where animal feedings are conducted and areas where Programs and Educational animal demonstrations are performed. The safety of our guests remains a top priority and the Zoo takes precautions to provide a safe environment.