Birmingham Zoo | Membership, Camping & Timings

Birmingham Zoo is a zoo that opened in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Birmingham Zoo is independent and is a non-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which participates in the AZA Species Survival Plans (SSP). It is the only AZA-accredited Zoo in the state of Alabama. Birmingham Zoo timings are from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Birmingham Zoo timings

Birmingham Zoo

About 550 animals from 195 species, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos, elephants, and other endangered species from six continents, are known as the Birmingham Zoo Home.

At any given time, nearly 550 animals from 180 species, including sea lions, elephants, bears, flamingos, and endangered species from six continents, call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home.

For a list of animals, please visit their official website

What is the history of the Birmingham Zoo?

Birmingham Zoo originated with a small zoo of animals in the Southside Firehouse. As the collection expanded, you moved it first to Magnolia Park (now Brother Bryan Park). And later to Avondale Park.

At the time, the group consisted mostly of animals besides “Miss Fancy,” a lone elephant donated by the Birmingham Advertising Club. They bought it as a promotional novelty from a circus trapped in the city. 

As the size and scope of the collection increased, city leaders approached the Olmstead Brothers Landscape Architecture Institute, which has drawn up plans for a system of parks in Birmingham, for advice on collecting zoology.

They got acquainted with some of the existing municipal zoos and began plans to provide a new permanent residence for the growing attraction.

Other facilities and activities

  • Carousel
  • Primary Giftshop (relocated to Children’s Zoo area)
  • Nourish 205 Cafes
  • Lorikeet Feeding
  • Flamingo FeedingWild Burger Cafe
  • Safari Peak Pavilion
  • Sea Lion Show
  • Tiki Hut Giftshop
  • Wildlife Show

Regular Birmingham Zoo Hours

  • Day: Wednesday to Sunday
  • Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The last entry into the Zoo stops thirty (30) minutes before closing.

Tickets and prices

TYPEPRICE
ADULTS$18.95
CHILDREN2-12 years old$13.90
BABIES & CHILDREN UNDER 2 years oldFree
old people 65 age +$15.95
MILITARY Active /Veteran/Retired /Reserve Includes spouses and dependents. Must show military ID and spouse/dependent ID$15.95
FIRST RESPONDERS EMT/Paramedics, Firefighters, and Law Enforcement Must show current valid ID or badge$15.95
COLLEGE STUDENT Must show present valid student ID$15.95

 Become a member

  • Most memberships had paid within three visits! 
  • Current members: Log in or sign in to renew your current membership. Advance renewal adds one year to the end of the current membership. 
  • Non-members yet: Buy a new membership now. Memberships were activated upon purchase. And it expires on the same date next year.

Birmingham Zoo Membership Levels

  • Individuals               
  • $65 1 adult
  • Companions            
  • $95 2 adults
  • Families                     
  • $145 for two adults plus up to 6 children (ages 2 to 17)           
  • Military Families     
  • $115 Available for purchase in person with evidence of eligibility
  • Foster Family       
  • $50 Open for purchase in person with proof of eligibility

Benefits of Membership

  • UNLIMITED daytime visits throughout the year. 
  • 25% off regular admission tickets for non-member guests (up to six)
  • 10% off the stroller and wheelchair rental 
  • 10% discount on Norish 205 and Wild Burger Restaurant gift shop goods and food 
  • “My Member Perks” coupon book is worth hundreds of savings at the Birmingham Zoo. and other local businesses and organizations.
  • Discounts on admission to approximately 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums 
  • Discounts on events, camping, classes, and birthday parties. Other than that!
Helpful Information

Named Members vs. Unnamed Guests: 

  • You must name an adult in the membership. 
  • Additional adults may or may not be named as guests. 
  • A named member must accompany anonymous guests to use the membership. 
  • Guests cannot use named member spots without a named member.

New Membership Cards: 

  • New Membership Cards will not be mailed. 
  • After purchasing or renewing a membership, members can pick up their new membership card at the Zoo. 
  • Membership booth at their convenience. 
  • You can also submit photo IDs in place of the membership card to access Active Membership.

Birmingham Zoo Camp and Summer Camp

The zoo camps at Birmingham Zoo promote educational and active learning through games, age-appropriate, experimental science, animal encounters, and nature games! 

Enriched with STEM-based explorations, these camps provide children with a natural curiosity and opportunities to practice complex science skills. Learning has never been so brutal!

Spring Break Camp

Join us for Spring Break Camp 2022! Campers will participate in the Zoo’s signature activities. It’s like Red Diamond Express Train, Giraffe Feeding, Carousel, Keeper Chats, and much more. Spring Break Camps are available to purchase on single days. 

Members can contact education@birminghamzoo.com or membership@birminghamzoo.com

To receive your 2022 Member Discount Code before registering.

  • Ages: 5-11
  • Dates: March 28- April 1 
  • Price: $55 for Members, $65 for non-members

REGISTER HERE: https://birminghamzoo.campbrainregistration.com

Summer Zoo Camp

Looking for a way to keep your child engaged over the summer holiday? Please join us there for the Summer Zoo Camp. Zoo Camp is a great way to participate in all of the Zoo.

It has to offer engaging trailers in an age-appropriate range geared toward its mission of inspiring passion for conserving the natural world.

  • Dates: May 31-August 5
  • Times: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Price: 
  • Primary Camps 
  • Members: $290
  • Non-Members: $325

Members can contact education@birminghamzoo.com or membership@birminghamzoo.com

REGISTER HERE: https://birminghamzoo.campbrainregistration.com

Hotels near Birmingham Zoo

  1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Near UAB, 1.4 miles from Zoo
  2. Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB, 1.6 miles from Zoo
  3. Valley Hotel Homewood Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton, 0.8 miles from Birmingham Zoo
  4. Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain, Autograph Collection, 0.3 miles from Zoo
  5. Hampton Inn Birmingham/Mountain Brook, 0.6 miles from Zoo
  6. Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton, 2.7 miles from Zoo
  7. Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham, 2.2 miles from Birmingham Zoo
  8. Hilton Birmingham at UAB, 1.6 miles from Zoo
  9. Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection, 2.4 miles from  Zoo.
  10. Aloft Birmingham Soho Square, 0.8 miles from Birmingham Zoo.

How to Reach?

Directions

Birmingham South:

 Highway I-65 North to I-59/20 East. Take Highway 31 South / 280 East Exit I-59/20 East. Continue on Highway 31 South to 280 East Right. Head 280 East for a mile to the Zoo/Gardens Mountain Brook exit on the right.

Exit from there, go to the traffic light, and turn left on Kahaba Road. Half a mile later, the zoo entrance is to your left.

From Birmingham North: 

Take Highway I-65 South to I-59/20 East; Take I-59/20 East to Highway 31 South / 280 East Exit. Continue on Highway 31 South to 280 East Right. Head 280 East for a mile to the Zoo/Gardens Mountain Brook exit on the right.

Exit, go to the traffic light, and turn left onto Kahaba Road. The zoo entrance is half a mile to your left.

From Birmingham Zoo East: 

Take I-59/20 West to Highway 31 South/280 East Exit. 31 Continue until you go south, 280 east, and right. Head 280 East for a mile to the Zoo/Gardens Mountain Brook exit on the right.

Exit, go to the traffic light, and take Kahaba Road on the left. The zoo entrance is half a mile to your left.

From Birmingham West: 

Head east on Highway I-59/20 to Highway 31 South/280 East Exit (in the middle of Birmingham). Continue on Highway 31 South to 280 East Right. Head 280 East for a mile to the Zoo/Gardens Mountain Brook exit on the right.

Exit, go to the traffic light, and take Kahaba Road on the left. The zoo entrance is half a mile to your left.

Address and Contact of Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Road

Birmingham, AL 35223

PHONE

(205) 879.0409

(205) 879.9426 (fax)

Additional information at jogilvie@birminghamzoo.com 

Development Department at (205) 909.4562 or development@birminghamzoo.com