Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Celebrating 70 Years with the Birmingham Zoo—A look back in time
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
The Birmingham Zoo is celebrating a big milestone: 70 years of connecting people with animals. Since opening in 1955, the Zoo has grown from a small attraction into one of Alabama’s most beloved landmarks.
With decades of education, conservation and family fun, the Zoo has welcomed millions of visitors and created memories across generations.
Seven decades of growth + conservation
1950-1990
The Birmingham Zoo’s beginnings in the 1950s were rooted in community vision and leadership, sparked by a local Jaycee Committee and brought to life with the support of Mayor James R. Morgan.
Opening in 1955 with features like Monkey Island, elephants Mona and Susie and the popular miniature train, the Zoo quickly became a beloved destination for families.
The Zoo grew rapidly with new animals, exhibits and facilities. These formative years set the stage for a lasting legacy of animal care, education and connection in the heart of Birmingham.
2000-2025
The 1990s and 2000s brought major changes to the Birmingham Zoo. From becoming a public-private partnership to introducing immersive habitats like Trails of Africa and the Children’s Zoo, the Zoo embraced innovation and conservation in new ways.
Today, the Birmingham Zoo continues to evolve with a focus on education, conservation and community connection. It has become a leader in animal care, sustainability and family-friendly experiences, providing top-quality care for its animals and promoting a deep commitment to the natural world.
With new animals, fresh programs and exciting plans for the future, the Zoo remains a vital part of Birmingham. Visitors can explore long-time favorites through the Iconic Animals feature and be inspired to help protect wildlife for generations to come.
Patty shares 50 years of memories working at the zoo
The Zoo has many long-term employees over the years. We spoke with one of them, Patty, a beloved longtime employee at the Birmingham Zoo, and she shared her experience of working there and witnessing its transformation over the past 50 years.
For more than half a century, she has been at the heart of the Zoo, watching it grow, evolve and welcome new generations of visitors. She fondly recalls early morning bird walks with ornithologist Tom Imhof as well as the days of the Himalayan bears Enie, Menie and Mynie and the beloved Asian elephants Mona and Susie.
One of her favorite stories is when Mona and Susie were moved to a new enclosure across the Zoo in 1976. They had never left their original space, so staff walked them around overnight, letting them explore, splash in the creek and enjoy their first real walk outside.
Patty has seen the Zoo through all kinds of moments—from the train’s whistle to the daily ring of the big brass bell at closing time. For her, the Zoo is more than a job. It’s a place full of stories, wonder and the joy of watching people connect with animals.
Celebrate the Birmingham Zoo with events like elephant smash cake
To mark 70 years, the Zoo is hosting fun events all year long, such as Elephant Smash Cake which happened earlier this month, where the elephants get their own birthday cake to stomp and enjoy.
The Zoo also opened Cougar Crossing in March 2025, a new exhibit that brings cougars and bobcats back to the Zoo. This exciting addition reflects the Zoo’s continued focus on native species and conservation.
Some exciting upcoming events you can celebrate at include:
- Farm Day 2025 | April 19
- ‘Tails in the Trails 2025 | May 9
- Pancakes & Princesses | May 31
- Zoo Brews | June 6
Don’t miss out on fun events like these from the zoo all year round and get ready to celebrate their 70th birthday!
Visit the Birmingham Zoo for more event details and ticket info. Here’s to 70 years of wild memories—with many more to come!
Sponsored by:
