Birmingham Zoo named #1 attraction in the city—here’s what’s new

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It’s official, folks: The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) has named the Birmingham Zoo the #1 attraction in The Magic City. After a post-COVID record-breaking 2025, it’s easy to see how the Zoo has become a highlight of Birmingham’s tourism and cultural scene.

Read on for highlights of the Zoo’s milestone year + what’s new at the Zoo in 2026.

Why the Birmingham Zoo is our city’s “Attraction of the Year”

During its annual meeting on Thursday, May 7, the GBCVB announced that tourism in Greater Birmingham generated a record-breaking $2.62 billion in economic impact in 2025, reinforcing tourism’s role as one of the region’s most powerful economic drivers. Due to its outstanding impact on tourism, the Birmingham Zoo was named “Attraction of the Year” by the GBCVB.

“It’s one of the top zoos in the country, so for us to have that here, that’s just another thing that makes Birmingham so great. The Birmingham Zoo is deserving of any and every award that they get, and we were glad that they were one of the awardees for us. (They’re an) amazing asset to the community and just such an integral part of it.”

Dan Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau

Here’s what makes the Birmingham Zoo stand out

Founded in 1956, the Birmingham Zoo is more than just a zoo—it’s a driving force for tourism, conservation and community engagement in the Greater Birmingham area. The only AZA-accredited zoo in Alabama, the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo is home to approximately 450 animals of 165 unique species that hail from six continents.

In 2025, the Zoo welcomed more than 502,000 visitors—surpassing the 500,000 mark for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few highlights from the Zoo’s milestone year:

• The Birmingham Zoo added 85 new animals to its roster in 2025: 25 mammals, 35 birds, 14 reptiles and 11 amphibians.
• Signature events like Zoo Brews, Eggstravaganza, Hoots & Howls and Glow Wild kept the Zoo lively year-round—in fact, Glow Wild’s attendance skyrocketed from 28,000 to 48,000 guests!
• In March, the Zoo opened the Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing: a new exhibit that brought guests face-to-face with two adult bobcats and Juniper, an orphaned cougar cub from Montana whose name was chosen through a viral public voting campaign.
• In April, the Zoo celebrated its 70th birthday by inviting guests to witness the African elephants enjoy a massive “smash cake.”
• In keeping with its mission, “Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World,” the Zoo’s educational programs reached over 4,500 students, including homeschool students.
• During the International Police & Fire Games, the Zoo welcomed hundreds of visitors from around the globe.
• The Zoo created new, innovative partnerships—like “Symphony Goes Wild” with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

What’s new at the Zoo in 2026? Dinosaur exhibit + more

This year, the Birmingham Zoo is blending its signature animal experiences with a new, larger-than-life prehistoric adventure. Running now through November 1, the Dino Safari experience features 23 of the biggest and most scientifically accurate robotic dinosaurs in the world.

“The dinosaurs are scattered throughout your Birmingham Zoo to give an authentic dinosaur safari feel as guests enjoy their visit. The Dino Safari experience features 23 full-sized dinosaurs uniquely created under direct scientific supervision. Unlike other robots, these dinosaurs move, breathe and roar, appealing to guests of all ages.”

Chris Pfefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo

Along the Dino Safari trail, guests can:

• Ooh and ahh at moving, lifelike dinosaurs, including a 35-foot-tall Brachiosaurus, a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex (alongside its baby) and a Triceratops the size of a food truck.
• Learn fun facts about dinosaurs and the prehistoric era from a dedicated “Dino Guide”

For an additional charge, guests can watch Dinosaur Evolution—a thrilling virtual reality (VR) experience that takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through the rise and fall of Earth’s most legendary creatures.

• What: Dino Safari at the Birmingham Zoo
• When: March 4 — November 1, 2026
• Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Cost: Included with regular Zoo admission; tickets available online

Visit the Birmingham Zoo website for tickets, upcoming event details and more + follow the Zoo on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news!

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