The Birmingham Zoo has earned top regional recognition after being named Attraction of the Year by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Major Tourism Honor for Birmingham Zoo
The award was presented on May 7, 2026, at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham. Officials recognized the zoo for its combined impact on tourism growth and wildlife conservation efforts.
During its 70th anniversary year, the Birmingham Zoo welcomed more than 502,000 visitors. Leaders say the strong attendance reflects its role as one of the region’s most important attractions. The zoo also remains the only facility in Alabama accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoo leadership emphasized that each visit supports animal care, conservation work, and education programs that extend beyond the park. They described the recognition as proof that tourism and conservation can support each other in meaningful ways.
New Exhibits and Expanding Visitor Experiences
One of the year’s key additions included Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing, where rescued cougar cubs Juniper and Spruce became featured animal ambassadors. The exhibit quickly became a major draw for visitors and helped strengthen conservation messaging.
The zoo also expanded its event lineup with experiences such as Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration and partnerships with organizations like the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. It also hosted guests during the International Police & Fire Games, further increasing its visibility as a regional destination.
To mark its 70th anniversary, the zoo launched a special campaign encouraging visitors to celebrate its long history. The campaign earned both local and national recognition for its creative outreach efforts.
Growth in Animals, Education, and Accessibility
The Birmingham Zoo added 85 new animals over the past year as part of its ongoing mission to inspire conservation awareness. It also expanded educational programming and improved guest accessibility through its partnership with KultureCity.
Zoo leadership said these efforts support both wildlife protection and Birmingham’s tourism economy. They noted that new attractions, including the Dino Safari experience, helped maintain strong visitor interest throughout the year.
The zoo plans to continue introducing new experiences and exhibits as it builds on momentum from its milestone anniversary year.
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