Montgomery Zoo | Montgomery

The Montgomery Zoo is one of central Alabama’s most popular family attractions, offering a mix of wildlife exhibits, naturalistic habitats, and educational experiences that cover the globe in a single walkable setting. Located just north of downtown Montgomery, the zoo and its adjoining Mann Wildlife Learning Museum create a combined destination where visitors encounter both living animals and extensive natural history exhibits.

History and Development
The zoo began modestly in the early 20th century as a small menagerie in Oak Park. In the 1970s it was relocated to its current 40-acre site, where it expanded significantly into a modern facility emphasizing education, conservation, and immersive exhibits. Today, it houses more than 500 animals from five continents, arranged geographically for easy exploration.

Layout and Thematic Zones
The zoo is organized into regions that reflect the world’s major ecosystems:

Africa: Perhaps the most expansive section, featuring giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, lions, and rhinoceroses in broad savanna-style habitats. A raised boardwalk and observation decks provide excellent viewing.

Asia: Home to tigers, orangutans, and gibbons, with landscaped enclosures evoking jungles and river valleys.

South America: Includes jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, and colorful bird species, highlighting the biodiversity of the Amazon and Andes.

North America: Features bison, black bears, cougars, and bald eagles, giving visitors a sense of wildlife closer to home.

Australia: A smaller but distinctive section, with kangaroos, wallabies, and flightless birds like emus.

Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
Located on the zoo grounds, this museum adds an educational layer. It contains one of the nation’s largest collections of preserved North American wildlife specimens, displayed in realistic dioramas. Exhibits include large mammals like moose and bears, as well as birds, reptiles, and fish, offering insight into natural habitats and ecological connections.

Experiences and Amenities

Zoo Train: A miniature train circles the grounds, providing both transportation and a relaxing overview of the habitats.

Sky Lift: An aerial ride that carries visitors above parts of the zoo, giving a bird’s-eye view of the animals and grounds.

Petting Zoo and Play Areas: Popular with children, offering close interaction with domestic and farm animals.

Giraffe Encounter and Feeding Stations: Special opportunities to interact with animals more directly.

Seasonal Events: The zoo hosts themed events like “ZooBoo” in the fall, “Christmas Lights Festival” in winter, and educational camps in summer, which keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.

Conservation and Education Role
The Montgomery Zoo participates in conservation breeding programs and maintains partnerships with other zoos and organizations to support endangered species. Educational programs include school field trips, summer camps, and interactive talks, all designed to teach respect for wildlife and environmental stewardship.

Visitor Experience
The zoo’s layout is shaded and pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of rest spots and concessions. Families often spend several hours exploring the exhibits, riding the train or sky lift, and combining their visit with the Mann Museum for a full day’s experience. The mix of live animal encounters, immersive habitats, and educational displays creates a balance between entertainment and learning.

The Montgomery Zoo stands out as a cultural and recreational landmark for the city, offering residents and travelers a chance to connect with wildlife from around the world while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It combines global scope with Southern hospitality, making it a cornerstone of Montgomery’s attractions.