The Birmingham Zoo sits on 122 acres in the Southside neighborhood adjacent to the Botanical Gardens. It holds around 950 animals across 230 species, with noteworthy exhibits for African savanna animals, sea lions, and the new tiger exhibit. The zoo has invested heavily in enrichment programs for its great apes.
A good option for families or anyone who wants a half-day away from the downtown sights. The zoo and the botanical gardens can be combined easily — they share a parking area and are connected by a pedestrian path. Both are in the Mountain Brook area south of Red Mountain.