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Trails of Africa

Blazing New Trails in Elephant Care and Conservation

The Birmingham Zoo is uniquely poised to blaze new trails in the history of elephant conservation. The forces of expertise and opportunity are aligned perfectly for the advancement of elephant conservation. This new initiative, “Trails of Africa,” will designate the Birmingham Zoo as a national leader in the care and conservation of threatened elephants. The Zoo is embarking on a bold new initiative, one that is intended to set new benchmarks for the care and breeding of elephants in the United States. Visitors will experience, explore, and become educated on the new and existing animals and their expanded exhibit areas.

Trails of Africa is a mixed-species exhibit featuring a bachelor elephant herd, red river hogs, giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes such as; wildebeest, impala, and kudu, along with zebras, and ostriches. Trails of Africa will also include ground and aerial observation opportunities providing education and entertainment to hundreds of thousands of visitors who will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.

With its botanical and cultural emersion-themed motif, Trails of Africa will create an immediate impact as a prestigious, world-class community asset. It will be an economic engine for growth and tourism, and a science and ecology hub for primary schools. Trails of Africa will be a place where adults and children alike can observe African wildlife and, in the process, become enamored with the charm of many different species; they will be enlightened about the plight of endangered animals and inspired to support global wildlife conservation efforts.

The Right Time

Now is the time to expand. The Birmingham Zoo has progressed tremendously - from our humble beginning in 1950 with a small menagerie of animals in a firehouse; to the keepers of “Miss Fancy,” our very first elephant; to a vast and multifaceted species conservation center providing direct care to approximately 750 animals of 250 species from 6 continents. Our existing facilities are outdated. Bringing new elephants to the Birmingham Zoo and maintaining accreditation by the Assocation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) means providing larger, state-of-the-art space and facilities for captive-born bulls. There is a tremendous need to establish regional elephant breeding centers that are able to care for a large number of elephants. The Birmingham Zoo will utilize state-of-the-art management and medical techniques. As part of a continuing effort to provide the best environment for elephants, over half of the 76 AZA member institutions caring for this species, plan to expand or construct new facilities within the next 5 years.

You can donate online to Trails of Africa. The Birmingham Zoo also accepts cash, checks, all major credit cards, and stock. To make a stock gift, please call 205.879.0409.