January 25, 2013

Birmingham Zoo Draws Record-Breaking Crowd Reaching Over ½ Million Visitors

BIRMINGHAM, AL – 540,816 visitors made their way to the Birmingham Zoo in 2012, setting an all-time attendance record since becoming a private, 501(c)3 organization in 1999. This is an eight percent increase compared to 2011. The Zoo also set a new record of 43,389 visitors for its annual holiday event, Wells Fargo ZooLight Safari, creating a 42.6 percent increase from 30,424 visitors in 2011. The last ZooLight Safari record was set in 2008 with an attendance of 34,917 visitors.
Many of the young and young at heart enjoyed feeding the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, observing the Zoo’s four African bull elephants, watching the Sea Lion Splash Show and feeding the lorikeets. Visitors also enjoyed behind-the-scene tours, summer camps, ZooSnoozes, birthday parties, educational classes, animal walkabouts during special events like Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo and Wells Fargo ZooLight Safari and much more.

Hey kids . . . watch the elephants PLAY IN THE MUD!

Approximately 800 animals of 200 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $14 for adults and $9 for children ages 2-12 and senior citizens. Children under age two and Birmingham Zoo members are free. Memberships start at $40 and include unlimited visits to the Zoo for one year, plus many more benefits.

The Birmingham Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever visiting a zoo or aquarium for assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.

For more information about the Birmingham Zoo, please visit www.birminghamzoocom.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Lipscomb, Marketing and PR Manager
Katrina Cade, VP of Marketing and Media