Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223

"Very underwhelmed. It seemed like half of what we came to was closed down for repair or remodel. Things were dirty that didn't have to be. Even in the bathroom, half of the sinks had signs on them. We really enjoyed watching the flamingos, giraffes, and reptiles, but the gift shop can keep its $70 sweat shirt."

"My middle daughter and I love the zoo. I’ve been here three years and this was my first visit to the zoo. It was great, even though it was mid week and cold outside. So we got memberships and excited to go see the lights one evening."

"Visiting this zoo from North Carolina! While it was hard to not compare one of the largest zoos to this one. I did notice a lot of things that made this zoo feel very outdated. The windows in almost all of the exhibits where nasty and dirty. It would have been nice to have them clean and be able to see through them (and yes that is possible). The seal tank looked like it was something out of the 80s that was abandoned. Traffic should have been re-routed around it due to its looks. Lots of the park just needs regular maintenance, lots of spider webs inside places or dark corners. Lots of closed exhibits as well. I will say, being a small park, we were able to get very close to the elephants and that was very nice. We were also able to hear the lion roar which was really cool. This zoo is a one and done type thing, unless you live local and do the events that they have (similar to how big museums do)."

"This review is hard because I love the zoo. I look forward to the Boo at the zoo or now called Hoots and Howls. Last year was great, lots of decorations and time and effort went into this event. This year was very different. Hardly any decorations at all, only 4 spots for the kids to trick or treat, and they had some candy in the sun so it was melted. Where to start on the actual zoo, after paying a large price to get in and 4.00 for a candy ticket joke right. They emptied the seal tank and moved the seals to Boston, the train was not running which really disappointed alot of kids. There were hardly any monkeys and just one pitiful looking elephant. The cafe was closed to walk inside you had to order with your phone to get anything. Then the aquariums were empty dry. The carousel was bear only poles hanging down with no animals in sight to ride, which also disappointed the kiddos. The petting zoo was basically just a goat area. I never have been so disappointed in this place. So my advice don't waste your money on Hoots and Howls and maybe find a pumpkin patch. I gave two stars only because I do love our zoo and it was very clean."

"By arriving first thing in the morning (9am) you get to see most of the animals. I’ve been going to this zoo for 40 years and it has gone through massive upgrades and changes. It really looks great these days. They’ve done a good job expanding the habitats and enclosures for the animals that need it most like the elephants."