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Birmingham Zoo company history timeline

1955

Monkey Island, the Zoo’s first official exhibit, was dedicated on April 2, 1955.

The Birmingham Zoo operated as a quasi-private venture until the City Commission decided to assume responsibility in November 1955 with an initial annual budget of $663,000.

Mona, the Zoo’s first elephant, arrived in 1955, the same year the Birmingham Zoo, once known as The Jimmy Morgan Zoo, opened.

1999

In 1999, the Birmingham Zoo became an independent not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

Arthur was instrumental in the formation of the public-private 501 (c)(3) status of the Birmingham Zoo in 1999.

2001

The Zoo also received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, and the Zoo’s first major capital campaign was launched in January 2001.

2004

William R. Foster, DVM, joined the Zoo as Chief Executive Officer in January 2004.

2005

In 2005, the Zoo completed the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo, a $15 million anchor exhibit dedicated to children and devoted to urban, rural and wild animals and environs of Alabama to coincide with the Zoo’s 50th birthday celebration.

2006

In 2006, the Zoo was ranked as the number one tourist attraction in the state of Alabama.

2007

The Zoo launched an interactive Sea Lion Splash Show in 2007 sponsored by Red Diamond.

2011

Since its Grand Opening in April 2011, visitors have been able to experience, explore and become educated on the new and existing animals and their expanded exhibit areas.

2017

In 2017, the opening of the Henley Park Event Lawn concludes Phase 1 of the Zoo’s Renew the Zoo Capital Campaign.

2019

Phase 2, which opened June 2019 is a welcoming new entrance, membership office, the Hugh Kaul Plaza, the Altec/Styslinger Learning Center and event rental spaces.

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Founded
1955
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Headquarters
Birmingham, AL
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Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Birmingham Zoo, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Birmingham Zoo. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Birmingham Zoo. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Birmingham Zoo. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Birmingham Zoo and its employees or that of Zippia.

Birmingham Zoo may also be known as or be related to BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC, Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Zoo, Inc.