Birmingham Zoo Zoofari Camp
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Birmingham Zoo offers a clean and generally well-kept environment with a variety of animals and at least one ride. It provides a positive family experience, but the quality of the visit can be highly variable depending on exhibit availability.
Key Highlights
- ✓Clean and well-maintained facility, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- ✓Offers a variety of animals for viewing, which is a major draw for families.
- ✓Features a ride (likely a train), which adds an extra element of entertainment for kids.
Standout Features
- ⭐Variety of animals (when exhibits are open).
- ⭐A functional ride (likely a train) available during some visits.
- ⭐General cleanliness and upkeep of the zoo grounds.
- ⭐Zoo gift shops and 'sell items' are noted as operational even when other attractions are closed.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Contact the zoo directly or check their official website/social media immediately before your visit to confirm which exhibits and attractions are open, especially if traveling a significant distance or have specific interests.
- →Bring your own snacks and drinks if outside food is permitted, as on-site food options are reported as very limited and unsatisfying (e.g., no 'real food' or even cotton candy).
- →Manage expectations regarding all features being operational, as closures for remodeling or other reasons are not always clearly communicated.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Significant risk of major exhibit closures (over half reported closed by one reviewer) without prior notification, impacting the value for money.
- ⚠Limited and poor food options reported ('no real food, not even cotton candy').
- ⚠The train ride may be undergoing remodeling or perceived as having declined in quality since the 80s, with conflicting reports on its operational status.
- ⚠Other amenities like photo booths can be unexpectedly closed.
- ⚠High admission price combined with numerous closures leads to significant disappointment for some patrons.
Price & Value
Reported as a 'high price' for admission. Value is significantly diminished when many exhibits are closed (over half reported by one reviewer), leading to feelings of overpaying for a limited experience. Expect to pay a premium, but be aware that the actual experience delivered may not always match the price due to potential closures.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •On-site food options are described as very limited and unsatisfactory (e.g., 'no real food, not even cotton candy'). It is highly recommended to clarify if outside food/snacks are allowed and plan accordingly.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking situation not mentioned in reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Crowd levels not mentioned in reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features mentioned in reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Visiting without confirming current exhibit status, particularly if you have specific animals or attractions you wish to see.
- • If a full range of on-site food options (beyond basic sell items) is important to your family.
- • If you are expecting all attractions and exhibits to be fully operational and updated, especially given reports of closures and perceived decline.
Pricing/Package/Events
Recent Reviews
Byron Lambert
8 years agoGreat place to take the family. Clean well keep up. Lots of things to do, all kinds of animals an ride. My kids had a wonderful time here
Sherry Owen
5 months agoNot as many animals, the train has a remodeling, but it went down since the 80"s
Heather Peters-Berkey
5 years agoVery nice zoo with a nice variety of animals. Had a great experience!
Jay Sexton
3 years agoThey should have a sign informing all patrons that over half off the exhibits are closed. I payed a high price to start with and then we get in there and almost all exhibits are close. Very disappointed, especially since we took my daughter and grandchild from New York and then all this was closed. No real food, not even cotton candy. Photo booth was even closed. But they did have all the zoo sell items going. And the rain was running.
glendy melgar
2 years agoWe love our our experience in the zoo !!