While there a dozens of incredible attractions in Alabama, none are as perfect year-round as a Montgomery Zoo day trip. Our capital city is centrally located within an easy drive from any part of the state, and the zoo is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last but not least, the zoo is home to a cast of characters who'll make it an interesting visit no matter when you go. Just in case you don't believe us, I'd love to introduce you to just a few of them.

While the Montgomery Zoo dates back to a community park zoo in the 1920s, it moved to its present location in 1972 and has continued to expand there ever since. In 2005, the zoo opened its Africa realm, which today is home to three African elephants, Tina, Star, and Makena. Makena was the first African elephant born in the state, two years after the realm opened.

The zoo's male lions, Dash and Buddy, are approximately 14 years old and longtime favorites among zoo visitors. Dash is said to be a bit more social than Buddy.

The zoo welcomed a baby African Bongo, Amara, in December 2023. She and her parents, Sipa and Murdock, all live in the African Forest section of African realm.

Sierra, a snow leopard, came to live at the zoo in 2002, with guests able to visit her exhibit that July. She was three years old when she arrived from the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

Also arriving in 2022 was Odysseus, a then four-year-old Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth, who had been living at Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. People call him Ody for short.

One of the zoo's most special experiences is the Giraffe Encounter, where you can stand nose-to-nose with Ashley and JJ, the zoo's reticulated giraffes. Guests must purchase a $3 ticket and can walk over the moat into the exhibit to bring feed to these majestic creatures. The encounter is open for two hours each day, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

You'll also see peacocks strutting freely about the grounds, with the peafowl showing off bold, beautiful plumage.

Kids of all ages love climbing aboard a train ride that takes you around the perimeter of many of the zoo's exhibits. There is also a Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride that bisects the property.

Admission to the zoo includes the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, where the whole family can learn about the animals at the zoo and beyond. The zoo's gift shop is spacious and well-stocked, full of fun mementos of your day trip and also a great spot to shop for animal lovers any time.

The Montgomery Zoo was my first experience as a small child, and it's wonderful to see how much it has grown and expanded since. I've barely covered the creatures in the African area, and the zoo has a total of 10 animal realms! You can learn about all of the animal realms and inhabitants on the Montgomery Zoo website and keep up with special events and other updates on the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Facebook page.

Have you visited the Montgomery Zoo lately? We'd love to hear about your favorite animals and fun experiences there. If you're planning to visit soon, check out the Montgomery & Selma Area Multi-Attraction Pass for savings across several destinations.