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Montgomery Zoo

4.4
·4k reviews·Montgomery, United States

A 40-acre zoo featuring over 700 animals and the educational Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, with ongoing upgrades.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Cooler temps, active animals

CrowdLow
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Otters

Montgomery Zoo

Best Time

Morning or Late Afternoon

Cooler temps, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 40-acre zoo featuring over 700 animals and the educational Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, with ongoing upgrades.

4.4
(4k reviews)

"Nice place to spend a couple hours! Plenty of animals and the museum were really nice."

Vertical photo
TIP

Grab a Zoo Map

Signage can be tricky; a map is essential for navigating the zoo efficiently. :world_map:

Ride the Train!

A must-do for families, the zoo train offers a fun way to see more of the grounds. :train2:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pygmy Hippos

Pygmy Hippos

Pygmy Hippo Exhibit

Meet adorable pygmy hippo calves like Meela and Anuket, often seen close to their mothers, Lola.

Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

Adjacent Museum

Explore impressive taxidermy displays showcasing a wide variety of animals, offering an educational complement to the live exhibits.

Zoo Train Ride

Zoo Train Ride

Zoo Train Station

A mandatory and fun ride for families, offering a scenic tour around the zoo grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the heat and crowds by visiting in the morning or late afternoon. Some animals are more active during these cooler hours, and you'll have a more relaxed experience before peak times.

Navigating the Grounds

Signage can be confusing, so grab a map upon arrival. Consider the train or skylift for efficient travel between exhibits, especially with little ones or if mobility is a concern.

Best Times

When
Morning or Late Afternoon
Why
Cooler temps, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

She was so excited to see the camels and then they had other plans 💀 #camels #montgomeryalabama #driveinzoo #meananimals #fyp #watchme
@skylerduncan517
475.3K likes • 4.5M views

Grab a Zoo Map

Signage can be tricky; a map is essential for navigating the zoo efficiently. :world_map:

Ride the Train!

A must-do for families, the zoo train offers a fun way to see more of the grounds. :train2:

This really irked me I was looking for the zoo keepers after seeing him bc whyyyy do yall have him out for people to see and he’s visibly ill 😢
@egyptishername
263.1K likes • 2.1M views
She's cute -- downright adorable, Earlier this morning at the Montgomery Zoo, visitors, guests, and media welcome Meela, our newest pygmy hippo calf along with mom, Lola. This is the sixth pygmy hippo birth in the last seven years at the Zoo. Please help us in welcoming Meela to the Montgomery Zoo family. #mymgmzoo #zaa #hippos
montgomeryzoo
87 likes • 734 views

Check for Closures

Some exhibits may be closed for upgrades, so check ahead if you have specific animals in mind. :construction:

Hydrate and Snack Smart

Bring your own water bottles and snacks, as on-site options can be pricey. :water_wave: :apple:

Did you know Alabama has its own Moo Deng? Meet Anuket! The two month-old hippo is the eighth pygmy hippo born at the Montgomery Zoo in the last nine years. While her keepers say she has gained more confidence over the last few weeks, Anuket still stays close by her mother Lola. #thisisalabama #pygmy #hippo #anuket #moodeng #Montgomery #MontgomeryZoo
thisisalabama
841 likes • 19.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Grab a Zoo Map

Signage can be tricky; a map is essential for navigating the zoo efficiently. :world_map:

Ride the Train!

A must-do for families, the zoo train offers a fun way to see more of the grounds. :train2:

Check for Closures

Some exhibits may be closed for upgrades, so check ahead if you have specific animals in mind. :construction:

Hydrate and Snack Smart

Bring your own water bottles and snacks, as on-site options can be pricey. :water_wave: :apple:

Consider the Skylift

A fun ride for all ages, the skylift offers a unique perspective of the zoo. :mountain_cableway:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Montgomery Zoo to be a pleasant place for a few hours, with highlights like the pygmy hippos and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. While parking and food prices are generally well-received, some guests note that ticket prices are high for the current number of exhibits, and signage can be confusing. The zoo is undergoing renovations, which may affect exhibit availability.

"Our first time going:
1. Lacks directional signage for how to navigate around the zoo.
2. Tickets are priced too high for the few animals on exhibit.
3. Accessible for mobility impaired customers seemed good
4. Gift shop was small but cute
I will table my plans to buy a membership until I can determine if it is worthwhile once more exhibits are open and renovation is further along.
5"

Katrina Upshaw

"8/2025

We like zoos and had a little extra time in Montgomery so we decided to stop by. It was hot so some animals were inside, but we really liked the ones we saw including the Pygmy hippos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, other cats, rhino, chimpanzees, lemurs, and more.

Nice place to spend a couple hours!"

Mark Smith

"My husband and I went on Military Appreciation Day. We took 2 of our grandchildren ages 6 and 8. It was a great day. The zoo was big enough that it kept us busy all day. Yet small enough that it didn't overwhelm us. They are upgrading the zoo and some animal exhibits were closed."

Lynne Parmer

What People Like

Pygmy hippos
Mann Wildlife Museum
Good parking

What People Dislike

High ticket prices
Confusing signage
Limited exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Montgomery Zoo is located at 3001 Zoo Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36111. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors use GPS or mapping apps to find the most direct route. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Montgomery Zoo, and it's generally considered a strong point by visitors. Reddit

Information on public transportation options to the Montgomery Zoo is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival. Reddit

While walking is the primary way to explore, the zoo offers a train ride and a skylift (cable car) that can help you navigate between exhibits and save energy, especially for families. Instagram+1

The zoo is generally considered accessible for mobility-impaired customers, with paved paths and accessible viewing areas for many exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but visitors have noted they can be on the higher side for the number of animals on exhibit. It's best to check the official Montgomery Zoo website for the most current admission prices. Reddit

Tickets can typically be purchased at the zoo's entrance or potentially online through their official website. Some events might have separate ticketing. Instagram

Yes, the zoo offers memberships, which can be a worthwhile investment for frequent visitors. However, some reviewers suggest evaluating if it's worth it after seeing the current exhibits. Reddit

Zoo hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by holidays or special events. It's recommended to check the official Montgomery Zoo website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

While specific discount coupons aren't always advertised, the zoo sometimes offers special pricing for military appreciation days or other events. Checking their website or local event listings is advisable. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

The Montgomery Zoo houses over 700 animals, including pygmy hippos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, chimpanzees, and lemurs. Visitors have enjoyed seeing these and many other exotic species. TikTokReddit

The zoo is undergoing upgrades, so some exhibits might be closed. However, highlights include the pygmy hippos and the adjacent Mann Wildlife Learning Museum with taxidermy displays. InstagramReddit+1

The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is a separate facility connected to the zoo, featuring an extensive collection of taxidermied animals from around the world, offering an educational experience. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed as a dedicated petting zoo, the zoo does have various animal encounters and exhibits that allow for closer viewing, and some younger visitors enjoy the interactive aspects. Instagram

Kids can enjoy the train ride, the skylift, and exploring the diverse animal exhibits. The water adventure house is also a hit during warmer months. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

The zoo has a cafe, and visitors have noted that the food prices are reasonable for a zoo setting. The staff at the overlook cafe received specific praise for their customer service. Reddit

Some visitors have found the snacks for kids to be quite expensive. It's often recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted and recommended by visitors to manage costs, especially for families. Reddit

While specific picnic areas aren't always highlighted, visitors can often find spots to enjoy their own packed meals. It's a good idea to check a zoo map for designated areas. Reddit

The food quality at the zoo cafe is generally considered decent for a zoo setting, with the staff receiving positive remarks for their service. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The pygmy hippo exhibit, especially with the calves, offers adorable photo opportunities. The diverse animal enclosures and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum also provide unique shots. Instagram+2

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at the animals. TikTokInstagram

While not explicitly stated, standard zoo etiquette applies. Avoid disturbing animals or other visitors. Professional photography permits might be required for commercial shoots. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. Animals are also often more active during these cooler parts of the day. Reddit

The pygmy hippos, especially the young ones, are a major draw for photographers. The skylift also provides a unique aerial perspective for capturing the zoo's layout. Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Montgomery Zoo is a fantastic outing for families. The zoo train is a definite hit, offering a fun and easy way for kids to see the grounds. Instagram Don't miss the pygmy hippos, especially the calves, which are incredibly cute and a highlight for younger visitors. Instagram+1 The water adventure house is also a great way to cool off on a hot day. Instagram

Be prepared for potentially expensive snacks, so packing your own is a smart move. Reddit While signage can be a bit confusing, a map will help you navigate. Consider the skylift for a unique ride and a different view of the zoo. Instagram Some exhibits may be closed due to renovations, but there's still plenty to keep the little ones entertained for a few hours.

💰 Budget Travelers

While admission prices can be a concern for some, savvy visitors can make the Montgomery Zoo more budget-friendly. Packing your own snacks and drinks is highly recommended to avoid high on-site prices. Reddit Look for potential discounts or special event days, though these aren't always widely advertised. Reddit Consider if a membership makes sense if you plan on visiting multiple times, but evaluate the current exhibit offerings first. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Montgomery Zoo offers some charming subjects for photographers. The pygmy hippos, particularly the calves like Meela and Anuket, are incredibly photogenic and a major draw. Instagram+2 The early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing clear, well-lit shots of the animals. Reddit Don't forget to explore the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum for unique taxidermy shots. Reddit The skylift also presents an opportunity for interesting aerial perspectives of the zoo layout. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pygmy Hippo Family

The Montgomery Zoo has a notable success rate with its pygmy hippo breeding program. Recent additions like Meela and Anuket have become fan favorites. These adorable calves are often seen staying close to their mothers, Lola, providing delightful photo opportunities for visitors. Instagram+2 The pygmy hippo exhibit is a must-see, offering a chance to witness these unique animals in a relatively naturalistic setting within the zoo.

Visitors often express delight at seeing the young hippos, with many sharing videos and photos of their interactions. The zoo's commitment to conservation and successful breeding programs is evident here, making it a highlight for many families. Instagram+2

While the zoo is undergoing renovations, the pygmy hippo enclosure remains a consistent attraction, offering a glimpse into the lives of these endangered creatures. It's a testament to the zoo's efforts in animal care and education. InstagramReddit+1

Navigating the Zoo: Tips from Visitors

Getting around the Montgomery Zoo can be a bit of a challenge, as some visitors have pointed out that the directional signage could be improved. This often leads to confusion and a feeling of being lost, especially for first-time visitors. Reddit To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to grab a map as soon as you enter the zoo. This will help you plan your route and ensure you don't miss any key exhibits.

For those looking to conserve energy or add a bit of fun to their exploration, the zoo train and the skylift are excellent options. The train offers a scenic tour around the grounds, while the skylift provides a unique aerial perspective. Instagram+1 These modes of transport are particularly beneficial for families with young children or individuals with mobility concerns, making the zoo more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

It's also worth noting that the zoo is undergoing renovations, which means some exhibits might be temporarily closed. While this can be a slight disappointment, the available attractions, combined with the train and skylift, still offer a fulfilling experience. Planning your visit during cooler parts of the day can also enhance your navigation experience. Reddit

The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Experience

Adjacent to the main zoo grounds, the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum offers a distinct educational experience. This museum houses an impressive collection of taxidermy displays, showcasing a vast array of animals from various ecosystems around the world. It's a place where visitors can get up close with creatures they might not otherwise see, presented in lifelike dioramas.

Many visitors find the museum to be a valuable addition to their zoo visit, providing a deeper understanding of animal diversity and conservation. The detailed displays offer a different perspective compared to live animal exhibits, allowing for a closer examination of anatomy and form. Reddit It's a quiet, educational space that complements the more active experience of exploring the zoo itself.

While the zoo focuses on live animals, the museum provides a static yet informative look at wildlife. It's particularly interesting for those who appreciate natural history and the art of taxidermy. The museum's presence adds significant educational value to the Montgomery Zoo experience. Reddit

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