Trails of Africa

Trails of Africa is a 14-acre exhibit under construction at the Birmingham Zoo. The $15 million project will include a 6.5-acre savannah habitat shared by several species of animals with multiple viewing areas.

The exhibit is also planned to position the zoo as a leader in the care and breeding of threatened African elephants, specifically the veterinary study of bachelor herds, uncommon in zoos. A group of bull elephants is due for permanent exhibit alongside red river hogs, giraffes, rhinoceroses, antelopes, zebras and ostriches. As planned, those species will share the large grassland habitat with its watering and swimming areas, loosely separated by earth berms and rotating in and out from individualized holding areas.

The exhibit will also be themed to enhance its educational value to visitors, with African plants and cultural elements supporting ecological and conservation lessons. A "safari cafe" and outdoor classroom areas are included in the plans, as well as a giraffe feeding station and a pachyderm encounter area for university students. Future plans included evening viewing hours with "enhanced moonlight"

The Birmingham City Council passed a resolution of support for the project in February 2009 and followed up with a commitment of $1.5 million per year for ten years at its June 30 meeting. A groundbreaking was held on July 29, 2009. The exhibit was opened March 2011, with a member preview held March 10 - 11.

Animals

• Bulwagi - African elephant
• Ajabu and Laptop - white rhinoceroses
• Star, Spangle, and Banner - African Red River hogs

References

• Bryant, Walter (September 21, 2007) "Zoo plans to add 'a slice of Africa'." Birmingham News
• Bryant, Joseph D. (June 30, 2009) "Birmingham council agrees to funding for Trails of Africa exhibit." Birmingham News
• Thornton, William (July 27, 2009) "Simulated savannah to house elephant study at Birmingham Zoo." Birmingham News
• Nance, Rahkia (August 2010) "Trails of Africa: The Birmingham Zoo prepares for an increase in both tourism and conservation with its elephant exhibit." Birmingham magazine
• Thornton, William (December 29, 2010) "Elephant arrivals give Birmingham Zoo staff bigger job." Birmingham News