Birmingham Zoo reduces days of operation as of July 13

The Birmingham Zoo announced this month it will reduce its daily operating hours from seven days a week to five days a week.

The change is due to lower-than-expected attendance since the facility reopened to the public on June 8, according to a news release from zoo officials.

Beginning July 13, the Zoo is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice. Guests and members can visit the zoo Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The zoo closed to the public March 19 to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19. 

Since it reopened, the facility has observed social distancing and other strict guidelines to keep staff and visitors safe. 

However, attendance has still suffered, and revenues continue to decline as a result, the release states.

A non-profit organization, the zoo relies on its 600,000 annual visitors for the revenue to maintain its daily operations and infrastructure.

The decision to close two days each week will help zoo administrators further control costs and reduce expenses.

In April, the Zoo established an Emergency Animal Fund to allow donors to help administrators raise the more than $30,000 per day needed to maintain the facility and care for 550 animal residents, including many endangered and sensitive species.

For more information, including safety protocols for visitors, call 205-879-0409 or go to birminghamzoo.com.