Birmingham Zoo
The zoo is open every day of the year and features three major biomes: the Tropic Zone, Temperate Territory, and the Polar Circle. From tropical birds, to snow leopards, grizzly bears, and one of the nation’s largest colonies of Antarctic penguins, there are animals to enjoy in every season.
Opening 2021!
Bears
Did you know that a bear's closest relative is the seal? Or that bears can smell over 2,000 times better than humans?
Tiger Facts
- Tigers are the largest cat species in the world reaching up to 3.3 meters in length and weighing up to 670 pounds!
- Tigers are easily recognizable with their dark vertical stripes and reddish/orange fur.
- The Bengal tiger is the most common tiger.
- Tigers live between 20-26 years in the wild.
- Unlike most other cats, tigers are great swimmers and actually like the water.
Panda
The giant panda, also known as the panda bear or simply panda, is a bear species endemic to China. It is characterised by its white coat with black patches around the eyes, ears, legs and shoulders. Its body is rotund; adult individuals weigh 100 to 115 kg and are typically 1.2 to 1.9 m long.
🐼 Here are some interesting facts about Giant Pandas:
- Diet: While they are classified in the order Carnivora and have a carnivore's digestive system, the Giant Panda's diet is 99% bamboo. They must eat a huge amount—up to 84 pounds (38 kg) of bamboo every day—and spend 10 to 16 hours feeding, due to their inefficient digestion of the fibrous plant. They will occasionally eat small animals, eggs, and grasses.
- Not Hibernators: Unlike other bears, Giant Pandas do not hibernate. Their low-nutrient bamboo diet doesn't allow them to store enough energy for a long winter sleep, so they must continue eating year-round.
- WWF Logo: The Giant Panda has been the logo for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since its founding in 1961, inspired by a panda named Chi-Chi at the London Zoo.
Giraffe
Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals, thanks to their towering legs and long necks. A giraffe's legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet . These long legs allow giraffes to run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances and cruise comfortably at 10 miles an hour over longer distances.
Behavior
Typically, these fascinating animals roam the open grasslands in small groups of about half a dozen.
Bulls sometimes battle one another by butting their long necks and heads. Such contests aren't usually dangerous and end when one animal submits and walks away.
Height and Size
Giraffes use their height to good advantage and browse on leaves and buds in treetops that few other animals can reach (acacias are a favorite). Even the giraffe's tongue is long! The 21-inch tongue helps them pluck tasty morsels from branches. Giraffes eat most of the time and, like cows, regurgitate food and chew it as cud. A giraffe eats hundreds of pounds of leaves each week and must travel miles to find enough food.
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Are there any benefits or discounts for members?
There are AMAZING benefits of becoming a member with Birmingham Zoo! Our members get special discounts in our shops, cafes, and unlimited entry