Birmingham Zoo CEO shares expansion plans

Chris Pfefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo, shared the organization’s accomplishments, economic impact, conservation efforts, and plans for future improvements during the November 4 meeting of the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club. The 71-year-old zoo welcomed more than 500,000 visitors last year and was recently named Alabama’s Attraction of the Year for 2026 by the Alabama Department of Tourism. A recent study estimated the zoo’s annual economic impact at $20.3M, with nearly half of its visitors coming from outside the greater Birmingham area. Pfefferkorn outlined the zoo’s $30M capital campaign, which has already raised approximately $20M. One of the major projects is the proposed Alabama Teaching Veterinary Hospital, which will replace the zoo’s aging veterinary facility. Partnerships with Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and Jefferson State Community College will provide hands-on educational opportunities for veterinary students and technicians.

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