Written By: Felecia Causey
Photos By: Felecia Causey
Now, before I get into the details, I want to be upfront: this isn't going to be a five-star review. My blog's all about honesty, you know? I won't be mean, but I'll give you the straight facts to help you decide if it's worth the trip. I’m trying to be understanding, though – the weather probably hasn't helped with the landscaping, and between construction, animal care costs, and maybe a tight budget, things could be better. It just wasn't the same as I remembered, and that made me a little disappointed. I'm really hoping the upgrades they're doing will make a big difference!
The rhino enclosure was a bit of a let-down though. The fencing made it hard to get good photos. I’m sure it’s for safety, but it wasn't ideal for picture-taking.
I also checked out the Waters of the World exhibit. It had a bunch of cool fish, seashells, turtle shells, reptile skins, and even alligator heads! I even managed to snag a photo of a stingray. If your kids are into marine life, they'll love it. It's also a perfect spot to cool off for a few minutes.
Honestly, the life-size animal displays in the dimly lit area gave me a bit of a fright walking through alone! It felt a little creepy, but it was educational, nonetheless. I think younger kids might find it a bit scary.
The lions were pretty chill – just lounging around. There were only males this time, sadly. I remember how loud the male lion's roar was last time – it echoed through the whole pavilion!
And did anyone else think the anteater's leg looked oddly shaped, almost like another animal? The baby hippo chasing the peacocks and their babies was hilarious! He/she then ran back to its mom like a little tough guy.
Be prepared for the gift shop – it’s the only way out of the zoo! One good thing is that they do allow outside food and drinks, so pack a picnic! Just keep in mind you can't sit under the pavilion unless you buy food there. They do have strollers for rent, but I'd check the price online before you go. I would just bring my own.
I'm really hoping things improve for them – they clearly need some time, money, and a solid plan. I’m not saying *don’t* go – I actually *want* them to do well! – but definitely do your research beforehand. Call to confirm prices and availability, especially with everything costing so much these days.
I finally made it to the Montgomery, AL zoo! I was a little nervous because the weather's been crazy lately, and when I got there, I saw a buch of buses – uh oh, I thought, this is going to be crowded! Surprisingly, I was only second in line. But let me tell you, things have changed since my last visit…a *lot*. The outside of the zoo really showed its age.
Okay, so here's the lowdown: the ticket lady was super sweet, even though she was also running the gift shop, which was no biggie. But let me tell you, it was HOT. I started sweating the second I got inside, and it was only 9:35 AM!
First, I saw the flamingos – and the adorable new baby! So cute! They've got a new flamingo area since my last visit, but sadly, you can't really see them that well through the enclosure. Then, I saw the snow leopard, my husband's favorite! He was just chilling in the shade – probably not a fan of the heat either. The lemurs were awesome though – so many of them! All I could think about was Mort from Madagascar yelling, "I love you, King Julian!" Hilarious!
I noticed they were taking down some tents, so I guess they’d had an event.
I got there early, and the Bengal tiger wasn't out yet – I guess they were still getting things set up. They've added some new things in the playground area since my last visit.
The elephants were a HUGE hit with my kids, when they were young. It brought back so many great memories of their very first zoo trip. Their faces lit up, it was so sweet!
Next, I hit the Mann Museum & Outdoor exhibit—another great place to escape the heat. Both exhibits are included in the admission price, which is a plus!
Giraffes are my absolute favorite! I fed one – it's not included in the admission, but the $3 for a cup of food was totally worth it to get up close! The food itself wasn’t great though – it looked more like twigs and leaves than the lettuce pictured online. And getting access to the enclosure was a bit of a hassle. The cashier at the zoo's restaurant wasn't very friendly when I asked for help.
Things I'd recommend bringing: a neck fan, hand sanitizer, water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, cooling towels, and comfy shoes!
The reptile house was pretty empty, which was a little disappointing. There weren't a ton of animals in general. Also, heads up: the train ride, sky lift, and animal feedings all cost extra. The gift shop and cafe were pricey too – just something to keep in mind!
The admission price is almost $20 per person, and after reading some online reviews, I can see why some people might feel a little misled. The bird aviary was closed during my visit (not sure if that's usual), and some of the trails were a bit uneven, so watch your step!
The bathrooms were clean, at least when I was there, but could use some updating.
Honestly, I think the zoo could really benefit from being more upfront about what’s available on their social media. Being transparent about animal populations and any temporary closures would help manage expectations and maybe even attract more visitors and donors – they seem to be struggling a bit. I left feeling a little sad, to be honest, because I saw how excited the kids on the field trip were, despite the limited animals.
Let me know if you end up going and what your experience is like!
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