The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological park that opened in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 organization, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, participating in AZA Species Survival Plans. It is the only AZA accredited zoo in the state of Alabama. Over 550 animals of 180 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos, elephants, and other endangered species from six continents.