How New Attractions are Shaping Tourism Trends
The addition of major attractions like the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Sites and Montgomery Whitewater has brought new energy to the city’s tourism landscape. These venues attract out-of-town visitors, many of whom also explore the Montgomery Zoo. Steven Pierce, Program Services Manager for the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, shared, “It is awesome to have these new attractions in the region to help bring additional out-of-town guests and pass-thru traffic to the area and grow the visibility of the city in a positive manner.”
Through collaborative partnerships, local attractions help promote one another and inform visitors about other stops to add to their itineraries. The state tourism board also offers the ALL-IN-ONE ticket program which allows guests to purchase tickets to multiple attractions and venues within one transaction. This program has further encouraged an increase in exposure and attendance for participating venues.
The Montgomery Zoo has been a cherished part of the community for over a century. Originally established in the 1920s in Oak Park, the zoo relocated to its current home off Northern Boulevard in 1972, beginning as a six-acre children’s zoo. Over the decades, it has transformed into a 40-acre wildlife destination, featuring a continental realm exhibit layout and immersive mixed-species habitats. In 2003, the addition of the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum further enriched the visitor experience, providing an indoor natural history exhibit.
In response to shifting tourism trends, the Montgomery Zoo has prioritized interactive experiences. The introduction of animal encounters, keeper talks and hands-on activities has deepened visitor engagement. Through these initiatives, guests not only learn about wildlife conservation but also form personal connections with the animals that call the Montgomery Zoo home. Their digital engagement has skyrocketed, with social media growth exceeding 1,000% over the past five years, keeping audiences connected even after they leave the zoo through animal updates, event promotions and educational content.
Seasonal Festivities Bring in the Herds
The Montgomery Zoo’s exciting seasonal events in the spring and fall help them reach peak visitation numbers. Spring attendance surges with the annual Zoo Weekend, a tradition now in its 49th year, and continues through mid-June. The fall season kicks off with major events like Zoobilation and ZooBrews and extends through the holiday season, wrapping up with the beloved Christmas Lights Festival.
In 2024, the zoo welcomed approximately 230,000 visitors and maintained 3,600 memberships. School groups, particularly those from outside the River Region, frequently combine their zoo visits with other educational stops, such as the State Capitol or the EJI Legacy Sites.
