As well as catering to tourists and locals, the zoo is actively involved in many scientific programmes, such as the EEP captive breeding programmes with endangered animals, helping to highlight the plight of the world's biodiversity through educational talks and campaigns.

Birmingham Zoo was opened on 1 May 1964 by the Dudley Zoological Society, within Cannon Hill Park.

[3] It was designed to exhibit mainly young animals, but it also housed Dudley Zoo's collection of monkeys and two dromedaries for rides.

Babu is a red panda who disappeared from the nature centre in November 2005 and spent four days on the loose before being discovered.

After being discovered by a dog-walker in Moseley, Babu was dramatically reunited with his brother Tensing live on Midlands Today.