The zoo is an independent city department, and is supported in part by The Montgomery Area Zoological Society.

The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum opened in January 2003 and serves as the administration building.

In 1995, the bald eagle exhibit opened in North American realm and Monkey Island was completely renovated in South America.

In June 2010, the zoo opened the Giraffe Encounter and feeding stations at the river otters and koi fish ponds.

The following year, both the Parakeet Cove and Horse Trail Rides were added as animal encounters.

Two months later, the Birmingham Zoo's two male lions, Baron and Vulcan were displayed in their exhibit at the African realm.

The exhibit formerly held Eld’s deer, banteng, demoiselle crane, mandarin duck, common shelduck, and teal.

It includes waterfalls, a large pool, a barn with a flexible design to allow for the separation of individuals, and several enrichment items scattered across the exhibit that change on a regular basis.

The African ungulates and elephants are placed within a panoramic view, and from the cafe all appear to share the same space.

This exhibit displays: Another yard adjacent to the hoofstock houses a family of Reticulated giraffes and Abyssinian ground hornbills.

The North American exhibit is full of several species of hoofstock that can be found in Alabama and other parts of the United States.

There are separate enclosures for the cougar, Canadian lynx, black bear, bald eagle, river otter, and a pair of young American alligators.

The collection of large animals on display was taken with bow and arrow by trophy hunter George Mann.

Guests visiting the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum are able to touch and feel the furs and antlers of some of the animals on display.

Plans are currently being made for a butterfly pavilion to be constructed, in honor of those with breast cancer.

Currently, a large banner providing information of the new facility is hanging on the outside fence of the Greater rhea exhibit, located in the Zoo's South America realm.

The new facility serves as a replacement for the Zoo's current Reptile House, which is also located in the South America realm.