News Summary
The Birmingham Zoo is celebrating the grand opening of the Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing on March 19, 2025. This new exhibit will house a young orphaned female cougar cub and two bobcats, Baxter and Boomer. Visitors will have the chance to observe the animals closely and participate in a naming contest for the cub. The exhibit is a significant milestone for the zoo, celebrating its 70th anniversary while promoting conservation and education about wildlife.
Birmingham Zoo Unveils Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing for Spring Break
Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham Zoo is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new exhibit, the Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing, on March 19, 2025. This facility will provide a permanent home for a young orphaned female cougar cub and two resident bobcats, Baxter and Boomer. The introduction of this exhibit marks a significant milestone for the zoo, coinciding with its 70th anniversary this year.
Exhibit Features and Community Engagement
The newly designed habitat includes both indoor and outdoor spaces that will allow visitors to observe the animals closely, enhancing the educational aspect of the zoo. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to watch training sessions through glass panels, facilitating a deeper understanding of animal behavior and care practices.
The young female cougar, weighing 28 pounds, was found orphaned in Montana and was transported to the Birmingham Zoo on February 11, 2025, courtesy of FedEx, which highlights the collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation.
Baxter and Boomer, both seven years old, were transferred to the zoo from the San Diego Humane Society on March 7, 2025. Their previous rehabilitation marked them as inseparable, showcasing both the bonds formed between animal companions and the impacts of responsible rescue practices.
Funding and Community Support
The project’s success can be attributed to the generosity of Larry and Phyllis Wojciechowski, alongside community support which is vital for the zoo’s operations. Community engagement is further encouraged through a naming contest for the cougar cub. Visitors are allowed to vote for her name—options include Sage, Sierra, and Juniper—via the zoo’s social media platforms starting on the grand opening day. Each vote costs $1, with proceeds dedicated to the cub’s care. Voting will conclude on April 1, 2025, at 10 p.m. CT, with the winning name announced the following day.
Significance of the Exhibit
The opening of Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing underscores the Birmingham Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation and education. Experts highlight that facilities like the Birmingham Zoo play an essential role in raising awareness about native wildlife and the challenges they face due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Educational programs revolving around these animals promote public understanding of conservation issues and inspire community action towards preserving local wildlife.
The bobcat, known for its agility—capable of running up to 30 mph and jumping up to 12 feet—along with the inclusion of the orphaned cougar cub, supports the zoo’s conservation mission. Through educational initiatives and visitor engagement, the zoo aims to foster a sense of responsibility towards wildlife among local residents.
Visitor Information
The Birmingham Zoo encourages families to visit during Spring Break to explore this new habitat and engage with the animals. In alignment with community and educational interests, this exhibit will not only serve as a recreational space but also a learning hub for future generations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Gas Prices Decrease by 1.2 Cents
Central Alabama Prepares for Historic Winter Storm
Top Spring Break Road Trip Destinations Near Birmingham
Birmingham’s Weekend of Love and Fun: Valentine’s Day Events
Birmingham Gas Prices Show Mixed Trends
Birmingham Zoo Celebrates Early Spring Prediction
Birmingham Transformed into Winter Wonderland as Snow Falls
Upcoming Events in Birmingham for January 2025
Birmingham Gas Prices Surge to $2.74 per Gallon
Major Changes in Alabama Education for 2024
Additional Resources
- Yellowhammer News: Birmingham Zoo Unveils New Cougar Habitat
- AL.com: Birmingham Metro Schools Break Dates
- CBS42: Affordable Day Trips from Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Spring Break
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoo
