The Vulcan statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world, and is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. The 56-foot tall statue depicts the Roman god Vulcan, god of the fire and forge with ironworker equipment. It was created as Birmingham’s entry for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. While it is the world’s largest made of iron-ore, it is also among the nation’s tallest statues of any kind. Wikipedia

The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological park that opened in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama. 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. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA accredited Zoo in the state of Alabama. Approximately 550 animals of 195 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. Wikipedia

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is 67.5-acre of botanical gardens located adjacent to Lane Park at the southern foot of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama. The gardens are home to over 12,000 different types of plants, 25 unique gardens, more than 30 works of original outdoor sculpture, and several miles of walking paths. With more than 350,000 annual visitors, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens qualify as one of Alabama’s top free-admittance tourist attractions. The gardens include a garden center that has a library, auditorium, Linn-Henley Lecture Hall, Blount Education Center, Gerlach Plant Information Center, Alabama Cooperative Extension System office, Arrington Children’s Plant Adventure Zone, and a restaurant. Wikipedia