THE "ZOO CHOO"

The "ZOO CHOO" at Children's Zoo on Mill Mountain.
Roanoke, Va.
Children and adults alike enjoy going around the Zoo on the "Zoo Choo".  The Engineer blows the whistle and the train runs through a 100 ft. concrete tunnel.  The miniature train can carry 36 people and is one of the favorite attractions. The "Zoo Choo" was sponsored and is operated by the Roanoke Jaycees. 

The "Zoo Choo" started its operation in 1952
The zoo's current train, which is owned by the Roanoke Jaycees, is being relocated to the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
That's because the Blue Ridge Zoological Society, which operates the zoo, wants to own and operate its own train.
The new Zoo Choo will be nearly identical to the old one except in color -- Thomas the Train blue instead of burnt Tuscan red.
"There will always be a Zoo Choo at the Mill Mountain Zoo," said Sean Greene, the zoo's executive director. "And this town is big enough for two miniature trains."

 I remember having an incredibly exciting ride on a miniature Zoo Train as a child.   They must have been a common attraction at many a Zoo.  The Zoo in Birmingham, Alabama had a "Zoo Choo".  I wonder if it is still there and running?  After checking out the Zoo website I found out that the train is still going strong.  There are actually two.  I never knew that.
http://www.birminghamzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/birmingham-zoo-map-2011.pdf