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A day at the zoo is always a great day- the more animals, the better! Whether you’re looking to have an awesome day with your family or an exciting date with your significant other, heading to the zoo is guaranteed fun all ages. And in Maryland, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a must-visit!
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo promises a fun-filled for everyone. This is our guide with everything you need to know to plan your visit:
Overview of The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, founded in 1876, is a 135-acre zoological park located in Druid Hill Park. It houses over 1,500 animals representing 200 species. Popular exhibits include African Journey, Maryland Wilderness, Penguin Coast, and the Polar Bear Exhibit. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
The Zoo’s Highlights
The Maryland Zoo boasts over 1,500 animals representing 200 species. From majestic African elephants and playful penguins to curious chimpanzees and lumbering polar bears, prepare to be dazzled by the diversity of wildlife.
Here are some of the zoo’s must-see exhibits:
- African Journey: Witness the wonders of the African savanna, where lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos roam freely.
- Maryland Wilderness: Explore a recreated habitat teeming with native Mid-Atlantic animals like otters, bobcats, and foxes.
- Penguin Coast: Dive into the icy world of penguins, a colony of these tuxedoed birds waddling and swimming in their chilled habitat.
- Polar Bear Exhibit: Witness the awe-inspiring power of polar bears in their expansive enclosure with underwater viewing opportunities.
- Children’s Zoo: Let the little ones get up close to farm animals, crawl through a spiderweb maze, and cool off in a splash pad (seasonal).
Planning Your Visit
Hours: The zoo is open year-round, with extended hours during the spring and summer months (March – December: daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; January – February: Friday-Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Be sure to check the official website for any updated hours or closures.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the gate. Consider memberships for frequent visitors, offering discounts and other perks.
Getting There: The Maryland Zoo is easily accessible by car and public transportation. Free parking is available on-site.
Amenities Available
Dining: Several cafes and concession stands throughout the zoo offer a variety of food and beverage options for purchase.
Guided Tours: Explore the zoo with a knowledgeable guide who can share fascinating insights about the animals and conservation efforts.
Special Events: The zoo hosts various events throughout the year, from animal feedings to educational talks. Check the calendar on their website for upcoming events.
Adding a Zoo Experience to Your Visit
The Maryland Zoo offers a variety of incredible experiences to make your visit even more unforgettable, including a chance to meet eye to eye with the world’s tallest land animal, up close and personal with endangered species like African penguins, and more incredible encounters.
Up-Close Animal Encounters: An immersive look into animal care and conservation with the keepers who know the animals best. These include:
- Penguin Encounters: At Penguin Coast, you can watch penguins waddle, swim, dive, and eat in North America’s largest African penguin colony. Want an even closer experience? Join us for a special Penguin Encounter! It’s your chance to meet and greet some of the Zoo’s endangered African penguins. Take part in an intimate, 30-minute encounter with a guided keeper experience, special photo opportunities, and up-close penguin connections.
- Otter Training: Experience how the animal care team and river otters interact on a daily basis by watching a training session with Hudson and Brie the otters.
- Rhino Training: Experience how the Animal Care Team and rhinos interact on a daily basis. Learn about rhinos on this guided experience and watch one of the Animal Care Team conduct a training session with a member of the herd!
Animal Interactive: A casual “meet and greet” with some of the Zoo’s most popular animals. These include:
- Giraffe Feeding Station: The Feeding Station features a gated feeding area where visitors can purchase a small branch of acacia browse to feed a giraffe. Guests may also enjoy a separate, non-gated deck for free viewing and photography. A large hand-washing station is found behind the feeding area – always wash after feeding a giraffe!
- 2. Goat Grooming: Bring the family for a chance to brush, groom and pet our various species of goats. An ideal spot for young zoogoers, the goat grooming corral is a relaxed, open, and entertaining addition to any Zoo trip. This is a free experience.
- Daily Events (Free): The Zoo has a variety of events going on every day including penguin feedings, keeper chats, and more!
Private Animal Experiences: It’s your chance for an intimate, incredible encounter with your favorite animal. Meet eye to eye with the world’s tallest land animal, brave the lion training, or get up close and personal with an elephant’s trunk. Private experiences are perfect for groups, or make a wonderful gift for that special occasion! These include:
- Giraffe House (Including Okapi): Enjoy a private tour of the Giraffe House to learn how our dedicated keepers care for the Zoo’s tallest inhabitants. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the keepers, watching a short training session, and meeting the okapi who shares the building with his much larger relatives. Tours may include the opportunity to feed or make enrichment for the giraffe.
- Lion Overlook: Visit the lion habitat with our big cat keepers during this private tour. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the lion keeper team where you’ll watch a short training session and learn how they care for these magnificent mammals. Tours may include the opportunity to place enrichment throughout the outdoor exhibit before the lions are allowed to enter that area.
- Amur Leopard Lair: Visit the Amur leopard habitat with our big cat keepers during this private tour. Amur leopard is considered the most critically endangered leopard subspecies, and it is estimated that there are fewer than 100 living in the wild. Your tour will include a meet and greet with the leopard care team where you’ll watch a training session and learn how they care for this magnificent mammal, along with a tour of the behind-the-scenes leopard building.
Private Zoo Experiences: Private experiences are perfect for groups, or make a wonderful gift for that special occasion! These include:
- Train Engineer for the Day: Take part in an exclusive one-of-a-kind experience with the Maryland Zoo’s Jones Falls Zephyr Train ride. This 45-minute guided program will take you behind the scenes of this popular attraction where you will work alongside our Jones Falls Zephyr Train Engineer to learn what goes into running the train. You will also be officially recognized as our Engineer of the Day and receive a commemorative certificate as well as whistle-blowing privileges!
If you’re interested in taking part in any of these incredible zoo experiences or would like to learn more, contact The Maryland Zoo’s zoo experience team.
Tips for Visiting
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Dress for the weather and consider bringing sunscreen, hats, and rain gear depending on the forecast.
Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
Take advantage of the zoo map to navigate the exhibits efficiently.
Respect the animals by keeping a safe distance and avoiding loud noises.
Zoo Accessibility for People with Disabilities
The Maryland Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities. The zoo offers several amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit:
Wheelchair Accessibility: Most of the zoo’s exhibits and pathways are wheelchair accessible.
Assistive Devices: The zoo provides a limited number of wheelchairs for guest use.
Sensory-Friendly Initiatives: The zoo is a KultureCity sensory-inclusive certified venue, offering sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys.
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome throughout the zoo.
Accessible Restrooms: The zoo has accessible restrooms located throughout the park.
For more detailed accessibility information, please visit the Maryland Zoo’s website or contact their guest services department.
More Than Just a Zoo
The Maryland Zoo goes beyond entertainment; it’s a champion for wildlife conservation. Through educational programs and interactive exhibits, the zoo inspires visitors to appreciate the natural world and take action to protect endangered species.
Helpful Zoo Resources
Maryland Zoo Website: https://www.marylandzoo.org/
Maryland Zoo Address: 1 Safari Place Baltimore, MD 21217
Hours of Operation: March – December: Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ; January – February: Open Friday-Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Phone Number: (410) 396-7102
Email Address: tickets@marylandzoo.org
To Purchase Tickets Online: https://www.marylandzoo.org/visit/tickets-hours/
Map of the Zoo: https://www.marylandzoo.org/interactive-map/
Conclusion
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is more than just a zoo; it’s a place where wildlife conservation meets family fun. With its diverse collection of animals, engaging exhibits, and commitment to education, the zoo offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. By planning your visit, taking advantage of the zoo’s amenities, and respecting the animals, you can make the most of your time at this remarkable institution.
Before your family visit
Official sources and verification
Visit Maryland family attractions
Maryland Office of Tourism
