Where the wild things are: 4 Maryland zoos to explore in 2022
Editor's Note: Many zoos in the U.S. have closed their bird exhibits to protect animals from a recent outbreak of avian influenza, which has been killing birds across the country.
Feeling the urge to take a walk on the wild side now that the weather is warmer?
Check out a Maryland zoo. From a wildlife preserve in the mountains to kid-friendly parks in the east to a big slice of nature in the middle of the Baltimore metropolis, there’s plenty to choose from.
New this year at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the "DINOSAURS: Explore the Prehistoric Forest'' exhibit.
“DINOSAURS at the Maryland Zoo is a blockbuster experience you won’t want to miss,” said Maryland Zoo President & CEO Kirby Fowler.
“To see these dinosaurs at full scale in our forest will give you a sense of what it was like when they walked the planet,'' Fowler said. "And our educational resources will link these prehistoric creatures to their living descendants that we have here as part of our animal collection.”
Here's what else to find at Maryland zoos:
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Thurmont
From llamas and lemurs to bears and boas, from macaws to monkeys to panthers and pythons, more than 600 exotic animals inhabit this 50-acre park.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is supported by the Global Wildlife Trust, whose mission is to broaden human understanding of the animal world.
Biggest attractions: One-hour Safari Rides, reopened in May, showcase exotic animals from six continents through 25 wooded acres and four different paddocks. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve features more interactive touch and feed opportunities than any other zoo in the region.
Amenities: Vending machines for beverages and a few packaged snacks, but there is no restaurant or food snack bar inside the preserve. Visitors may bring small coolers and ice chests with food and non-alcoholic beverages. Visitors may ask for a hand stamp to re-enter the same day if they wish to visit restaurants in Thurmont, Maryland, which is 2 miles north of the preserve.
Parking: Free parking is available at the preserve. If you are in a large vehicle, like a bus or RV, the parking along Catoctin Furnace Road will not be suitable. Look for the larger recessed lots along the north and south borders of the parking area.
Accessibility: Approximately 50% of the trails are paved and the rest are crushed gravel or hard-packed earth. Large-wheeled transports are recommended to make traveling across this terrain easier. No rentals for strollers, wheelchairs or scooters. Find more information at catoctinwildlifepreserve.com/faqs/
Tickets: Admission is $16.50 for children ages 3 to 12, $26.50 for adults ages 13 to 64, : $24.50 for seniors and military. Global Wildlife Safari Ride is an additional $16.50 per person. Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include tax.
Memberships: Yearly memberships are available on several levels. Individual: Children (ages 3 to 12 years old): $64; adults (13 to 64 years old): $99; seniors (65+ years old) and military: $89. Family: $265: Includes two adults and up to three children. Add more children for $55 each. Grandparent: $168. Includes one senior and two children.
All memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prices listed are per person and do not include tax. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Membership discounts or benefits:
Unlimited regular admissions for one year
Special notices and access
10% discount on gift purchases
20% discount off your guests’ admission when they visit with you
Free or discounted admission to dozens of other zoos and aquariums across the country. See the reciprocal list at tinyurl.com/2p9986hd
Use of the Members Entrance for quicker entry.
Discounts and early registry for events and birthday parties.
Discounts or free admission to attend popular zoo events.
Invitation to Annual Members Appreciation Day.
Extra discount at annual November holiday/inventory reduction gift sale.
Memberships are fully or partially tax-deductible.
COVID restrictions: In response to recent changes in infection rates in the area, guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks while at the admission areas, on the Safari Ride and inside all buildings. While outside, the zoo asks that you keep a polite distance between your group and others. High-touch areas are frequently sanitized by staff. Tickets can be purchased online to save time in line, or purchases “at the door.”
Hours: Open daily from March to Dec. 23; closed on Thanksgiving. Summer Peak Season, May 28 to Sept. 5. Entry hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from May 28 to Sept. 5; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Sept. 7 to Oct. 3; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 to 30; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 to Dec. 23.
Grounds and exhibits open only when it is dry and 45ºF or warmer. First entry is at 10 a.m. Last entry is at 3 p.m. Preserve grounds close for the season Dec. 24, but gift shop and offices will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland
Box office: 301-271-3180 or 301-271-4922
Website: catoctinwildlifepreserve.com
Social media channels: Facebook: facebook.com/cwpzoo. YouTube: youtube.com/user/CWPZoo. Instagram: @catoctinwildlifepreserve
Maryland Zoo, Baltimore
A 135-plus acre zoo nestled in Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the country. Owned by the city of Baltimore and leased to the state, it is operated by the Maryland Zoological Society.
Biggest attractions: There are four main areas at the Zoo for people to visit, all featuring naturalistic exhibits evocative of animals’ native habitats. They are Penguin Coast, Northern Passage, Maryland Wilderness and African Journey.
In 2021, the Zoo reopened its historic Main Valley to give visitors a look back on historic, Victorian-era cages and enclosures to see just how far zoo habitats and conservation initiatives have come.
New this year — travel through a prehistoric forest of roaring, rustling dinosaurs deep in the heart of the zoo. Take a winding path through the Maryland Wilderness to experience up-close encounters with life-size, animatronic dinosaurs like velociraptors, triceratops, tyrannosaurus rex and more, created by Dino Don Inc.
Many monthly and seasonal events are scheduled.
Amenities: Free WiFi is available to visitors. Food and drink are available at several points within the zoo. Whistle Stop Grille & Sidetrack (sandwiches and ice cream); Bait Shack (soft pretzels and ICEEs); Oasis Café (soft pretzels, beer); Dippin' Dots — ice cream.
Visitors may bring food and drinks, but no glass containers or alcohol.
Parking: Free. Accessible parking available.
Accessibility info: Restrooms are accessible, equipped with changing stations, and available in several locations throughout the zoo. Family restrooms are located near the Whistle Stop Grille and inside Penguin Education Center. Strollers and manual wheelchairs available for rent.
The Maryland Zoo is a KultureCity sensory inclusive certified venue. Sensory Bags are available upon entry at the Main Gate.
Rides and attractions are all wheelchair accessible.
More information is available at marylandzoo.org/visit/accessibility
Tickets: Admission is $24 online, $26 at the gate for adults (ages 12 to 64); $21 online or $23 at the gate for seniors; $20 online or $22 at the gate for children ages 2 to 11.
Zoomore — admission for one person plus unlimited train and carousel rides for the day, $28 for everyone
Memberships: Individual, $69 (one adult); Companion, $99 (one adult and one guest); Basic, $149 (two adults and up to four children); Plus, $169 (two adults, up to four children and one guest); Deluxe, $239 (two adults, up to six children, up to two guests and two one-time use tickets).
Membership discounts or benefits:
Unlimited visits for one year
25% off guest passes
Exclusive early entry the first Saturday, Sunday and Monday of each month, and free train and carousel rides from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Member Mornings
Special discounted member pricing for the zoo train and carousel, Giraffe Feeding Station and Zoo Experiences
Save 50% on admission at more than 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide
Discounts at local attractions
Save 10% on select purchases at the Wild Things Gift Shop
Member-only discounts to attend events including Brew at the Zoo, Breakfast with the Animals and OktoBEARfest
Members can save up to $100 off the price of birthday parties and summer camp
Free digital copies of the Maryland Zoo’s magazine three times a year.
COVID restrictions: Reserved timed entry tickets are strongly recommended and may be purchased in advance. Please stay home if you feel sick or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms.
Masks are no longer required in indoor areas with one exception: Because animals inside Chimp Forest are susceptible to COVID-19, guests age 2 and above are required to wear face coverings when inside the building. Visit website for updates.
Hours: Open all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Open daily March through December, open Friday to Monday in January and February. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry at 2 p.m. Last entry at 2 p.m.
Address: One Safari Place, Baltimore, Maryland
Box office: 410-396-7102
Website: marylandzoo.org
Social media channels: YouTube, youtube.com/user/MarylandZooTV; Instagram, @MarylandZoo; Twitter, twitter.com/marylandzoo; Facebook, facebook.com/MarylandZoo
Salisbury Zoological Park
Founded in 1954, the Salisbury Zoo houses more than 100 different exotic animals, including reptiles, wallabies, bears and many more species native to North, Central and South America. The zoo, free to the public, encourages appreciation of wildlife and promotes environmental conservation.
Biggest attractions: On Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, the Salisbury Zoo’s female Andean bear gave birth to twins. As the cubs get bigger, they will be allowed to venture outside where visitors can see them this spring. Until then, the public can catch glimpses of them on social media.
Season: The zoo is open year-round, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Amenities: The zoo offers free Wi-Fi, gift shop access, restrooms equipped with changing tables. Food and drink can be found at the Beastro, which opens from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends in April and May, and all week from June through September. The Beastro closes for the winter season from October through March.
Visitors also have access to a nearby playground, located directly on the west side of the zoo.
Parking: Free parking is extended to all visitors. There are parking lots located at each of the zoo’s two entrances. During the zoo’s revised schedule time, parking is only available at the East Gate entrance (Civic Center side of the zoo). The zoo also has bus parking locations. For more information regarding the unloading of charter buses and school buses, visit the zoo’s website.
Accessibility: The zoo offers wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Its paved pathways and ramped boardwalks make it accessible to all. The zoo’s “Inclusion Toolbox”, which details quiet areas for regrouping, a mood chart, and much more, can be found here: salisburyzoo.org/inclusion-toolbox
Tickets: Free admission for all visitors. Donations are accepted.
Memberships: Senior citizen, $20; Individual, $30; Individual Plus Membership, $40; Family Membership, $45; Grandparent Membership, $45; Naturalist, $100
To explore the benefits of each membership, visit salisburyzoo.org/support/membership/
COVID-19 restrictions: Visitors who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask in the zoo. Those who are not fully vaccinated are asked to wear a mask. All visitors are asked to practice social distancing. Some exhibits and experiences may be closed, as some of the zoo animals are susceptible to COVID-19. Check website for updates.
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the week
Address: Salisbury Zoological Park, 755 S. Park Dr., Salisbury, Maryland
Box office: 410-548-3188 main line, 443-944-0636 education
Website: salisburyzoo.org
Social media channels: Visit the Salisbury Zoo’s website to download the mobile app or sign up for its e-newsletter. Instagram: @officialsalisburyzoo; Facebook: @SalisburyZoo
Plumpton Park Zoo
Plumpton Park offers the perfect blend of big zoo animals and small zoo comfort. It exhibits animals to the public for education and conservation, while providing a home for exotic animals that are in need of homes and cannot be helped privately.
Biggest attractions: The zoo houses animals from alpacas, bears and bison to birds and reptiles to tigers and zebras, and is known for its giraffes. The zoo hosts a number of monthly and seasonal events, as well as special events tied to Easter, Earth Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Amenities: A snack bar with limited hot food and a variety of packaged snacks, picnic area with pavilions and a gift shop are available. There are play and petting areas for children.
Parking: Free
Accessibility: ADA accessible restrooms. Scooters and wheelchairs permitted. For more information, call the zoo at 410-658-6850.
Tickets: Admission is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors; $10.95 for children ages 2 to 12. Under 2 free.
Memberships: Individual: $85; Family: $130; Family Plus: $160; Grandparents: $130
Membership discounts or benefits:
Individual: annual admission to the zoo for one named individual. One single-use guest pass is also included with the membership. Free admission to the zoo’s annual membership event as well as discounts on zoo programs and events are included.
Family: annual admission to the zoo for two named adults in the same household and up to three dependent children (ages 2 to 17). Two single-use guest passes are also included with the membership. Free admission to the zoo’s annual membership event as well as discounts on zoo programs and events are included.
Family Plus: The Family PLUS Membership plan covers annual admission to the zoo for two named adults in the same household and up to five dependent children (ages 2 to 17). One large feed cup each time you visit. Two single-use guest passes. Free admission to the zoo’s annual membership event as well as discounts on zoo programs and events are included.
Grandparents: annual admission to the zoo for two named seniors in the same household and up to five grandchildren (ages 2 to 17). Two single-use guest passes. Free admission to the zoo’s annual membership event as well as discounts on zoo programs and events are included.
COVID restrictions: In accordance with Maryland guidelines, masks are no longer required. But guests are free to wear masks if they choose. The park continues to recommend tickets be purchased in advance online. Watch website for updates.
Hours: Open all year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Memorial Day (last admission 4 p.m.); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day (last admission 5 p.m.)
Address: 1416 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, Maryland
Box office: (410) 658-6850
Website: plumptonparkzoo.org/
Social media channels: Facebook: facebook.com/plumptonparkzoo; Twitter: twitter.com/plumptonparkzoo; YouTube: youtube.com/user/plumptonparkzoo
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Where the wild things are: Maryland zoos to explore in 2022
