All of your frequently asked questions answered.
Thank you for choosing to support the Maryland Zoo! In order to make your membership of the most value to you, please read the following frequently asked questions.
The Zoo loves to have your children and your child care provider visit, but we do have policies in place to ensure the safety of the children and guests. Please provide your child care provider a signed and dated note from the primary member, as well as the household membership card to be presented at the time of entry to the Zoo. The care provider may not use your membership card without the children present, and only one care provider may visit for free with the membership and children per visit. A care provider may only be allowed in for free with a current Core, Basic, Plus or Deluxe level membership, and there must be an unnamed guest space available.
A note with your membership may be as simple as this:
Date
Dear Zoo,
Ms. Giraffe has permission to bring my children to the Zoo for the day.
Thanks,
Cheetah Family
When memberships are purchased online, a receipt is sent to the email address provided when purchasing the membership. Your digital membership card will be emailed to you a few days from the date of purchase to the entered email address. If you would like to visit the Zoo before you receive your Digital Membership Card, please show your ID at the Main Gate on your first visit, and our Membership Greeter will be able to look you up in our system! Please call us at 443-552-5281 or email membership@marylandzoo.org for any questions!
Members are required to have their membership card & matching ID to enter the Zoo. If you believe you have lost your membership card and want a replacement, or wish to have a duplicate card for your home, please stop by Member Services for a replacement/additional card or call 443-552-5281 for a card to be sent to you. There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement/duplicate card.
In order to use your Maryland Zoo membership status to gain entry into other institutions, you will need a membership card.
In an effort to be green and save our resources, we only issue one membership card per household. Our membership cards print only the Primary Member’s name, but any additional people listed on the membership card will appear in our system when the card is scanned.
Additional cards are available at member services for $5.00 a piece.
The Maryland Zoo offers you the convenience of using a digital membership card that you can easily download to your iphone or android mobile phone as well as your wallet app. Going digital means that you will always have access to your membership card and benefits. Your digital card is unique to your membership and displays your name, membership level, expiration date and barcode to scan when you visit the Zoo. It’s exactly the same as a printed card but much more eco-friendly. For more information or instructions about how to download your digital membership card, please visit our digital Membership card landing page.
Children ages 16-18 may use a Core, Basic, Plus or Deluxe membership card to enter the zoo without an adult. The child must present a photo ID at Member Services so we may assist in matching the address provided to the member address on file. If your children are under the age of 16, please refer to the care provider information provided above.
The membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase. NOTE: The membership is valid from the date of purchase, not the date of first visit to the Zoo.
One of the named members on the membership card must be present to use the membership card. We also reserve the right to check the ID of members at any time to ensure that only one household is using a membership.
You have the choice of naming either 1 or 2 adults on a membership. If two adults are named, both need to reside in the same household. If you choose to name one adult, that adult may bring a guest on each visit to the Zoo. The guest may not use the membership card without the primary member being present. If there are two named adults on the membership, the two adults may use the membership to visit the Zoo together or separately, but do not have guest privileges.
Click for a current list of all reciprocating institutions. You can also call a member services agent at 443.552.5281 to find out if a zoo that you would like to visit reciprocates. While we try to keep our information up to date, reciprocating institutions can change at any time. To avoid any inconvenience, please call reciprocating institutions before visiting to ensure reciprocity.
Military (active and veterans), teacher, student, and senior discounts are available toward the purchase of a Maryland Zoo membership. Valid ID must be presented in person at the Zoo at the time of purchase to obtain the discount. Once a member, renewal discounts are offered to thank our existing members. Please be on the lookout for emails, phone calls, and mail with renewal discount offers. For further details, please call 443-552-5281.
Member Mornings are hosted every first consecutive Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the month. Members may enter the Zoo beginning at 9:30AM, a half hour before the Zoo is open to the public.
Please note: Memberships are non-transferrable and may not be shared between households.
Further questions? Please contact our Membership Office at 443-552-5281 or membership@marylandzoo.org and a Membership Agent will be happy to assist you.