Adult Camp FAQs

Our unique Adult Zoo Camp program gives grown-ups the opportunity to enjoy special themed tours of Zoo grounds, make enrichment for the Zoo’s animals, meet animal ambassadors, take a peek behind the scenes to learn about animal husbandry, and dig into the challenges of how zoos work to protect species and habitats.

ACTIVITIES:

Adult Zoo Camp activities may* include:

• Shadowing keepers at Zoo exhibits in daily activities such as cleaning and setting out enrichment
• Interacting with animal experts
• Touring Zoo grounds
• Carrying out animal behavior observations
• Learning how the Zoo uses training as a tool to care for the animals
• Learning ways we can all help to protect wildlife and wild places!

*Due to animal and keeper needs, activities are subject to change without notice.

We have a full schedule planned for our three days of Adult Zoo Camp! But you will have time at lunch to explore on your own, purchase an item from our food concessions area, or simply spend some quiet time relaxing on a bench and watching the crowds go by.

We do not have gift shop time built into our schedule for each day. The Wild Things Gift Shop does remain open until 4:00, so you can definitely feel free to visit the gift shop after we have finished for the day.

Of course! The only exceptions will be during visits to behind-the-scenes areas, where we ask you not to take photos unless the animal department staff member(s) in the particular area gives permission to do so.

• Rubber boots or old shoes that can get dirty (optional)
• Refillable water bottle (labeled with camper name)
• Lunch (labeled with camper name)
• Snack
• Sunscreen (recommended)
• Bug spray (recommended)
• Hat (recommended)
• Medications (where applicable)
• Rain gear—dress for the weather!

We recommend that you always dress for the weather. This includes layers on chilly days and sunscreen and a sunhat on hot days. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. On hot summer days, we will do many of our outdoor activities before it gets too hot and we will take extra water breaks. On code red extreme heat days, we will take advantage of the air conditioned classrooms as much as possible and adapt our schedule accordingly.

Please come prepared for rain on any day it is forecasted. We will continue with our regular schedule on rainy days. If there is thunder and lightning, we will move indoors immediately and adjust our day’s activities as needed. If more severe weather is predicted, we will enact our safety protocols and move to a safe location until the all clear is given by the Zoo’s head of safety and security.

Adult Zoo Camp is designed for adults only. We will not be able to provide activities or supervision for children during Adult Zoo Camp. If you are interested in a Zoo Camp experience for your children, feel free to check out our summer camp offerings for campers entering grades 2nd- 12th.

Only individuals formally registered will be permitted to attend Adult Zoo Camp. If you have family or friends who would like to visit the Zoo on one or more of the days you are at camp, they are invited to purchase tickets at the Main Gate and to explore the Zoo on their own.

Our planned Adult Zoo Camp activities include a fair amount of walking throughout the Zoo, frequently on uneven terrain. In addition, some activities might be considered vigorous depending on the level of physical activity you are used to. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us at education@marylandzoo.org to discuss your needs.

Alcoholic beverages may NOT be brought onto Zoo grounds. An adult camper age 21 or over wishing to purchase wine or beer during lunch at our Zoo concessions area may do so.

The Zoo is a non-smoking environment. There is a designated smoking area right outside the Zoo’s Main Gate. Adult campers wishing to make use of this area will need to travel up from the center of the Zoo to the Main Gate. This is an approximately 20-minute walk each way. We will not be able to delay scheduled activities such as behind-the-scenes experiences to wait for a participant using the designated smoking area.

Cancellation/Change Policy: A $50 non-refundable processing fee applies for any requested changes made to, or cancellation of, any confirmed registration. Cancellations received at least two weeks (10 business days) prior to the start of a camp date will receive a full refund, minus the $50 processing fee. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received fewer than 10 business days prior to the camp start date or for any missed days of camp. In the event the Zoo cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.