2024 is coming to a close…
With 2025 knocking on the door, we thank you for your incredible support this year! Simply put, we couldn’t be successful without you. From all of your friends at the Zoo, we wish you all the best 2025 has to offer. Now it’s time to take a look back at some of the moments this year brought.
January
Opossum Sisters Moose and Salmon
Kicking off the year, we welcomed an adorable new duo to the Zoo! Opossum sisters Moose and Salmon were our newest animal ambassadors, helping teach guests about their species at outposts and educational programs around the Zoo. Animal ambassadors play an important role by connecting people to wildlife, giving guests a chance to learn more about these incredible animals up close.
February
Fieldwork in Panama
In February, Zoo hospital keeper Katie journeyed to Panama to assist our partners at EVACC Foundation. Her experience at the Zoo’s hospital provided her with the flexibility to seamlessly adapt to a new environment, ensuring the critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs (PGF) received exceptional care. This support allowed EVACC staff to dedicate more time to planning efforts. Whether she was cleaning tanks to warmly engaging with tourists, Katie’s adaptability truly stood out!
March
Red Panda Plans Revealed
In March, we were delighted to share the exciting news regarding our plans for our newest habitat and its residents… red pandas! The Zoo is planning to develop a brand-new habitat for red pandas in Main Valley, located near the former snowy owl habitat. These charming mammals will be an exciting and delightful addition to the Zoo!
April
Woodrat Headstart
Teaming up with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s Wildlife Futures Program, we formed the Allegheny Woodrat Working Group and started a Woodrat Captive Breeding Program (WCBP) to rebuild struggling populations of Allegheny woodrats. The Zoo is housing a founding colony of woodrats, including a female from Pennsylvania who gave birth to three pups. The WCBP aims to produce genetically diverse woodrats for reintroduction, addressing population declines caused by habitat loss, invasive species, and disease.
May
New Parking Lot
A better way to roll your crew into the Zoo! After months of construction, our new parking lots were finished in May. Smoother surfaces, better pathways for strollers and wagons, and ADA-accessible parking right by the Main Gate are just a few of the new improvements the parking lot has to offer.
June
Baby Chimpanzee Ivy
In June, baby chimpanzee Ivy was born! Daughter of mother Rozi and father Jack, baby chimp Ivy did well initially, but after a few weeks the animal care staff noticed a decline in the infant’s health and became concerned that she was not receiving enough of her mother’s milk. The Zoo’s veterinarians were able to stabilize her and keepers were providing around the clock care until the baby was strong enough to rejoin the troop. As Ivy grew, many impressive milestones were hit. Take a stroll through Chimpanzee Forest and you might catch baby chimp Ivy out and about in the dayroom now!
July
Ground Hornbill Rwen
In July, a northern ground hornbill chick hatched! Parents Blue and North welcomed their newest addition, making Everest a big brother. The chick had been named Rwenzori, or Rwen for short, after a mountain range in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a perfect match alongside his older brother.
August
Electric Train Engine
This August, we replaced the Jones Falls Zephyr engine with an eco-friendly electric engine! The train offers smooth and sustainable rides through the Zoo, all while keeping the air clean and animals happy. Plus, guests can now enjoy rides on both the train and carousel included with their Zoo entry, making for a fun, eco-conscious adventure!
September
Fieldwork in Namibia
In September, Jess Phillips, our Director of Animal Facilities, played a key role in leading efforts to protect African penguins as acting director for a non-profit organization in Namibia called NAMCOB, Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds. The Maryland Zoo is a founding member of NAMCOB, and the organization is now putting in place the facilities, equipment, staff, and training that are needed to protect the colonies of these critically endangered birds in Namibia.
October
Saying Goodbye to Anna
In October, we mourned the loss of our beloved African elephant, Anna. Whether she was splashing in the pool or simply basking in the sun, Anna was a remarkable ambassador for her species. Anna was the heart of our herd for over four decades, having arrived in July of 1983, she touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to meet her. At 49, Anna exceeded the average life expectancy for her species, flourishing thanks to a thorough and committed care plan. Her passing is a significant loss, and we know that our members, guests, and friends feel this grief alongside us.
November
A New Arrival to Our Herd
In November, we welcomed a new member of the giraffe herd at the Zoo! The three year-old female had arrived from another Association for Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo and has been settling into her new home. The giraffe is not currently visible to the public during a quarantine period, but once she is comfortable in her new environment, keepers will slowly expose her to outside people.
December
HeroRATs Mirasol and Maria
Also known as East African savannah pouched rats, these HeroRATs are more than just cheek-stuffers! APOPO‘s HeroRATs live up to their name with their incredible landmine-detecting skills. Brand new keeper chats featuring these amazing ambassadors started this December, stop by to check out just how impressive their sense of smell is.
Share this article