zoo keeper holding raven
Off Exhibit: The Zoo Outside the Zoo

It’s no surprise you can visit the Zoo, but did you know the Zoo can come to you? Animal outreach has been an important part of the Zoo’s mission for much of its 140 year history. Connecting people to wildlife in their own communities is something the Maryland Zoo (and many other accredited zoos) are deeply committed to. On this episode of Off Exhibit, ...

woman looking in microscope
Off Exhibit: Animal Nurses (and so much more)

They’re part of the dedicated team who care for wildlife alongside Zoo veterinarians and their jobs are anything but ordinary. On this episode of Off Exhibit, we reveal the unsung and specialized work of Veterinary Technicians.  Meet Jen Sohl, one of three Maryland Zoo Veterinary Technicians who shares about the work of an animal nurse, diagnostic ...

Recycling for Chimps

One of the biggest threats to chimpanzees and other great apes is the mining of columbite tantalite or “coltan,” an important mineral utilized by many electronic devices such as cell phones. Coltan is primarily mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa, where animals like chimpanzees, gorillas and okapis live.  The ...

Weekend Lineup: 3 Free Family-Friendly Events at the Zoo

Mild September weather, amazing animals, and three family-friendly events … that’s what’s on tap for this weekend at the Maryland Zoo. All three events are FREE with Zoo admission or membership. This Saturday, the Baltimore Gamer Orchestra is back with their Musical Petting Zoo for the second year. Not to be confused with an animal petting zoo, ...

Woman with chimp
Off Exhibit: Nice To Meet Zoo

Joining a new group and getting along with everyone is hard, especially when the “everyone” is a tight troop of chimps. Pam Carter, the Zoo’s new Area Manager for the Chimpanzee Forest, has recently proved that she’s well equip to integrate seamlessly into a team of humans and expertly orchestrate chimpanzee introductions, too. On this episode of ...

Guest Advisory for Saturday, June 18th

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR GUESTS PLANNING TO VISIT THE ZOO ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016: This, Saturday, June 18th the Zoo will host a large number of employees from a local business as part of a private event from 11am – 2pm.  Due to this event, we anticipate a larger than normal Zoo crowd.  We encourage guests planning to visit the Zoo on Saturday to ...

leopard
Maryland Zoo Says Farewell to African Leopard Hobbes

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is saddened to announce the death of Hobbes, the Zoo’s remaining African leopard, who had been a staff and guest favorite for over 20 years. Hobbes, age 22, was humanely euthanized at the Zoo after his health declined rapidly over the past week. “This is truly the end of an era here at the Zoo,” said Mike ...

Maryland Zoo Welcomes Two Cheetah Brothers

The Maryland Zoo is happy to announce that two male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), have arrived from the San Diego Wildlife Safari Park to take up residence in the African Journey section of the Zoo. Refu (Ray-fu) and Wgasa (Wa-gasa) were born at the San Diego Safari Park in July 2014, and are named for historical locations within that park. “We are very ...

Man working on a tree
Off Exhibit: The Art of Animal Habitats

Animal exhibits have dramatically changed in the 140 years since The Maryland Zoo was founded. Once characterless concrete structures, now elaborate natural living spaces, today’s habitats are carefully crafted to suit species with a keen focus on the needs of each unique animal. The right space plays a critical role in the wellbeing and natural ...

Aiding Amphibians

Frogs, toads, salamanders and newts are all amazing examples of amphibians.  Amphibians are animals that will live part of their lives in water and part on land.  They hatch from eggs laid in or near water.  Many will go through metamorphosis changing in body shape and living on land as adults, often returning to water to breed.  Unable to generate ...

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Announces Loss of Female Ostrich

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is saddened to announce the passing of 18-year-old ostrich, Laverne. “Laverne was a very interesting ostrich with a big personality. She responded well to her training programs allowing the African Watering Hole team and medical staff to monitor and treat her age-related arthritis symptoms,” said Jen Kottyan, avian ...

Leopard at the Vet
Off Exhibit: The Wild Life of a Zoo Vet

It’s an extremely challenging job, but it can also be deeply rewarding. What’s it like to be a veterinarian in a modern Zoo? Dr. Ellen Bronson, Maryland Zoo Senior Veterinarian shares why she chose a career in veterinary medicine. Learn what it takes to become a vet in a Zoo setting and how this competitive field has changed and evolved over the ...