The Maryland Zoo is a zoo situated in Baltimore of Maryland. This oldest zoological park of US is the home of nearly 2000 animals and it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This zoo played an important role to rehabilitate wildlife and in the conservation of creatures like Gorillas, penguins etc.

Children's zoo features the Maryland wilderness and it has got the state's birds, reptiles and animals including domestic animals. The animals and their habitat are very interesting and interacting and grabs all the attention from young ones. It has got Plexiglas enclosures to give a clear view of life underwater, a cave for bats and snakes and an ecological tree to walk up and slide down for kids.

The major part of zoo has got wide range of animals belonging to Africa. Some of the exhibits are vultures, cranes, crocodiles, lions, ostrich etc. It has got separate sections like African Watering Hole, Rock Island, Chimpanzee forest and a feeding station where visitors can feed Giraffes.

One can take up a tram in the zoo. Zoo has got the largest predators like Alaska, Magnet and Anoki in the Polar Bear Watch. This trip to zoo is not only a way to enjoy outdoors with family and friends but also the best way to connect with nature, learn new thing about animals. It is also like an educational trip to children where they learn about life on earth.

Due to financial issues, the size of the zoo is reduced by closing few sections like reptile house, main valley etc. The zoo is open on all days of the year except two months functioning from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets are available online or at gate costing $16 for adults, $11 for children and $12 for seniors on weekends.

Originally opened to the public in 1876, the Maryland Zoo is considered to be the third oldest zoological park of the US. Formerly known as the Baltimore Zoo, it is home to over 2,000 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles of nearly 200 different species. One of the highlights of the Maryland Zoo is the feeding station which gives visitors opportunities to interact with animals such as Reticulated Giraffes.

A visit to the Maryland Zoo is really an entertaining and educational experience for guests of all ages. You can't miss it. Keep reading to find where the Maryland Zoo is and how you can get there.

Where the Maryland Zoo is? Located at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Zoo is surrounded by a couple of other attractions including the Baltimore Model Safety City, the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, an 18-hole disc golf course and Jones Falls Trail.

All of these attractions are parts of the Druid Hill Park - one of the oldest landscaped public parks in the United States. To see the map of the Maryland Zoo as well as nearby attractions, you can visit the official website of the Maryland Zoo and download a park map. The Maryland zoo offers a very clear zoo map with all the entrances and facilities on it.

Map of the Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/directions/

How Can You Get to the Maryland Zoo? Situated inside of the beautiful Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo is not too far away from Baltimore's Downtown Inner Harbor. It only takes 10 minutes or less for visitors to drive from the downtown Inner Harbor to the Zoo.

As parking in and around the Maryland Zoo is free all the time, guests from everywhere can choose to drive here. Below on this page are the directions for driving visitors.

(1) When you drive from either I-83 North or South, you can take Exit 7 from west and turn onto Druid Park Lake Drive. Continue on Druid Park Lake Drive and then you would see signs to navigate you to the Maryland Zoo.

(2) For visitors driving from I-95 South, it's necessary to take I-695 West to I-83 South. Then take Exit 7 from west. Turn onto Druid Park Lake Drive and keep on until you see signs to show you the route to the Zoo.

(3) If you're driving from I-95 North, you should take I-395 North to Pratt Street and keep on. When you come across President Street, turn left. Continue straight on President Street and then turn onto I-83 North. Take Exit 7 from west and stay on Druid Park Lake Drive. Then you can follow signs to the Maryland Zoo.

(4) Driving visitors from I-70 need to take I-695 North to I-83 South. After that, take Exit 7 from west to Druid Park Lake Drive. When you see any signs, just follow them to the Zoo.

(5) Other visitors driving from Downtown Baltimore can continue on Pratt Street. And then turn onto President Street. When you see I-83 North, turn left and stay on I-83 North. Take Exit 7 from west to Druid Park Lake Drive and follow signs to the Zoo.

Driving Directions to the Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/directions/

Guests who prefer to take public transportations can check express, shuttles or Metro Subway information on the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)'s website. Or call the MTA at 410-539-5000.

The Maryland Transit Administration's Official Website

http://mta.maryland.gov/

The longitude and latitude numbers of the Maryland Zoo is 39.322258 and 76.650464 respectively. Driving visitors taking advantage of Google Maps or other navigation programs can use these numbers to get directions.

Located in Druid Park, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is considered as the third largest zoological park throughout the Unite States. You can find nearly 200 species with a total of more than 1,500 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the zoo. All animals are displayed in natural settings that imitate their original native habitats. Maryland Zoo owns the AZA membership and assures a great animal tour experience for zoo tourists and excellent care for zoo animals.

Maps and Directions to the Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/directions

When planning a visit to the zoo, you need to plan in advance to make your journey more meaningful and unforgettable. The premier thing is your time arranges.

When to visit Maryland Zoo? The zoo has different hours of operation in four seasons in a year. In January and February, the zoo opens from 10AM to 4PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The operation hours are effective only if weather permitting. The zoo opens from 10AM to 4PM everyday from March to December. Maryland Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Please note that the zoo can be closed for any weather related reasons that are out of this general schedules. You'd better check the home page on its official website www.marylandzoo.org before visiting. And FALL is believed to be the best time to visit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Arrange a beautiful fall weekday tour at the zoo to appreciate the zoo animals in their most active period.

Featured Animals at Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation

Admission pricing: If you're tired of waiting in line when buying tickets, you can purchase online and print your ticket at home. And you can also enjoy web special pricing. E-tickets are valid within one year. You can also consider a membership to the zoo so that you can have a bundle of benefits for both your family and yourself.

Membership to the Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/membership/purchase-membership

Detailed Admission Ticket Prices

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/hours-ticketing

What are featuring attractions in the zoo? Maryland Zoo offers much more for visitors through their various dynamic attractions, rides and other guest amenities.

Polar Bear Watch - As the zoo's state-of-the-art exhibit, you can watch the featuring polar bears, like Magnet, Alaska and Anoki from underwater viewing areas or from the windows of Tundra Buggy.

African Journey - This is the largest area in the zoo, displaying a large variety of animals deriving from Africa. You can see African Crested Porcupine, African Watering Hole Animals, African Aiary, Leopard, Cheetah and Camel Rides and more in this area. This zoo area also has a feeding station for guests. Zoo visitors can stand eye to eye with giraffes and feed them for a small fee. Notice that the Giraffe Feeding Station is open from 10:30 AM to 3 PM everyday if weather permitting.

Maryland Wildness - Take a trek through the Maryland Wildness that features the award-wining Children's Zoo. You can climb into large bird nests, explore a beautifully sculpted cave and farmyard, enjoy otters swim over their heads, and jump across marsh aviary & lily pads.

Base Camp Discovery - After getting off the tram, stop by the education center of Base Camp Discovery that sits between the African Journey and the Polar Bear Watch. Visitors can see various live animal ambassadors, research animal artifacts to have a better understanding of wildlife. The education center opens to visitors daily from 10 AM to 2 PM.

School Field Trip - Maryland Zoo is a popular destination for school field trips. The best months for field trips are April, May and early June. Some insider tips can help you avoid the big crowds. Visit on Mondays and Tuesdays when there are less school groups. Or you can visit in the Spring afternoons after 1 PM which are less crowded.

School Groups to Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/school-groups

Jones Falls Zephyr Train Ride - This Zephyr's 10-minute ride starts from the train station near the Zoo's Farmyard at Maryland Wilderness and moves along the one-mile track behind the African Journey. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful section of Jones Falls Watershed while returning to the station. Members need to pay $2 each rider. Non-members will be charged $3 per rider. You can enjoy member pricing only when your membership card is presented.

What about food and refreshment services? With so many appealing attractions and rides to enjoy at Maryland Zoo, you will never be bored with the zoo for day-long visits. To benefit visitors, food and refreshment services are provided throughout the zoo. You can find vending machines scattered in the zoo.

Refreshment Stations - Refreshment carts are open seasonally. You can find ice cream treats, ice cold drinks and specialty snacks and more.

Wild Things Gift Shop - The gift shop offers various gift options of animals, toys, apparel, books and much more. They are all made with a wildlife conservation theme for better educational meanings. The shop also provides stroller and wheelchair rentals to provide zoo visitors with more convenience.

Rentals at the Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information/rent-the-zoo

Note: To have a great visit in the zoo, you can only smoke in designated areas. You're not allowed to bring your own pets into the zoo. Many other forbidden items include bicycles, skateboards, alcohol, radio, straws, balloons, scooters, frishbees, squirt guns, whistles, glass and skates. When visiting the zoo, you can keep the zoo clean by putting litter in the proper trash receptacles.

More Visitor Info for Maryland Zoo

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visitor-information

Maryland Zoo was previously known as the Baltimore Zoo which was in existence since 7th April, 1876. The name was changed in the year 2004. This zoo had a humble beginning in 1862 with only 4 swans donated by citizens for the purpose of public display to "Druid Hill Park." The zoo covers an area of 160 acres.

1. A Brief Overview of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maryland_Zoo

On your visit to this zoo, you should not miss the Polar Bear Watch. You can also have a Camel ride. This is an opportunity that few visitors fail to take. It is a zoo holding ample opportunities to gather knowledge about animals belonging to various species and having their origin all around the globe.

2. Guidelines to be followed for visiting Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

The zoo has strict guidelines for the visitors. Smoking is prohibited inside the premises. Feeding animals are forbidden as they are kept on strict diets, pets are firmly banned; dress codes are there to be followed. Crossing of barriers is not allowed. The visitors are suggested to move carefully; litters should be thrown in receptacles meant for trash.

The zoo is meant to be covered by foot only. Skates, skateboards, bicycles and scooters cannot be brought in. Fun seekers who intend to get a little fun out of Frisbees, balloons, whistles, balls, squirt guns and glass have bad news for them. None are permissible. Consumption of alcohol and listening to music from the radio are not allowed too.

3. Direction and address

http://www.marylandzoo.org/contact/contact.aspx

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visit/directions-maps.aspx

http://local.yahoo.com/info-33138209-maryland-zoo-in-baltimore-the-baltimore

The zip code of this place is 21217 and it is situated at the Druid Hill Park. There are several websites that will offer you maps, directions and exact address of the Maryland Zoo, Baltimore.

If you are on a travel in Baltimore MD, include this wonderful zoo in your travel plan.

One of the most famous Maryland Zoos is found in the city of Baltimore, which is the capital of the said state. This is known popularly as Baltimore Zoo and is considered one of the oldest zoos here. It operates non stop from the month of March up to December. There are more than 1500 animals and over 200 species.

If you want to visit here, these are the things that you should do:

Admission

Here, you will only have to pay for the admission fee. This is because there is no need for you to pay for the parking fees. You can easily park your vehicle in the zoo's lot without the requirement of paying for the charge.

http://www.marylandzoo.org/edzoocation/zoolab-topics.aspx

Ask Questions

The best way to have your queries answered is to pose your questions to the zookeepers. They will be glad to give you the right replies regarding the animals that have caught your interest.

http://baltimore.about.com/od/landmarksattractions/a/MarylandZoo.htm

What to Visit

Among the most interesting exhibits and animals here are the penguins and polar bears. Do not forget the Base Camp Discovery and the African Watering Hole. The former has the new buildings where you can get information about the animals and their habitats. The latter is where you can find giraffes, zebras and others.

http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-83780306-United_States_Maryland_Baltimore_Maryland_Zoo.html

Pick a good hotel in Baltimore which is near the zoo. This will enhance the experience for you.

As of today, the city of Baltimore owns this 160plus-acre zoo in Maryland. Considered as one of the oldest zoo in the country, the Maryland zoo was known to encourage visitor to have an ultimate pleasant-sounding interaction with nature. The zoo's animal anthology have reached 1,500 in numbers for every different kinds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife animals. Through this remarkable zoo, visitors can really get a touch of the animal's natural habitat.

1) Aesthetic Wildlife Appearance

State-of-the-art exhibits are also present in the zoo. The creation of the artificial habitat of the animal closely resembles the real one. However, the great deal is to check for hotels near the zoo. Guest amenities such as affordable food and refreshments, picnic tables and eating areas, and clean restrooms add to the great experience in the zoo. The Maryland zoo has collaborated with hotel in Baltimore and offer package plans. If you live in town, an overnight stay at a hotel can add some extra fun.

http://www.marylandzoo.org/visit/guest-amenities.aspx

2) Good Preparation Adds Fun

Choosing the best time to visit the zoo allows visitors to make the most out of their leisure time. Early mornings and late afternoons are simply the best. Wildlife activities are best seen in this time of the day because animals are in their active moods. During this time also, capturing best shots out from these wild animals can never been this perfect. It is also good to check on the weather forecast. Necessary things should be brought. Necessities such as food and water should not be forgotten plus the first-aid kit in case of emergency.

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Petting zoos are great family outdoor attractions, so you need not to worry because you will find an attraction near you. It is ideal to visit the wedding al year round, but if you are planning to visit with children, it is best to go there during holidays.

Be sure to include in your Baltimore travel the petting zoos and make sure that your schedule date of travel falls in the off peak period when there are few people visiting so that you take advantage of the discounts available.

Maryland Petting Zoos

- Little River Farms

- Sam's Pat Petting Zoos

- Wildlife Wonders

- Squeals on Wheels Petting Zoos

http://www.pettingzoofarm.com/georgiamaryland.html

Petting Zoos Parties

- Barnyard in a Backyard

- Deluxe Petting Zoo

- Premium Petting Zoo

- Funny Bunny Zoo

http://www.squealsonwheels.us/PettingZoo.html

Things to do in the Petting Zoo

Kids will have a great outing by walking with the animals. Children love animals. That is why your petting zoo tour will not be complete if your children do not walk with the animals.

This is a great experience for kids when they are on holiday. The petting zoos are also ideal especially if you are vacationing with your children.