Maryland Zoo Open All Winter Long
December 1st, 2011
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is pleased to announce that the Zoo will be open to the public in January and February 2012 on a limited basis, as was done in 2011. The Zoo will be open through the end of December as usual, and then will open Fridays through Mondays, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm January through February. “In 2011, we were open for weekends in January and February for the first time in five years,” said Don Hutchinson, president/CEO of The Maryland Zoo. “Many people came out to visit during the winter months and realized that it is a vastly different experience than it is any other time of year, but it’s that difference that makes it a special place.”
“Once cold weather really sets in, some Zoo animals, such as the tortoises and a variety of African birds, remain indoors and off exhibit until springtime,” said Mike McClure, general curator. “Others, like the leopards and penguins, go in and out all winter long. And, as you can imagine, the polar bears love our Maryland winters!”
Each day, the zoo keepers assess weather conditions such as the temperature, wind, and ground slickness to decide whether particular animals will be safe and healthy outdoors. Keepers also go the extra mile to prepare exhibits before the weather turns cold, and develop a variety of ways to care for animals in order to make the cold weather even more tolerable. “We are also focused on making sure our staff is prepared to work in every type of weather condition,” continued McClure. “The animals need daily care, so the cold weather, the ice and the snow can’t keep us from doing our jobs.”
Admission will be reduced to half off the regular weekend admission price beginning Sunday, January 1, 2012. Adult admission will be $8.25, children ages 2-11 $5.75 and seniors $6.75. Children under 2 and Zoo members are always free! The Zoo will resume normal operation and ticket pricing on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
PURCHASE 2012 WINTER SEASON TICKETS NOW
