Maryland Zoo Announces 2013 Winter Hours
December 18th, 2012
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is pleased to announce that the Zoo will again be open to the public in January and February 2013 with a reduced schedule. The Zoo will be open each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm in January and February with half price admission.
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. “Some animals, such as tortoises and a variety of African birds, are currently in their winter barns and will remain off exhibit until springtime,” said Mike McClure, general curator. “Many of the animals such as the leopards and penguins go in and out all winter long. And, as you can imagine, the otters and polar bears love our Maryland winters.”
Amari the leopard explores in the snow. Photo by Robyn Johnson.
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.”
New this year, the weekly Animal Adventures public programs will continue throughout the winter! Animal Adventures will be held each Friday and Monday from 11:00am-1:00pm in the Meeting Barn or Chimpanzee Forest. Topics to be included range from “Em Aren’t Deer,” a program about the Zoo’s African antelope species, to “Sleeping Giants,” a look at the trees and plants that are native to the Mid-Atlantic and how they are adapted to the four seasons. (Please check our website for location details.)
Admission will be reduced to half off the regular weekend admission price beginning Friday, January 4, 2013. 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 daily operations and regular ticket pricing on Friday, March 1, 2013.
