The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore embraces and cultivates diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) for its workforce, its visitors, its volunteers, its audiences, and its vendors.
DEAI Mission Statement
The Maryland Zoo is committed to the people who carry out our mission of providing exceptional animal care, building empathy, and supporting the conservation of wild places. As a science-based organization, we value biodiversity and recognize that it is critical to the future of our world. To create a thriving ecosystem built on these principles, we strive to be a welcoming, diverse, considerate, and respectful place to work, visit, volunteer, and learn.
DEAI Vision Statement
We create a welcoming environment that reflects the humanity of our community and celebrates the unique attributes that make our staff, volunteers, and visitors who they are. By engaging people in the wonders of the living world, we ensure human connection to the health of our planet and the creatures that call it home.
DEAI Values
- Welcoming and Accepting: Our Zoo creates a sense of belonging and connection that is supported through engagement with people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Safe: Our Zoo is free of bias, disruptive attitudes, and behavior that threatens others or impedes inclusivity.
- Respectful: Our Zoo is a place where people work cooperatively together and are treated with dignity and kindness.
DEAI Partnerships, Projects, and Accomplishments
2018 – Partnership with Guiding Eyes for the Blind
The Maryland Zoo partners with Guiding Eyes for the Blind to support accessibility and inclusion for guests who are blind or visually impaired. This partnership provides a safe and enriching training environment for guide dogs, ensuring that both the dogs and zoo animals learn to remain comfortable around one another.
The Zoo helps foster confidence and preparedness for guide dogs and their handlers while continuing to make the Zoo a welcoming space for all visitors.
2019 – Achieved KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification
The Maryland Zoo is committed to ensuring that every guest feels welcome and supported during their visit. In 2019, the Zoo became officially certified as a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive location, training staff and volunteers to assist individuals with sensory needs such as autism, PTSD, and dementia.
Through sensory bags, designated quiet areas, and clear signage, the Zoo continues to provide an inclusive experience that helps all guests enjoy their visit comfortably.
2021 – Ongoing Partnership with the Arc Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo is proud to partner with the Arc Baltimore to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
By providing job coaching, placement, and recruitment support, this partnership fosters an inclusive workspace where all team members can thrive and contribute to the Zoo’s mission.
2022 – Establishment of Employee Resource Groups
The Maryland Zoo established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to create a supportive network for team members with shared identities, interests, or life experiences.
These groups provide a safe space for underrepresented employees to connect, share perspectives, and collaborate on ideas that strengthen inclusivity and belonging within the workplace.
2024 – Wildly Inclusive: Autism Acceptance Day in Partnership with Itineris
In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, the Maryland Zoo partnered with Itineris to host Wildly Inclusice: Autism Acceptance Day. The even featured fun activities, community resources, and opportunities to connect in support of inclusion and acceptance for individuals with autism.
The Zoo also provided admission to local organizations, including the Autism Society of Baltimore, Pathfinders for Autism, Itineris, L.I.F.E. Inc., and the Arc Baltimore, to ensure that more families could take part in the celebration.