Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with the Zoo in partnership with Itineris. Featuring fun activities, resources, and Zoo animals, join us in supporting, including, and accepting people with autism.

These festivities are included with Zoo admission or membership!

What to Expect:

  • Book signing and meet & greet with the artist of “Zoo ABC (Animals Are Neurodiverse, Too!)”
  • Story time featuring works by neurodiverse authors
  • Access to community resources and vendors from the autism community
  • Designated Quiet Room (Meeting Barn in the Farmyard)
  • Animal ambassadors
  • Wildly Inclusive passports, find five stamping stations around the Zoo printed by our friends at Corporate Mailing Services.
  • Appearances by the Zoo’s animal mascots (Schaefer Plaza)
  • Sensory bag rentals including noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, and non-verbal cue cards. Available to rent for free at the Zoo’s Main Gate or Train Station.
  • Keeper chats and animal feedings throughout the day
  • Experience hands-on learning at the Exploration Zone
  • Scavenger hunt

Performances:

  • Popular dancer and music artist RunItUp Jordan will be bringing the “Baltimore Bop” to the Maryland Zoo! Performing music from his new album “0220,” Jordan and his crew are sure to give you a show you won’t forget. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to BOP with RunItUp Jordan!
  • Are you ready to rock? School of Rock Towson house band will rock out during this live show. House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at local rock venues throughout the year. The School of Rock Towson House Band program offers a unique opportunity for musicians of all ages to hone their skills, collaborate with peers, and experience the thrill of performing live. This is more than just a band; it’s a chance to be part of something bigger, something truly rock and roll!

Additional Information:

In 2024, Itineris launched a meaningful partnership with the Maryland Zoo rooted in a shared commitment to celebrating neurodiversity and expanding inclusive opportunities within the community. What began through collaboration around the Zoo’s ABC book quickly grew into a broader relationship centered on accessibility and belonging.

Since then, Itineris has supported the development of Wildly Inclusive Day and provided specialized staff training, Neuroinclusive Practices for an Amazing Adult Camp Experience, helping Zoo educators create welcoming, supportive environments for neurodivergent participants. The partnership continues to evolve, offering campers hands-on experiences throughout the Zoo, from exploring exhibits and building friendships to assisting with animal care activities, ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of every adventure.

  • The 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.
  • KultureCity Sensory Bags will be available for loan at Main Gate or Train Station. Prepare for your Zoo visit by accessing our KultureCity social story!
  • Questions? Please reach out to our team at tickets@marylandzoo.org.

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