2025 is coming to a close…
With 2026 right around the corner, we thank you for your incredible support this year! Simply put, we couldn’t be successful without you. From all of your friends at the Zoo, we wish you all the best 2026 has to offer. Now it’s time to take a look back at some of the moments this year brought.
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January
Kipi the Giraffe Gets Her Name
January brought an exciting announcement for one of the Zoo’s tallest residents, our newest reticulated giraffe (at the time) officially received her name! Chosen through a public contest, Kipepeo (pronounced key-PEH-pay-o) is the Swahili word for butterfly. Also known as Kipi, the name reflects her spirited nature and the wonder she inspires in guests and Zoo staff.
February
Saying Goodbye to North
In February, we mourned the loss of our beloved Northern ground hornbill, North. Always showing off a new rock or stick, North was full of personality and left a lasting impression on anyone who stopped by his habitat. He arrived at the Zoo in 2013 and was paired with his long-time mate, Blue. After nearly a decade together—and some creative problem-solving from their care team—the pair successfully reared two offspring, Everest and Rwen. North’s impact on the future of his vulnerable species is undeniable, and his presence will be deeply missed in Main Valley.
March
A Spring Surprise
She was the talk of the treetops! This March, we welcomed a spring surprise with the birth of Titali, born to first-time mother Kipi. Keepers were unaware that Kipi was expecting when she arrived at the Zoo in November of last year, making the new arrival an unexpected delight. Born on March 27, she quickly began nursing and bonding with Kipi, who has proven to be an attentive mother.
April
Juno the Baby Sifaka
In April, we celebrated an exciting arrival with the birth of Juno the Coquerel’s sifaka lemur. This marked the first birth of a sifaka at the Zoo since the endangered lemur species returned in 2023. Juno was born to 14 year-old mother, Arcadia, and first-time father, Terence, through a recommendation made to bolster the AZA’s Sifaka Species Survival Plan – a population management initiative aimed at growing the population and maintaining genetic diversity.
May
Fieldwork in South Africa
In May, Zoo staff members Jenny and Sarah traveled to South Africa to support our conservation partners at SANCCOB—the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Working hands-on with endangered African penguins, from caring for penguin chicks to supporting recovering juveniles and adults, their work helped advance SANCCOB’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release seabirds in need. Their trip is part of the Maryland Zoo’s broader commitment to supporting African penguin conservation efforts, both locally and globally, through active fieldwork and partnerships.
June
Fieldwork in Panama
In June, Zoo staff Rebecca, Kat, and Kaitlyn traveled to Panama to assist our partners at EVACC Foundation. Their experiences at the Zoo provided critical support for EVACC’s mission in conserving Panama’s national symbol, the Panamanian golden frog. Their trip is part of the Zoo’s broader commitment to supporting this critically endangered species’ conservation efforts through active fieldwork.
July
Recognized as a Maryland Green Center
This July, the Zoo was awarded a “Maryland Green Center” designation by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Thanks to our amazing educational programming and sustainability practices, the award signifies our commitment to developing caretakers of the earth and reducing the community’s impact.
August
Titali’s First Steps Outside
For the first time since she was born, Titali explored outside the Giraffe House. In August, this was marked as a massive milestone for the giraffe calf’s growth. Titali was supported in her first venture outside by Kesi and Ceasar. Titali is cautious by nature, and every milestone like this helps her feel safe to explore the world around her.
September
Red Panda Habitat Construction Begins
In September, construction officially began on the Zoo’s brand-new red panda habitat. After months of planning, crews broke ground in Main Valley to start construction work, including site preparation and foundational elements. This marked an exciting milestone in bringing the new space to life.
October
Grizzly Sisters Prepare for the Winter
In October, the keepers prepared grizzly bear sisters Nova and Nita for their winter torpor. As cooler temperatures and shorter days set in, keepers adjusted the bears’ care and routines, following the sisters’ natural cues as they began to slow down for the season. This annual process supports the bears’ instinct to rest and conserve energy during the winter months, allowing Nova and Nita to settle comfortably into a period of torpor until spring.
November
Campbell the Muntjac
In November, we welcomed Campbell the Reeves’ muntjac to Main Valley. This small and curious deer has been exploring his new surroundings alongside the peafowl and is already showing off his curious personality. Once construction on the red panda habitat is complete, Campbell will move into the yard to join his future red panda neighbors.
December
Big Mac Joins the Herd
In December, the Zoo welcomed Big Mac to the giraffe herd. Big Mac’s arrival brings the herd’s total up to five, and he is already settling in alongside the other giraffes. At ten and a half feet tall and still growing, he can be spotted by the airplane-shaped spot on his neck and lightning bolt-like markings in his ears, bringing even more personality to the herd.
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