Polar Bears

From Student M: Male polar bears average about 1100 pounds and females average quite a bit less at about 525 pounds. I’ll let you do the math! Because of the warmer conditions of most places where polar bears live in captivity, they do a lot more swimming in captivity to help stay cool. While they generally can’t hunt in captivity, their ...

elephant being sprayed with water
African Journey Construction: Final Update

It's here! The 🐘 water cannon and mud pit, the 🦁 climbing structure, the 🦒barriers perfect for hanging food and fun...the NEW African Journey habitats are #AllForAnimals and better than ever! See the transformation and each of the great features below...then see for yourself when you come for a visit! We can't wait to share ...

prairie dog eating
Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Prairie dogs inhabit short- and mid-grass American prairies. There are five recognized species of prairie dog and all are native to North America. The most common species is the black-tailed prairie dog, which is found primarily in the central United States, from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Prairie dogs live in vast colonies that ...

Child in front of quiet zone sign
The Maryland Zoo Receives Sensory Inclusion Certification

The Maryland Zoo has become the first tourist destination in Maryland to earn sensory inclusion certification through KultureCity. KultureCity is a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events. “We strive to make The Maryland Zoo welcoming to everyone,” said Don Hutchinson, ...

New Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrades from Elephant Insurance’s EcoAd Funding

BALTIMORE, MD. — The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore was presented with a check today from Kevin Chidwick, CEO of Elephant Insurance Services, and Paul Polizzotto, president and founder of CBS EcoMedia Inc., to provide financial support for the new energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting upgrade in the Giraffe House at the Zoo. Together with Don ...

polar bear
Maryland Zoo Bids Farewell to Alaska the Polar Bear

BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is saddened to announce the passing of beloved female polar bear, Alaska. Alaska had been suffering from kidney failure, a common ailment for geriatric bears, but had overall remained in good health until recently. During the past several weeks, Alaska’s quality of life had declined sharply and she was ...

zoo keeper infront of elephant exhibit
National Zoo Keeper Week Profile – Craig W.

It’s National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week and we’re celebrating the amazing work our zookeepers do for wildlife every day. They are the dedicated keepers, teachers, and caretakers of the animals here at the zoo. They are also some of the most Passionate hardworking people you’ll meet. The Maryland Zoo is fortunate to have expert teams of animal ...

In The Field: Zoo Educator Sharon B at Polar Bears International

Zoo Educator Sharon B. is visiting our conservation partner Polar Bears International in Churchill, Canada this week. Follow her blog updates to find out what's going on in the field! Support fieldwork! Your gift, large or small, helps the Zoo's conservation programs near and far. Donate Today Update 1: Visiting Churchill is an amazing ...

Jones Falls Zephyr
The New Zoo Train “The Jones Falls Zephyr” Is Coming

Nine days and counting until The Jones Falls Zephyr opens at the Zoo on June 30! We took a “training” ride today and it’s a blast. Tickets will be $2 for members and $3 for non-members … discounted train rides are just another perk of membership! Why not purchase your membership today and save on the Zephyr.

two polar bears
Changes Coming to Polar Bear Watch at the Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE, MD – This fall, both of the polar bears currently living at the Maryland Zoo will be moving to other zoos as a result of recommendations from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). The bears, Neva and Amelia Gray, came to the Maryland Zoo as two-year-olds in 2018 from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium ...

Penguin Chicks Coming Soon – African Penguin Breeding Season Update

If you see Penguin Coast this fall, you may think the island, normally bustling with 70+ penguins, looks a bit tamer than usual. Don’t let appearances fool you, though. Behind-the-scenes in the nest room, things are anything but mellow. It’s penguin breeding season! More than a dozen pairs in the Zoo’s colony are recommended by the African ...

Zoo keeper infront of lion exhibit
Off Exhibit: Three’s Company

Recently, the Zoo’s lion pride was reconnected on exhibit after months of being separate. Why were they separated and what ultimately led to their reunion? Animal keeper Sydney Larsen joins us on this episode of Off Exhibit for some catty talk about what’s been happening recently behind-the-scenes with the Zoo’s three lions. Discover what changes ...