All of your frequently asked questions answered

Thank you for choosing to support the Maryland Zoo! In order to make your visit of the most value to you, please read the following frequently asked questions.

How long are eTickets valid?

Tickets are valid 30 days from date of purchase. Both printed and digital tickets on smart devices are accepted. Tickets may be rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance. Please email tickets@marylandzoo.org with your order number and new date to reschedule. Tickets expire 30 days after the date of purchase. Tickets cannot be refunded for any reason, including weather. The Zoo is open rain or shine.

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What are Zoo hours?

March – December

  • OPEN every day from 10:00AM – 4:00PM

January and February

  • OPEN Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10:00AM – 4:00PM (weather permitting)

The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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I'm having trouble ordering tickets, how do online tickets work?

After you complete the checkout process your tickets will be emailed to you. To ensure delivery, be sure to add tickets@marylandzoo.org to your address book or Safe Sender list. Tickets can be printed at home or shown on any mobile device at the Zoo’s Main Gate. The physical address you enter on your order must exactly match the address on your credit card billing statement for your purchase to be completed. If you do not receive your ticket confirmation after two hours, please call 410-396-7102 during business hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or you may pick up your tickets from a ticket booth at the Zoo’s front gate.

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Can I bring food and drinks to the Zoo?

Yes, you are welcome to bring food and drinks for your visit. But, we do ask that you do not bring in glass containers or alcohol.

View Zoo Food Options

Can I bring strollers, scooters or bicycles into the Zoo?

Personal strollers and wagons are permitted inside the Zoo. Single ($6) and double ($9) strollers are also available for rent just inside the main entrance to the Zoo, near the Wild Things gift shop.

Recreational scooters (electric or manual) and bicycles, as well as skateboards, skates, and hoverboards, are not permitted within the Zoo.

Can I rent a wheelchair at the Zoo?

Yes. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent for $9 just inside the main entrance to the Zoo, near the Wild Things gift shop. All rentals are first come, first serve.

Zoo Accessibility

I’d like to visit on a less crowded day. What do you recommend?

We are less busy on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, particularly in the afternoons.

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May I bring my pet to the Zoo?

No pets are allowed. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore welcomes guests with disabilities who use service animals as determined by the Americans with Disability Act. No other animals are permitted on any Zoo grounds including the parking lots. You are responsible at all times during your visit for the care and supervision of your service animal.

The owner of the Service Animal must accompany the animal, must be in control of the animal, and the animal must not exhibit threatening behavior to the animal collection, guests or staff while on grounds. The Maryland Zoo, its staff, and volunteers are not responsible for the care or supervision of a Service Animal.

What are the Zoo's exhibits?

Penguin Coast, the Zoo’s state-of-the-art, award-winning African penguin exhibit, houses over 90 penguins and lets you see them closer than ever. At Northern Passage, visitors can watch grizzly bear sisters Nova and Nita wrestle and play in their forested habitat. Zoo guests learn about animals in their own backyard, as well as those in more exotic locales when they take a trek through the Maryland Wilderness or embark on an African Journey.

Explore Animals at the Zoo

View Interactive Map

How many animals are at the Maryland Zoo?

The Zoo’s animal collection encompasses more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, representing nearly 200 species. Animals are displayed in natural settings replicating their native habitats.

Explore Animals at the Zoo

View Interactive Map

Can I become a member of the Zoo?

Yes. Your family can enjoy free, unlimited admission to the Maryland Zoo and more than 100 participating zoos and aquariums across the country. Zoo members also receive invitations to members-only events, free subscriptions to members-only publications and more! For details please visit our membership page.

Explore Zoo Membership

Are discounted tickets available?

Winter tickets are $18 for the 2023-24 season and valid for all guests ages 2 and over for full Zoo admission from December 1 – February 29 only. Active duty military may buy tickets on base through the Military Ticket Program at the Information Tickets and Travel (ITT) or Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR).

We are participating in Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Discovery Days in 2024 with discounted admission tickets on January 5-8. Special pricing tickets cover all guests age 2 and up.

Special pricing tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.

Do schools get discount admission to visit the Zoo?

Yes. A grant from the Maryland State Department of Education provides free admission for qualified Maryland school, daycare, Head Start, and home school students. Out of state schools also receive a discount. See our field trip page for details. Advance reservations are required.

Options for Schools

Do I get a discount if I bring a group?

Yes, we offer a discounted admission rate for your group of 15 or more with reservations two weeks in advance.

Visit Group Sales

Can I rent the Zoo buildings for my event?

Yes. The Mansion House, Waterfowl Lake Pavilion, and Lakeside Pavilion are available for outside events. Visit our Rentals page for more information on renting the zoo.

View Zoo Venues

Does the Zoo bring animals to schools or community centers?

Yes. Zoo to You brings educational, entertaining and interactive programs featuring live animals to schools, community centers, after-school programs, and events. See how the Zoo is making tracks to you.

Explore Outreach Programs

Does the Zoo offer summer camp for children?

Yes. The Zoo offers popular summer camp programs for students in grades 2 through 12. Plus, we offer adult summer camp too!

Zoo Summer Camp

Do you offer Zoo gift items?

The Wild Things gift shop is located near the front entrance and features souvenirs and gifts for all ages. You can also shop from Wild Things online. Visit our Zoo shop page for other unique gift ideas including artwork by animals, zoo experiences, or memberships.

Visit Zoo Shop

 

How do I obtain an employment application?

Please visit our Zoo Careers page or consider a volunteer position!

View Zoo Careers


Further questions? Please contact Guest Relations at 410-396-7102.