Celebrating 150 Years of the Maryland Zoo
2026 marks a historic moment for the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore as we celebrate 150 years since opening our gates in 1876. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting and honoring the rich history that has shaped the Zoo and celebrating the exciting future that lies ahead.
Looking Forward
150th Anniversary Specials
Wild Field Days: Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Weekends – May 9-10 & June 20-21
Enjoy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the wild side at Wild Field Days, featuring fun, nature-based activities for all ages. The first 150 moms on Mother’s Day will receive a 150th logo reusable bag, and the first 150 dads on Father’s Day will receive a 150th logo bottle opener.
Zoomerang – June 12
After a long-awaited hiatus, Zoomerang, Baltimore’s wildest gala, returns in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Maryland Zoo! This “red tie” (in honor of our new red panda habitat) evening transforms the Zoo into an elegant, after-hours experience.
Red, White, and Zoo – July 4
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Zoo! Grab your camera and watch as the Zoo’s animals receive special Fourth-of-July-themed treats. In honor of our founding year, the 1,876th guest of the day will receive a special anniversary animal experience.
Walking Through Zoo History
Learn about the Zoo’s 150 year history with a guided tour through historic grounds in partnership with Baltimore Heritage. Beginning April 11 and running through October 7, this tour led by Zoo staff explores early landmarks from when the Mansion House was still a private residence, shares the story of the Zoo’s first elephant, Mary Ann, and highlights how the Zoo has evolved from a menagerie of animals to a modern conservation organization.
Red Pandas
As part of a strategic, multi-year master plan, the Zoo is constructing a brand-new red panda habitat in Main Valley. After breaking ground in spring 2025, construction is well underway, with an expected opening this summer.
Limited Edition Swan Adoption
Commemorate 150 years of the Zoo by adopting one of its most historic animals—swans were among the first animals at the Zoo. This limited edition adoption includes a swan plush keepsake, two admission tickets, an official adoption certificate, a 150th Anniversary swan fun fact sheet, and two frameable photos.
History
The Maryland Zoo, formerly known as the Baltimore Zoo, was created by an act of the Maryland state legislature on April 7, 1876. Its origins in Druid Hill Park date to the early 1860s, well before its formal founding, when the Park Superintendent first began caring for a small collection of animals donated by City residents.
As the United States celebrated its 100th anniversary…
…the Maryland General Assembly issued a declaration to create a zoo in Druid Hill Park. The collection of animals, however, predated this official founding. In 1862, local citizens donated four swans to the park. By 1880, the collection had grown to nearly 300 animals.
When the 20’s were roaring…
…the children of Baltimore collected pennies to buy the Zoo its first elephant, named Mary Ann. More than 80 years later, in 2008, Baltimore welcomed Samson, the first elephant born at the Zoo.
Shortly before Polaroid sold their first instant cameras…
…the Reptile House on Greenspring Avenue opened. The building previously served as a pumping station and as the original Baltimore Aquarium.
The same year the first Emmy awards celebrated the new medium of television…
…Zoo Director Arthur Watson joined Zoo animal stars in the TV show “This is Your Zoo.” The series would continue for 10 years.
Just weeks after the Orioles played their first game in Baltimore…
…the Zoo’s Mammal House opened. Over time, Mammal House residents included gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and spider monkeys.
As the Space Race began to heat up with the launch of Sputnik…
…Chimpanzee Betsy was becoming famous for her colorful finger paintings. Collectors of Betsy’s work would ultimately include filmmaker and Baltimore native John Waters.
As hippie counterculture bloomed during the “Summer of Love,”…
…the Zoo welcomed President William Tubman of Liberia to the opening ceremony for the new Hippo House. President Tubman had gifted a pygmy hippo to the Zoo. The land on which the Hippo House sat is now home to Penguin Coast.
The same year the first Earth Day helped raise environmental consciousness…
…the Zoo implemented entrance fees. Though controversial, the fees allowed the Zoo to hire its first full-time veterinarian.
When disco was king…
…the Zoo broke ground for a new lion habitat, celebrated as an innovative “barless exhibit.”
As compact discs (CDs) began appearing in record stores…
…the Zoo first received accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo has continued to earn accreditation in every 5-year cycle since.
When Y2K technology fears had the world in a frenzy…
…Zoo staff formed part of the team halting the extinction of Panamanian golden frogs. The team brought the remaining frogs, threatened by a disease called chytrid, into professional care.
In the same year Facebook launched…
…the Baltimore Zoo became the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The name change better reflected the Zoo’s statewide reach and broader funding support.
Only weeks before mega-star Taylor Swift released her album 1989…
…award-winning Penguin Coast opened. Its state-of-the art design reflected a revolution in the way zoo spaces can address the wellbeing of guests and staff, as well as the Zoo residents.
Just before the covid-19 pandemic disrupted life worldwide…
…Colobus Trail, now “Canopy Trail,” gave the Zoo’s small primates a new way to explore their home.
As the United States celebrates 250 years…
…the Zoo is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the opening of a red panda habitat.
Keep the Celebration Going
From seasonal favorite to special programs happening throughout the year, there’s always something wild to discover at the Zoo. Explore all of our events to see what’s coming up and plan your next visit.
Thank You to Our Supporters
- Christine Aspell
- Bill Cole
- Todd Feuerman
- Herb Goldman
- Chris Holt
- Sindhu Leyser
- Gabrielle Melka
- Carla Murphy
- Frank Remesch
- Doug Sawyer
- Jason St. John
- Christie Stravino
- Stacie Tobin
- Charles Vieth
- Jim Wilhelm