The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Park

Historic Baltimore zoo exhibiting native and exotic species

Located in Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo houses native and exotic species, runs conservation and education programs, and attracts families with compact exhibits and seasonal events.

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Cub Scout at the Maryland Zoo.jpg
Edmunds Well in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore Maryland, circa 1907 (cropped).jpg
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Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Golden frog exhibit.jpg
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River Otter habitat at the Maryland Zoo.jpg

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore at a Glance#

Address: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA

Website: https://www.marylandzoo.org/

Hours: Daily 10:00am-4:00pm (check seasonal variations and special events)

Admission: Adults $18 (USD); children & seniors reduced rates; free for members and children under 2

About The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a municipal zoological park located within Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It traces its institutional origins to the late 19th century and is one of the older continuously operating zoos in the country.

Exhibit areas focus on a mix of African and American species plus a range of primates, birds and aquatic displays. The zoo operates husbandry and breeding programs and presents daily keeper talks and animal demonstration sessions that highlight care and conservation work.

Established in 1876 as a city-run zoo in Druid Hill Park, the site expanded and reorganized across the 20th century to modernize displays and meet evolving standards for animal care and public education.

Sited within the wooded grounds of Druid Hill Park in northwest Baltimore, the zoo is about a short drive from downtown Baltimore and is served by local roads and park parking.

  • Location: Located inside Druid Hill Park, about 1.5 miles northwest of central Baltimore, making it accessible by car and short transit routes from downtown.
  • Founding and collections: Founded in 1876, it is one of the older zoos in the United States and maintains species collections that include primates, penguins and large mammals.

How to Get to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#

The zoo is located within Druid Hill Park, about 2.5 miles northwest of Baltimore’s downtown. Drive via Druid Park Drive or take public transit-MTA bus routes serve the park area. Limited parking is available on-site; ride-sharing or public transport can be easier on busy days.

Tips for Visiting The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#

  • Visit in late afternoon when the zoo is quieter and many animals are more active as temperatures cool.
  • Take the Park Zone train for an easy first look; some exhibits are a short walk from the main entrance.
  • Buy tickets online to skip the sometimes-long ticket queue on weekends and holidays.

Best Time to Visit The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#

Spring and autumn offer the best combination of animal activity and comfortable weather; check the zoo calendar for feeding times and special exhibits.

Spring
Mar-May · 6-22°C (43-72°F)
Baby animals appear and the park is bright with new growth; moderate crowds.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Cooler days and good animal activity; fewer summer families.
Summer
Jun-Aug · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Longer hours and special events, but hotter and busier-plan early visits.

Weather & Climate near The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#

Climate

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1136 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -4° - 5° -4° 87 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
February - -3° - 7° -2° 76 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
March - 2° - 12° 4° 101 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
April - 6° - 18° 12° 88 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
May - 12° - 24° 18° 113 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - 17° - 29° 23° 95 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
July - 20° - 31° 26° 103 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
August - 19° - 30° 25° 102 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
September - 15° - 26° 21° 102 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
October - 9° - 20° 14° 84 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
November - 3° - 14° 7° 93 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
December - -1° - 8° 0° 92 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore#