The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore sits inside historic Druid Hill Park and is generally considered the third-oldest zoo in the United States, having opened its gates in 1876. Over nearly 150 years, the zoo has grown from a small municipal menagerie into an AZA-accredited conservation institution spanning more than 135 acres of parkland.
Today the zoo cares for roughly 1,500 animals representing about 200 species, drawing an estimated 500,000 visitors each year. Its signature attraction, Penguin Coast, houses the largest colony of African penguins in North America, part of a breeding program that has produced more than 1,000 chicks over four decades and plays a key role in the conservation of this endangered species.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland
- Opened: 1876
- Size: About 135 acres
- Species/Animal Count: Around 200 species, about 1,500 animals
- Annual Visitors: About 500,000
- Hours: Daily 10 AM-4 PM (March-December); Friday-Monday 10 AM-4 PM (January-February)
- Famous For: Largest African penguin colony in North America
Hours, Tickets & Planning Your Visit
The Maryland Zoo runs on two seasonal schedules. From March through December, it’s open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. In the leaner winter months of January and February, hours narrow to Friday through Monday, still 10 AM to 4 PM. Across both seasons, last admission is 3:30 PM, half an hour before closing.
The zoo closes to visitors on just two days a year: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Otherwise it stays open through other holidays and regardless of weather, so it’s worth checking the official tickets and hours page before visiting to confirm there are no schedule changes for special events or seasonal closures.
The Animal Experience
The Maryland Zoo is organized into distinct zones, including the African Journey area with elephants, giraffes, lions, and chimpanzees, and the Northern Passage habitat for grizzly bears and a bald eagle. The Maryland Wilderness section focuses on native regional wildlife, giving the zoo a mix of global and local conservation storytelling.
Penguin Coast remains the zoo’s best-known feature, allowing guests to view African penguins swimming and nesting in a coastal-themed habitat. The zoo’s long-running penguin breeding program is considered one of the most successful in the world for the species, which is classified as endangered in the wild.
History and Conservation
Originally established as the Baltimore City Zoo, the institution has undergone major renovations since 2004 and adopted a ten-year master plan in 2022 aimed at modernizing exhibits and expanding animal habitats. Its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums reflects ongoing commitments to animal welfare and species conservation.
Beyond exhibits, the zoo participates in broader conservation efforts for threatened species, using its African penguin program as a flagship example of how accredited zoos contribute to global wildlife protection work.
Explore more: More Zoos & Aquariums.
Maryland Zoo FAQs
What are the Maryland Zoo’s hours?
The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM from March through December. In January and February it operates Friday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. It closes only for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How old is the Maryland Zoo?
The Maryland Zoo opened in 1876 and is generally considered the third-oldest zoo in the United States.
What is the Maryland Zoo known for?
It is known for housing the largest colony of African penguins in North America, part of a decades-long breeding program for the endangered species.
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Photo: Noil Nivek / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.