Meet the Animals in Maryland's Zoos

With zoos, aquariums, and a wildlife park, animal-lovers who visit Maryland can enjoy spending a day with their favorite furry, feathered, or finned creatures.

National Aquarium in Baltimore

Home to 750 species and more than 17,000 specimens, the Baltimore National Aquarium is known as one of the best aquariums in the country – and a top tourist attraction in Maryland. The aquarium's major exhibits are housed in three buildings.

The non-profit National Aquarium in Baltimore features unique exhibits like Upland Tropical Rain Forest, the Atlantic Coral Reef, and Australia: Wild Extremes – plus a 4D Immersion Theater.

The aquarium is located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, steps from the Baltimore Maritime Museum, the USS Constellation, and the Port Discovery Children's Museum.

Maryland Zoo

Become a kid again for a day in the exciting city of Baltimore. Do so by visiting the Maryland Zoo and enjoy a day of fun at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. Established in 1876 as the Baltimore Zoo, this historic park is America's third oldest zoo.

MZ is home to more than 2,000 animals, and participates in conservation efforts with over 20 Species Survival Plans. Maryland Zoo is also an Arctic Ambassador Center for polar bear conservation.

Schedule plenty of time to see all of the animals, including the largest group of African black-footed penguins in North America. Take the kids to the Kid Zone to help brush the Nubian goats and feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Feeding Station.

Spend time in the Creature Encounters, have fun during a Zoo Scavenger Hunt, and check out the Keeper Chat programs.

Patuxent Research Refuge's National Wildlife Visitor Center

Located in Laurel, the National Wildlife Visitor Center is the Department of the Interior's largest environmental and science education center. The center is located in the expansive Patuxent Research Refuge in central Maryland.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about global environmental issues, wildlife habitats and wildlife research, through the interactive exhibits. The educational exhibits help explain the important research conducted at the refuge and across the country.

Salisbury Zoo

Get ready for a day of fun with the animals, during your next visit to Salisbury. Bring the family to the free Salisbury Zoo, located in the heart of Salisbury. This wonderful zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, was established in 1954.

Throughout the years, this eastern Maryland zoo has been renovated to provide naturalistic habitats for the animals. Partake in one of the hands-on, educational programs or sign up for a guided tour led by an trained wildlife interpreter. Before leaving for the day, browse the selection of toys, clothing and fair-trade items, in the Gift Shop.