Zoos in Maryland

Maryland's zoos include one major urban institution and several smaller, independent parks. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore opened in 1876 in Druid Hill Park, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is home to more than 1,500 animals across five main areas, including African Journey and Maryland Wilderness. Salisbury Zoo, a 12-acre park in the city's City Park on the Delmarva Peninsula, opened in 1954 and offers free admission and parking. In the north, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont began in 1933 as the Jungleland Snake Farm. Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, which opened in 1985, is also on the list. Of these, only the Baltimore zoo currently holds AZA accreditation.