Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

About Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is a wildlife park and zoo on Maryland Route 806 in Thurmont, Maryland. Wikipedia describes the property as 100 acres, of which 25 acres are open to visitors, and puts the collection at more than 450 animals. The zoo's own website, which uses the name Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, describes it as a 50-acre wildlife park and gives the tagline "Get close, in unexpected ways!" The two sources give different acreage figures, and neither states how the difference arises.

The website says the preserve is supported by the Global Wildlife Trust, which it describes as focused on broadening human understanding of animals through naturalistic habitat exhibits and educational programs. Its stated values include competent animal care, support for the conservation of wild species in their natural habitats, and the "harmonious coexistence of all species." The preserve says it uses live animals as ambassadors for their species, both in on-site exhibits and in presentations in the community.

The zoo is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

Animals have been displayed at the site since 1933, when it opened as the Jungleland Snake Farm under owner Gordon Gaver. According to Wikipedia, it was then a small attraction of about 5 acres. Gaver operated it until his death in 1964.

In 1966, Richard and Mary Anne Hahn bought the property and reopened it. Wikipedia reports that the Hahn family kept ownership and gradually enlarged the park. Southern Maryland News reported in 2012 that Richard Hahn had been the zoo's director since 1966.

In August 2012, Southern Maryland News reported that the zoo had agreed to pay a civil penalty to the U.S. Department of Agriculture over Animal Welfare Act violations found during unannounced inspections between 2007 and 2011, including inadequate shelter for animals and vermin infestation. The settlement was entered under a nolo contendere plea, and Hahn said the zoo chose to settle rather than spend money contesting the allegations. In August 2013, CBS Baltimore reported that Rocket, the zoo's four-year-old giraffe, had died in his sleep; the cause was pending a necropsy at the time of that report.

Exhibits and habitats

According to Wikipedia, the animals are organized by geographic region, with areas named Islands, Madagascar, Australia, Eurasia, Latin America, Africa, and North America. The zoo's website lists animals including bears, boas, macaws, monkeys, panthers, pythons, alligators, and zebras, and mentions sloth encounters as a specific interactive experience.

Wikipedia's animal list includes jaguars and capybaras in the Latin America area, Amur leopards and meerkats in the Eurasia area, red kangaroos, emus, and dingoes in the Australia area, and ruffed lemurs and fossas in the Madagascar area. The collection changes over time, and the zoo's website lists its current featured animals.

Wikipedia describes safari truck rides through wooded areas that let visitors touch and feed large herbivores, and lists safari animals including American bison, zebras, ostriches, and dromedary camels. The zoo's website lists Safari Rides as weather permitting.

Conservation and programs

The zoo's website lists several visitor programs: daily activities, interactive encounters centered on sloths, birthday parties, and group visits for schools. A membership program offers unlimited annual visits. The website says the preserve's educational approach relies on animal ambassadors, both at the park and in off-site presentations.

The Global Wildlife Trust mission statement on the website includes support for the conservation of wild animals in their natural habitats.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, the preserve is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m., and it describes itself as open rain or shine. The website says parking is free and that cash and major credit cards are accepted. Safari rides are offered weather permitting. The telephone number listed on the website is 301-271-4922.

Ticket details, membership terms, and any seasonal changes to hours are on the zoo's website.