The Maryland Zoo To Unveil $20M Renovation

From The Maryland Zoo: The Maryland Zoo’s mane event of the year is almost here! On Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, the Zoo will host an opening celebration for the newly renovated and expanded habitats in the African Journey section of the Zoo! The celebrations center on the richer and more diverse environments for the Zoo’s four elephants, four giraffe and two lions. The $20 million renovation began in March 2018.

This weekend celebration will mark the first time the three habitats and new public pathways will be open to the public. The lions made their debut in their new habitat in March and the giraffe have been slowly acclimating to their new habitat since mid-May.

New habitat highlights include:

o The elephant’s outdoor habitats have been expanded by transforming the former Rock Island penguin exhibit and tripling the amount of outdoor space, with areas for dusting, bathing and wallowing;

o A water cannon and hay hoists for elephant enrichment;

o More accessible and expansive deck and boardwalk spaces, with wide views of the various elements of elephant habitat,

o A guest pathway in between lion and giraffe, which provides guests a more intimate viewing experience with an eye-level passage to lions on the left and giraffe on the right;

o A larger giraffe habitat, increased by 33 percent;

o A new lion habitat with an open feel, a large viewing window, and a training demonstration area where visitors will be able to watch keepers interact with the lions during positive reinforcement training sessions.

Special happenings will be offered for Zoo guests throughout the weekend including keeper chats, training demonstrations, education stations, face painting, and more! For updates on the opening celebrations, please visit www.marylandzoo.org.

Photo courtesy of The Maryland Zoo.

About The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and is internationally known for its contributions in conservation and research. More than 1,500 animals are represented in the Zoo’s varied natural habitat exhibits in areas such as the award-winning Penguin Coast, Polar Bear Watch, the Maryland Wilderness, African Journey and the Children’s Zoo. Situated in Druid Hill Park near downtown Baltimore, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. For more information, visit www.marylandzoo.org.