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A Guide To The Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore takes you on a global safari through the animal kingdom, featuring more than 1,500 animals divided between the Polar Bear Watch, Maryland Wilderness and African Journey exhibits. The Zoo has fun amusements to provide enjoyment for kids of all ages, and offers educational activities/events during the year. Invited by prairie dogs to ride the tram, you will soon meet everything from chimpanzees to zebras in its native habitats. Nearby places, such as the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Druid Hill Park, offer other outdoor adventures as well.
Maryland_Zoo
(credit: www.marylandzoo.org)

Jones Falls Zephyr
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(443) 552-5245
www.marylandzoo.org

The Jones Falls Zephyr, manufactured by Chance Rides, is a working scale model based on the C.P. Huntington locomotive built in 1863 that runs on 24" gauge track. The train consists of four passenger cars that carry visitors on a 10-minute journey past the African Journey exhibit, and through part of the Jones Falls Watershed. Tickets are $3 for non-members, $2 for members and children under age two ride free with a paying adult. Snack shops and vending machines are available near the train station and around the Zoo, as well as the Whistle Stop Grille and Natural Selections eateries; offering food and refreshments to enjoy before or after a train ride.

Maryland Zoo In Baltimore -  Panamanian golden frog
(credit: marylandzoo.org)

Panamanian Golden Frog Exhibit
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(443)552-5245
www.marylandzoo.org

The Panamanian Golden Frog Exhibit at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore was designed to create an awareness of the chytrid amphibian fungus. This disease threatens the Panamanian Golden frog population with extinction. The exhibit, located in the Chimpanzee Forest, features more than 14 golden frogs in a simulated habitat. Next to it is an electronic educational kiosk for visitors who want to know more. Although small, the exhibit makes a big impression.

Related: Best Zoos And Aquariums In Baltimore

Giraffe 13 KesiAnimal Experiences
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(443) 552-5245
www.marylandzoo.org

The Maryland Zoo offers unique encounters with zoo residents through Animal Experiences during specified times. You can feed the giraffes for $2 per acacia branch at the Feeding Station and feed fish to the penguins for free. Talk with zookeepers during Polar Bear Chats at Polar Bear Watch and Chimp Chats at the Chimpanzee Forest during the spring/summer seasons. Meet at Base Camp Discovery (or Meeting Barn in inclement weather) for Creature Encounters to meet special animals that are not usually on display. Brush and groom the goats in the Farmyard. On Friday through Monday, learn how the animals are trained by trainers during Training Demos.

rawlings conservatoryHoward Peter Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
3100 Swan Drive
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(410) 396-0180
www.rawlingsconservatory.org

After the zoo, keep the day going with a visit to the Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens. The original Druid Hill Conservatory, consisting of only the Palm House and Orchid Room, was re-opened in 2004 after renovations, being renamed the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory. It now includes the Tropical House, Mediterranean House and Desert House, as well the outdoor gardens. Throughout the year, the conservatory offers gardening programs for both children and adults, such as the Sunday People and Plants Series, Saturdays at the Greenhouse and monthly Master Gardener clinics. In addition, it hosts seasonal displays featuring the Chrysanthemum, Holiday and Spring Displays. Its calendar features events and activities for all ages, including the Druid Hill Farmers' Market, Nature Art in the Park and Story Time with Miss Helen.

druid hill parkDruid Hill Park
900 Druid Hill Lake Drive
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(443) 469-8274
www.druidhillpark.org

Druid Hill Park is a scenic landscape featuring the natural beauty of woodlands, hills and a lake. It can be enjoyed by hiking the Jones Falls Trail and Lakeside Loop Trail, packing lunch for a leisurely time in the picnic groves or relaxing in the zen garden. The park also features many fitness sites, such as athletic fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, ballfields, a volleyball court, disc golf course and swimming pool. Kids can check out the two playgrounds and Safety City.

Related: Best Wildlife Areas In Maryland

Michael Townsend lives in Baltimore and has an Associate's degree from Harford Community College. Working for Examiner.com as the Baltimore Family Entertainment Examiner, Michael writes about family-oriented and budget-conscious activities. His interests include nature, history, mythology, crafts, photography and cooking.

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