Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo, the third-oldest US zoo, has released a master plan that includes the addition of new exhibits and animals, as well as upgrades to existing experiences.
The master plan, which previews how the zoo will look in 10 years, also calls for improved staff areas and event spaces and expanded community engagement.
“We want to continue leading in the fields of animal care and conservation,” said Michael Aldrich, chair of the Maryland Zoological Society.
“To do that, we need to make sure we have first-rate facilities, and this plan will make that happen.”
“We want to add animal species and habitats, encourage people of all backgrounds to work and visit here, and open state-of-the-art facilities while caring for our historic campus,” said Kirby Fowler, Maryland Zoo’s president and CEO.
“The zoo came out of the pandemic shutdown in a strong position. I want to make sure we don’t lose any momentum.”
How the zoo will look in 10 years
In the coming years, the zoo will construct new habitats and introduce new animals for an ‘Americas’ zone. The zoo will also increase its conservation efforts and work to reduce its environmental footprint.
Fowler said a new gateway building will highlight the zoo’s work with Panamanian golden frogs and expose visitors to new reptiles such as the Gila monster.
Visitors will “stroll under chattering gibbons… swinging between trees in a cageless habitat” and “take in a birds of prey demonstration in a new raptor habitat”. They will also enjoy views of “wolverines and grizzly bears in new habitats”.
Fowler said guests will get to explore a new interactive porcupine experience and see new habitats for the snowy owl, eagle and red wolves. “And you haven’t even gotten to our African Journey yet, a true gem reflecting decades of effort and investment,” he said.
Images: Maryland Zoo
