April 8 is National Zoo Lovers Day. It is a day celebrating the significance of zoos and their key, crucial roles in the conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of diverse animal species worldwide. Despite the sometimes unattuned or misinformed claims by well-meaning naysayers, the impact of zoos across the United States, in particular, has proven to be largely positive for the well-being of the creatures they care for. And the systems and habitats for which the animals in attendance thrive have seen impressive innovations and improvements over time as well. So many species have even been brought back from the brink of extinction in zoos!
I just love visiting zoos and the diverse cast of critters making up the ensemble at each one. While I’ve traveled far and wide, I’ve found that many of my favorites are surprisingly close to home, throughout the Mid-Atlantic region specifically. Here’s a guide to my personal favorites, found throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and D.C.
Delaware
3 Palms Zoo
This zoo holds several time-tested claims to fame. It is the largest zoo in the state and the only one boasting an Alligator Exhibit, Eastern Coyote, and Silver Foxes. Their primary focus is on rescued and surrendered animals, including former pets, displaced exotics, and non-releasable wildlife.
Some of the animals you will find here include barnyard buddies (sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, pigs, rabbits, emus, and more). There are also skunks, raccoons, owls, pelicans (and many exotic birds), turtles, and as mentioned earlier, foxes, coyotes, and alligators. Visiting the zoo comes with the added treat of immersive, hands-on experiences that enable you to interact directly with resident creatures.
3 Palms Zoo is located at 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Road, Townsend, DE 19734. To learn more, including hours of operation, admission costs, and information on upcoming events, visit the website at www.3palmszoo.org.
Brandywine Zoo
Having opened back in 1905, Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington is a testament to the idea that great things come in small packages. Comprising just over 4.7 acres along its pristine namesake Brandywine River location, the zoo is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. It is also part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
The vast menagerie of creatures found here ranges from common ones to more esoteric types, including highly endangered species. Some hail from tropical regions, while others are from temperate areas in North and South America, Asia, and even Africa. From goats to giant anteaters, bobcats to lemurs, binturongs to toucans, and so many others, you won’t believe the distinguishably diverse lineup.
Brandywine Zoo is located at 1001 N Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802. They are open daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Discover more on their website at www.brandywinezoo.org.
Coastal Wilds
This private zoological park offers one-of-a-kind up-close and personal animal encounters unlike any other. Ever done yoga with kangaroos? How about swimming in a pool with otters or sipping wine in the company of sloths? Their package offerings include all these and more.
Coastal Wilds is home to more than 35 different animal species, including the aforementioned kangaroos, otters, and sloths. Other creature acquaintances include wallabies, lynxes, camels, spider monkeys, capybaras, aardvarks, fennec foxes, Watusi cattle, owls, ravens, rheas, chinchillas, rabbits, hedgehogs, tenrecs, guinea pigs, alpacas, ducks, chickens, tortoises, lizards, armadillos, and snakes.
Visiting the zoo is permitted seasonally and, in some instances, only through signing up for a special event or program offering. They are located at 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, DE 19945. Discover more on their website at www.coastalwilds.org.
Related Content: The Wild Wonders of Coastal Wilds
Maryland
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo
This privately owned Frederick County favorite is home to hundreds of diverse species of animals hailing from around the globe. Guests are free to walk about the zoo and go at their own pace and even partake in ongoing programs and activities, including featured Keeper Talks or designated animal encounters. But among the zoo’s most highly hailed offerings are safari rides, which are offered here throughout the warmer months. These rides take passengers on excursions lasting somewhere between 45 minutes to an hour in which they come face-to-face with large mammals and birds, even allowing for opportunities to pet, touch, and feed them. The menagerie lineup includes the rhea, emu, ostrich, American bison, European fallow deer, Dromedary camel, mouflon, greater kudu, scimitar oryx, miniature donkey, Grant’s zebra, and Ankole-Watusi.
The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Learn more on the website at www.catoctinwildlifepreserve.com.
Related Content: Safaris You Can Go on in the Mid-Atlantic
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
When most Marylanders think of their state’s zoo, this is arguably the one that springs to mind first and foremost. Formerly known as the Baltimore City Zoo and Druid Hill Park Zoo, the impressive 135-acre zoological park is home to myriad animal-centric attractions of all different sorts. You’ll meet and mingle with over 130 different species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians from all over the world, from the far reaches of Africa to those closer to home in the Maryland wilderness.
Onsite zoo experiences are plentiful. You have animal encounter experiences, special animal ambassador events, and even rides and interactive attractions. The fun never ends!
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is located at 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217. For hours of operation, Zoo membership information, events, and all other inquiries visit the website at www.marylandzoo.org.
Plumpton Park Zoo
A nonprofit facility in Cecil County, Plumpton Park Zoo is an exceptional family-friendly folly to head to year-round. The diverse menagerie of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians keep each visit interesting, as do the variations of seasonal select activities, events, and endeavors on location.
Plumpton Park Zoo is located at 1416 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911. Learn more about admission prices, membership operations, and seasonal hours and offerings on their website www.plumptonparkzoo.org.
Salisbury Zoo
An East Coast classic first established in the 1950s, the Salisbury Zoo boasts a wealth of attractive features, including the fact that it is free and open to the public admission-free. The lofty lineup of over 100 diverse creatures that live here permanently are among their quintessential callouts as well, including those hailing from North and South America, the vast wilds of Australia, and beyond. Their Andean Bear attraction is an especially unique offering. You can even view a live feed of the camera from your computer at home!
The zoo features many events and programs year-round, most of which are also free. It may be a smaller zoo but its amenities are grander than beyond anything you’d expect!
The Salisbury Zoo is located at 755 S. Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804. Learn more on their website at www.salisburyzoo.org.
Pennsylvania
Elmwood Park Zoo
Having opened modestly back in 1924 following a private land donation, this zoological park based within the Philadelphia suburbs has come a long way in the last century. In 2018, it even became the first zoo in the world to be a Certified Autism Center!
Creatures here range from amphibians and reptiles to mammals, birds, and more. Most are native to North and South America, specifically. Some serve as Educational Animals who participate in special school and group programs. There are also Animal Ambassadors.
In addition to all the animal attributes to be had, the park hosts various other attractions and shows. They are also home to Treetop Adventures.
Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401. Learn more by visiting the website at www.elmwoodparkzoo.org.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
For more than six decades this Dauphin County hidden gem has been enchanting visitors of all ages. There’s just so much to see and do here among the featured exhibits, ongoing programs, and vast array of diverse animal residents to meet, greet, and, in some cases, feed. While they present many accolades, their most optimal standout feature has to be the guided safari tours they lead seasonally. The vast wilderness of the safari trek is designed to mimic and cater to the environments of the featured creatures you encounter. From the grasslands to woodlands and dense forestry, these amazing rides aboard open vehicles led by a knowledgeable tour guide run between May and October.
In addition to those on the safari, the diverse menagerie of wild creatures includes mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians the world over. From American Alligators to African Lions, Bengal Tigers to Capybaras, Pythons to Giraffes, Marmosets to Lemurs, Grant’s Zebras to American Black Bears, birds, camelids, kangaroos, and monkeys—the vast collective truly makes for a cast of thousands.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA 17032. For all other information go to the website at www.laketobias.com.
Related Content: Always a Wild Time at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Philadelphia Zoo
Hailed as “America’s First Zoo” with a tenure spanning more than 160 years, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 2,000 rare and endangered animals of all kinds. With a goal set on education and conservation, the list of attributes they’re known for is vastly expansive and continues to grow with each passing year.
While the animals are, of course, the star feature, the site plays host to plentiful events and opportunities throughout the year. They also boast a broad range of attractions to check out, including sculptures, topiaries, and even train rides!
The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Learn more on their website at www.philadelphiazoo.org.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
While part of Hersheypark’s featured attractions, ZooAmerica is its own entity and maintains an individual personality. The zoo features creatures that are native to North America’s five diverse regions. From desert dwellers to cool critters of the tundra forests and all other areas, you’ll be impressed by the ensemble of life to explore.
The Zoo is attached to Hersheypark via a walkway bridge located in the Kissing Tower Hill area of the Park. When you enter via this method, admission is free, as it is automatically included when you purchase a general Hersheypark ticket.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is located at 201 Park Avenue Hershey, PA 17033. Explore more on their website www.zooamerica.com.
Washington, D.C.
When listing zoos throughout the Mid-Atlantic, you can’t leave the Smithsonian’s National Zoo behind. Sometimes referred to as the National Zoological Park, or more simply as the National Zoo, it stands the testament of time as one of the oldest zoos in the nation. It was founded in 1889 with the ongoing objective to “provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats.”
The Zoo comprises two campuses. The first is located at Rock Creek Park and spans 163 acres. The other is the notable 3,200-acre (1,300 ha) Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
The abundance of animals here ranges somewhere in the ballpark of 2,700 residents, making up nearly 400 different species. Around 30 to 40 of these species are endangered. Some of their most notable attractions include Amazonia, American Trail, Asia Trail, Bird House, Giant Panda Habitat, Great Ape House, Kids’ Farm, Reptile Discovery Center, Small Mammal House, and the Think Tank.
Admission is always free at the National Zoo. They are open year-round except for Christmas Day. To learn more or get directions to each campus location, visit the website at www.si.edu.
This is only a personal sampling of my personal favorite zoo locations. In addition to these, you will find a great many others throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including several notable novelties in Virginia and West Virginia. Consider exploring all those close-to-home zoological attractions for added animal adventures.