Schaefer Plaza

Nestled back inside the vast confines of Druid Hill Park, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers visitors a chance to view over 200 species of animals. The zoo began with a few live animal exhibits in 1862 before being developed into a full-fledged public zoo in 1876. Throughout the 20th century numerous exhibits were added and the grounds of the zoo were expanded. Today the zoo is home to numerous exhibits that house thousands of animals from parts of Africa, Maryland, and the Polar regions. In 2008 The Maryland Zoo was named as one of the best zoos in the US.Best and worst time to go to The Maryland ZooThe best time see The Maryland Zoo is during the morning hours, preferably on sunny day. Visitors will want to avoid visiting during inclement weather as many of the exhibits are outside. On weekends, the zoo can be especially busy, making a visit a bit lengthier in order to see each exhibit.Admission to The Maryland ZooAdmission for adults between the ages of 12 and 64 is $18. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 can enter for $13. For Seniors the cost of admission is $15. Members of The Maryland Zoo can enter for free. Group tickets are also available.Must see/do at The Maryland ZooThe biggest exhibit is really a set of habitats from different parts of the African continent. These habitats include species such as tigers, elephants, cranes, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, and other animals. The polar bear exhibit offers an underwater tunnel where visitors can view polar bears swimming. Children will enjoy the Maryland exhibit which houses a live farm, birds, and paths to hike. Bird lovers will want to visit the aviary exhibit where numerous species of birds can be viewed within a screened habitat.Parking and Public Transportation at The Maryland ZooParking is free in an adjacent lot across from the zoo entrance. On especially busy days, visitors can park on grassy areas off the street. The best way to visit the zoo is by car. However, anyone can walk from Druid Hill Park Avenue where buses run regularly. Hikers may want to explore Druid Hill Park while traveling on foot to the zoo.Food at The Maryland ZooThe zoo has several areas where concessions are sold. At the entrance there are vending machines with cold drinks. At the main zoo area, there are concession stands as well as vending machines. Water fountains are also located in key areas of the zoo.Insider tip for visitors to The Maryland ZooVisitors will want to bring suntan lotion and water. With the exceptions of the primate exhibit, most habitats are open to the elements.Author's bio: Bruce Emmerling is a freelance writer residing in Baltimore, MD. He's been writing independent articles about technology, travel, events and news for six years.