I agree wholeheartedly with the zookeeper who posted the review. I am a sixteen-year-old girl who has enthusiastically visited the Maryland Zoo at least once a year since I was nine years old– and I don't even live in Maryland! Despite the fact I live about twenty minutes away from the National Zoo and have also visited the San Diego and Berlin Zoos (all terrific zoos), the Maryland Zoo is my favourite.

Yes, it's small, and yes, it's not as fancy as a lot of the big zoos you visit. But all of the animals seem active and happy, the landscaping is beautiful, the exhibits all look comfortable (if not as big and flashy as some at other zoos), the keepers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the amenities for the guests are excellent. There are all kinds of fun snacks available, and carnival rides for children. The Children's Zoo is absolutely excellent, I have to say. Again, I'm sixteen, and I still have fun (furtively, when I'm sure no one's looking) climbing on the various bits of interactive equipment. The small size of the zoo is great because you don't need to feel rushed– you can leisurely meander around the zoo and look at everything in a few hours, without overlooking the smaller animals like you would at larger zoos.

The only animal I've seen demonstrating any kind of pacing or other stereotypic traits is the large male polar bear, who swims the same pattern over and over again. This can't be the fault of his excellent new habitat– Magnet the polar bear has had this tic for ages, apparently, and I remember it from when he inhabited his older exhibit, as well. The polar bear keeper gave me and my family a great insight on what it's like to take care of the bears, and she seemed really enthusiastic about her job and knew a lot about the zoo and animals in general. You can tell the keepers love the animals and the zoo.

The chimpanzee exhibit is terrific! Again, it's not fancy-schmantzy, but the chimps are so active and fascinating to watch. I've watched them for over half an hour– they're really just like people. Again, the chimpanzee keeper was great to listen to, sharing all kinds of stories about the animals and showing a genuine love for the animals she takes care of. Some keepers at bigger zoos seem rushed and frenzied, not eager to talk to guests. The zoo is never too over crowded.

Other great exhibits– the large watering hole (all kinds of species mixing together; VERY interesting to observe… it's just like a real African watering hole!) and the leopards– more than once, I've been so startled by their impressive acrobatics and jumps that I've dropped whatever I was holding (sadly, usually ice cream). The penguins are always good fun, as well. The entire African trail is very well put together and creatively landscaped. I'm glad that the zoo closed the antiquated Main Valley– though even the caged animals in their decrepit conditions seemed well-cared-for as possible– but I hope that they renovate it soon and replace some of the animals. Even so, it's great that they chose to focus in on their newer exhibits.

The admission price is expensive, but I think it's worth it! Traditionally, I go to the Maryland Zoo every birthday, and sometimes in the summer as well.

P.S. The giraffe house does stink, but please, go observe the giraffes in their outside yard. Who wants to look at giraffes standing in stalls like horses? Watch them when they're out and about!