Coronavirus: MD Zoo Closes Indefinitely; Events Canceled, Delayed

BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Zoo is extending its closure indefinitely in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, it announced Thursday on Facebook. As a result of the closure, the zoo said it is canceling all its events and programs for the month of April.

Ticketed events like Yoga at the Zoo and various Breakfasts with the Animals will be postponed, the zoo said on its website. New dates for the events have not been announced as of Friday afternoon.

The zoo said on Facebook its essential staff like animal care and veterinary teams continue to work and care for animals during the closure, but 60 Maryland Zoo employees have been laid off.

"This was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my twelve years at the Zoo. I know all of the employees personally, they are loyal and hardworking," Don Hutchinson, president and CEO of The Maryland Zoo, said in a statement.

"Like many other zoos, we rely on ticket sales, special events, memberships, concessions and gift shop revenue to operate the Zoo. Without this income, unfortunately, and through no fault of their own, we must temporarily layoff some of our staff. Once we are able to reopen, we hope to bring back as many of the staff as we can," Hutchinson said.

The zoo said it will extend all new and ongoing memberships to match the closure period and send out weekly emails to its members filled with educational content and activities.

The zoo is also providing regular programming for its non-members. Each day at 11 a.m., a series of videos titled "Zoo To You" are posted on its Facebook page, along with live animal cams and regular updates from animals' care teams.

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