You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times on Route 15 while heading toward Gettysburg. Maybe you saw the brown state attraction signs and wondered if it was just another roadside stop. Honestly, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (which most locals still just call the Catoctin Zoo) is one of those places that catches you off guard. It’s not the massive, paved-over corporate experience of a big city zoo. It’s different. It’s wooded, a bit wild, and honestly, a lot more intimate than you’d expect for a 50-acre park tucked away in the Maryland mountains.
Located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road in Thurmont, MD, this place has a vibe that’s hard to replicate. You aren’t just staring at animals through three layers of reinforced glass. You’re walking through a forest.
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What Actually Happens at Catoctin Zoo in Thurmont MD?
Most people come for the lions or the bears, but they leave talking about the parakeets. Or the lemurs. The preserve has this way of making the small things feel huge. One of the standout features—and something you shouldn’t skip—is the Global Wildlife Safari.
It’s an add-on, yeah. But it’s a one-hour ride in an open-air truck that takes you through 25 acres of paddocks. You aren't just looking at bison, zebras, and camels; you’re basically their lunch delivery service. If you buy the grain, they will find you. There is something surreal about a camel sticking its head into a truck to politely (or not so politely) ask for a snack.
But there is more to it than just feeding animals. The preserve is run by the Global Wildlife Trust, a non-profit. They don’t get state or federal tax funding. That’s a big deal because it means every ticket you buy actually goes toward the $200,000-plus annual food bill and the care of species that are actually struggling in the wild. We’re talking about Scimitar-horned oryx, which were once extinct in the wild, and Amur leopards. It’s a heavy lift for a private facility.
The Animals You’ll Actually See
It’s a long list. Seriously. Over 100 species live here.
- The Big Cats: Jaguars, tigers, and those elusive snow leopards.
- The Primates: Lemurs (including the black-and-white ruffed ones), olive baboons, and gibbons.
- The Weird Stuff: Binturongs (they smell like popcorn, seriously), fossas from Madagascar, and those giant Galapagos tortoises.
- The Interactive Bits: The "Feathered Encounter" is basically a walk-through aviary where parakeets might decide your head is a great place to land.
Why the "Thurmont Zoo" Hits Different
If you’ve been to the National Zoo in D.C., you know the drill: miles of walking on blistering asphalt, massive crowds, and animals that are often miles away from the fence. Catoctin Zoo in Thurmont MD is the opposite. It’s shady. The paths are mostly gravel or natural, winding under a heavy canopy of trees. It feels like a hike that just happens to have wolves and sun bears along the way.
The "Ambass-zoo-dors" are a real thing here. These are animals used for education, and the staff is surprisingly hands-on. You might catch a keeper talk where you get to see an alligator’s scales up close or learn why the Madagascar hissing cockroach is actually a vital part of its ecosystem.
It’s not perfect, though. Let’s be real. If it’s rained recently, those gravel paths can be a bit of a workout with a stroller. It’s a rustic experience. But that’s the charm. It feels like a sanctuary, not a theme park.
Planning the Trip: Tips from People Who Go
Don't just wing it. If you’re coming from Frederick or Baltimore, you want to get the timing right.
- The Safari is Seasonal: Usually, the safari rides and some of the interactive encounters (like the wolf cub petting if they have newborns) are specific to the warmer months. Check their site before you pack the car in late October.
- Bring the Lunch: They have a cafe—the Safari Cafe—with the standard hot dogs and ice cream. But they also have great picnic areas. Save some cash on the burgers so you can spend it on the animal feed.
- The Koi Pond is a Sleepy Hit: Kids lose their minds over the Japanese Koi pond. The fish are huge and used to being fed, so it’s a constant swirl of color.
- Wear Real Shoes: This isn't the place for flip-flops. You’re in the woods.
Pricing and Value
Look, it’s not the cheapest day out. For 2026, adult tickets are hovering around the $29-$30 range, and the Safari ride is an extra fee (usually around $12-$15). If you have a family of four, you’re looking at a $150+ day once you add in food and animal crackers. Is it worth it? If you value seeing animals in a natural, wooded setting where you can actually talk to the people caring for them, then yes.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're ready to head out to Thurmont, do these three things first:
- Check the Weather: Because of the heavy tree cover and gravel paths, a rainy day makes for a muddy, messy trek. Aim for a clear, cool morning.
- Buy Tickets Online: It saves you time at the gate, especially on weekends when the line can snake back toward the parking lot.
- Pack Hand Sanitizer: You’re going to be feeding goats, camels, and birds. Even though there are wash stations, having your own stash is a pro move.
The Catoctin Zoo in Thurmont MD isn't just a place to see animals; it's a piece of Maryland history that’s managed to stay independent and focused on the animals' well-being. Whether you’re there for the tigers or just a quiet walk through the trees, it’s a solid break from the digital world. Check the official website for the most current daily hours before you leave, as they change based on the season.