Goats, penguins, and fish, "Oh my!"

The pandemic has put a lot of financial strain on zoos and museums across the country. In Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo has come up with a lineup of new programs to boost admission rates for 2021. The zoo reopened to the public in July, but many exhibits remained closed due to safety measures. Now, the public will be able to once again enjoy those exhibits in smaller, more intimate groupings. The goat trek, penguin toss, and penguin training experiences range between $15 and $39 per person, in addition to the zoo admission.

*Goat Trek

The goat trek takes a group of up to six people into the barnyard for a little interaction with the goats. Zoo team members will harness the animals and guests can interact with them on a walk through the grass. It lasts about 20 minutes and held on

• Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. (lasts about 20 minutes). Tickets $15 per person.

Courtesy Maryland Zoo, Facebook

*Penguin Fish Toss

Penguin lovers will jump at the chance to participate in the zoo’s penguin experiences. The penguin fish toss lets guests help feed the cute creatures.

• Sundays and Mondays at 1 p.m. Limited to six people. Tickets are $19 per person.

*Penguin Training

Penguin training takes guests on a tour of the habitat with the animal care team. Penguin training is a 40-minute tour for two that ends with a feeding session. 

• Daily at 3:15 p.m. 40-minute tour for two people. Tickets $39 per person.

All of the zoo experiences require a regular zoo admission and are offered at lower rates to zoo members. Zoo tickets start at $15 (winter) and $22 (spring and summer). Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult for zoo experiences. 

*Zoo experiences not offered for children under 5.

All guests must wear masks and practice social distancing during their visit.

Which experience would you sign up for or which one would you want to be offered at the zoo? Let us know in the comments.