Mission: To create a world-class zoo for the enjoyment of the community, as a tourist attraction to support the local economy and as a vehicle for education and conservation; to manage and preserve the zoo's collection and contribute to global efforts to save endangered species and wild lands; to conduct research that benefits wildlife; and to enhance knowledge and understanding of wildlife and conservation. Founded in 1876, the Baltimore Zoo is the third-oldest zoo in the country. More than 2,000 animals live on 186 acres.
Latest accomplishment: ZooFari ends tomorrow. The summer program leads visitors on a discovery quest through the zoo, including encounters with zoo keepers, exploration stations and hands-on activities.
On the horizon: Opening of the bog exhibit, mid-September in the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Maryland Wilderness. Visitors will learn about the bog turtle, its relationship to the Chesapeake Bay and what's being done to help the threatened species and its disappearing habitat. Also, "Zoo Booo!" Halloween programs, Oct. 23-24, Oct. 30-31; and Zoo Lights '99, Nov. 26 through Jan. 3.
About the zoo: Membership: 23,000. Attendance: 560,000 annually. Operating budget: $9.6 million.
Where and when: Druid Hill Park, Northwest Baltimore, a mile from Interstate 83. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Call 410-366-LION.
Elizabeth Grieb, president of the board of directors: "There is so much important work going on at the zoo in terms of research and conservation without distracting from the visitors' fun experiences. I would like to encourage anyone visiting to talk to the zoo keepers about their work behind the scenes."
Members of the board
Henry Baines Sr.
Harry E. Berry
John H. Claster
Elijah E. Cummings
Michael H. Davis
Arlene Fisher
Deborah Frazier
Scott W. Frew
Herbert D. Fried
Stephen A. Geppi
Michael D. Hankin
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric
Donald P. Hutchinson
Stephen J. Immelt
Stuart S. Janney III
T. Courtenay Jenkins III
F. Ross Jones
A. B. Krongard
Sharon F. Nevins
Robert H. Newton Jr.
Harriett W. Nusbaum
John J. Oliver Jr.
Katherine Pisano
Christopher A. Pope
Roger G. Powell
Buddy W. Roogow
William Donald Schaefer
Kurt L. Schmoke
Elizabeth K. Schroeder
Gail R. Shawe
Carole Sibel
Dr. Arnold T. Sigler
Dr. John D. Strandberg
Bernard C. Trueschler
Edward N. Tucker
John M. Varvaris
Charles E. Vieth
Patrice Wallace
David Wilmerding III
David L. Winstead
Lynnette W. Young