Salisbury Zoological Park

Located in the picturesque city park of Salisbury, this zoological park is a true gem of the Delmarva Peninsula. Salisbury Zoo is a cozy and welcoming corner of nature, spanning approximately 12 acres and providing comfortable habitats for a variety of amazing creatures.

One of the main highlights of this spot in the USA is its accessibility: it is one of the few municipal zoos offering free admission and parking. The collection features over 100 animals native to North and South America, as well as Australia. Here, you can encounter graceful flamingos, elusive ocelots, rare red wolves, and charming two-toed sloths.

The zoo focuses on environmental education and species conservation, offering visitors more than just animal viewing, but a deep dive into the world of wildlife. Thanks to the abundant greenery and thoughtful layout, a walk through the grounds becomes a pleasant adventure for the whole family.

To plan your visit and find the most up-to-date information, you can use the official communication channels. Park staff are always happy to assist with any questions.

A walk through the park grounds offers many opportunities to observe animals in habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. Be sure to follow the Delmarva Trail — a special route where you can see residents native to this region: red wolves, beavers, majestic bison, and white-tailed deer.

Visitors are particularly delighted by the enclosures featuring Andean bears and vibrant pink flamingos. Exotic animal lovers will appreciate the area with spider monkeys and sloths, which can be observed for hours. For families with children, a visit to the education center is an excellent addition, offering educational programs and interactive exhibits.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to pick up souvenirs, as the proceeds support the zoo's inhabitants. Throughout the day, you can often find volunteers ready to share fascinating facts about the diets and habits of the local residents, from otters to birds of prey.

Finding your way to this natural sanctuary is easy. Salisbury Zoo is located at 755 S Park Dr, right within the city park grounds. If you are traveling by car, free parking is provided for visitors, making the trip as convenient as possible.

For those who prefer public transport, local buses operate within the city, although it is recommended to check specific routes and schedules in advance. Thanks to its convenient location along a tributary of the Wicomico River, the zoo is easily reachable on foot from the downtown area, allowing you to enjoy a stroll along scenic pathways.

If you are staying in neighboring communities, such as Parsonsburg, the drive by taxi or private car via Old Ocean City Rd will take very little time. For navigation, you can use the following coordinates: 38.3607231, -75.5826144.

The history of this remarkable place began in 1954. The territory where animals play today was once a marshy area known as Humphrey’s Pond. The city authorities acquired this land back in 1926 for water supply needs, but over time, local residents began releasing wild animals in need of refuge into the municipal park: from fawns and raccoons to monkeys and ocelots.

The zoo received official recognition when its first professional keeper was hired. In the 1960s, active expansion of enclosures and landscaping began. A landmark event in 1972 was a gift from Thailand — Ollie the elephant calf, as well as the arrival of rare Andean bears, who became the true stars of the collection.

In 1977, the Friends of the Salisbury Zoo organization was established, which continues to help raise funds for the park's development to this day. Over the past decades, modern education centers, updated areas for spider monkeys, and the unique Delmarva Trail, opened in 2007 to showcase local fauna, have been added.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and see all the inhabitants without rushing, a typical visitor will need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to walk all the trails, stop by the education center, and take some commemorative photos.

If you are planning a trip with children or want to spend more time by the otter and sloth enclosures, it is worth setting aside half a day. The park's cozy grounds invite a leisurely pace, so many tourists prefer to combine their visit with a walk through the adjacent city park.

The park's doors are open to guests daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. The operating schedule remains consistent throughout the week, providing convenient access to the exhibits.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

The area around the park offers many interesting locations to complement your trip. After a stroll among the animals, you can immerse yourself in the local cultural life or explore the region's historic architecture.