Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Category: Zoo

Address: 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

Phone: +13012714922

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–5PM

Monday: 9AM–4PM

Tuesday: 9AM–4PM

Wednesday: 9AM–4PM

Thursday: 9AM–4PM

Friday: 9AM–4PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

Ginny Fraser

Jul 15, 2022

The Preserve was alot bigger than I was expecting! There were species I'd never seen before in other places. I really enjoyed the naturalness of the area going through the preserve. You completely lose any noise from the highway out front. I couldn't stop taking photos of all the animals, almost killed my phone battery. 😅 I couldn't wait to share my photos with my family when I got home and I'm already planning on bringing others on my next trip!

Katrin F.

Jul 6, 2022

The zoo itself is beautiful but I have to go 1-2 stars lower just for the financial part. The zoo itself is pricey to enter (we payed $90 for 2 adults and 2 kids, with senior and military) and then really my kids were picking up food off the ground for the animals because we didn't have enough cash and the cup they had got was empty quick. We did the SAFARI TOUR and everyone was very nice and they did a great job BUT very upsetting was the fact that we payed AGAIN around $10-15 each and just received a tiny little bag with 5 little biscuits in them. They told us we could buy more bags of food (3 little bags for $10) but were throwing out the biscuits to the animals after every stop. My kids were right next to the stuff member who were throwing out the food left and right after watching my kids begging us to get more or picking it up off the ground. That's just rude and greedy ! The zoo is beautiful but also having to buy the old lettuce for $4 to feed turtles is ridiculous. If it already costs so much for entering, it would be nice to include some entertainment too, especially for children. I think we payed enough to feed the animals for less at least if not free. But again, I think about the poor families especially those days who need to disappoint their children because sth like that isn't available to them. That just shows the capitalistic nature and just takes some of the joy away for me.

Karen Donahue

May 22, 2022

An extraordinary wildlife refuge!!! One of the finest reptile exhibits we have seen in the United States thanks to Chuck and staff. Every time we visit this hidden gem we learn and see something new. A perfect outing for families. The Safari is well worth the additional cost. It truly is a wondrous adventure! The staff should be very proud on what they have accomplished.

Vee

Apr 15, 2022

Hands down the best zoo/wildlife preserve in the outlying DC/VA/MD area. Exotic varieties of animals from different parts of the world. Easy to look at and admire the animals in well kept enclosures. The staff was great too; since we visited the preserve on a day of less than desirable weather conditions, there was a chance a lot of animals would not be out. We were offered 50% off towards another visit. However, we saw a great amount and variety of animals. We would definitely visit again!

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Questions & Answers

Is there still a petting area there?

Susie SmithClipp | Nov 14, 2019
Sherrie Ebelein | Nov 15, 2019

Yes.. Several throughout the zoo.

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How much is the fee to enter teha zoo

Blanca Alvarez | Nov 14, 2017
Antonio Zavala | Nov 15, 2017

Adults (13 and up) $ 18.75, Children (3-12) $ 13.75

Can you take back pack in the zoo

chris ridinger | Nov 14, 2018
Carl Tucker | Nov 15, 2018

Yes u can ,u can take in ur own food for yourself, u can't feed the animals anything other than their food that they have there

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Can u pack lunches are there spots to eat

Fats White | Nov 14, 2018
Lushenka parker | Nov 15, 2018

We just went on a class trip and there was two spots where you could set up to eat,we ordered pizza hut and brought it with us. I do recommend eating before you get there or after you leave.

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Does it close if it us raining?

Linda Brady | Nov 14, 2018
Beth Millford | Nov 15, 2018

No

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How is the accessibility for wheelchairs at Catoctin Zoo?

Robert George | Nov 14, 2017
Steve | Nov 15, 2017

I agree not necessarily a wheel chair place unless you've got all terrain tires and a mild electric motor possibly?

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Is there a parking fee?

Renae Crittenden | Nov 13, 2020
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (Owner) | Nov 14, 2020

There is no fee for parking.

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How much is the entry fee

Rigo Rivera | Nov 14, 2018
Leland Harris | Nov 15, 2018

Depends upon your age, but adults are $17.50

How much to get in

shawnte brown | Nov 14, 2018
Bryan Harper | Nov 15, 2018

Adults $19.75, Children $14.75 ages 3-12, Seniors $17.75

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Do you have sea animals?

Lyla King | Nov 14, 2018
Frank Gruman | Nov 15, 2018

No, there are no sea animals at this preserve. But check them out, anyway! It's a great time for the kids.

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Can people play with animals like baby tigers,lion cubs and cheetahs

Dog Lover | Nov 14, 2017
B. D. (Cowgirl) | Nov 15, 2017

No sorry, but they do have a parakeet area where you can go inside and interact with them, weather permitting and they have camel rides(both are extra cost, get tickets at front gate). They have many feeding areas for deer, goats, sheep, lama's, and a koi pod, and also the safari. Go early though while the animals are are still hungry. This is a great small zoo, or other favorite is Lake Tobias which has a great safari with many animals including white buffalo. Their safari is much better then catocin, but as a whole catocin is better in our opinion. They are both worth a visit though.

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What r your prices and is there places to eat at the park

Jacqueline Moyer | Sep 14, 2021
Mark Goldfarb | Sep 15, 2021

They had a hot dog stand inside towards the Safai pick up point Cost me $24 including food for the petting area That was adult fair Think adults are $21,00 unless your a senior citizen

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HI GUYS, WHAT IS THE COST OF ADMISSION?

Clifton A. Turner, Jr. | Sep 14, 2021
Trista C. | Sep 15, 2021

This is per the website as of 8-31-2021 (I can't remember if it was the same at the gate)- Day ticket: Child 3-12 $16.50, Adult 13-64 $22.50, Seniors 65+ & Military $21.50 Annual: Child 3-12 $37, Adult 13-64 $60, Seniors 65+ & Military $54 Family annual membersip: $174 for 2 adults & 2 children, more children $32 extra Grandparents: $80 for 1 senior & 2 children For the safari ride add $16.50 per person for a one time ticket

How much is the feed

Jose T | Aug 15, 2021
Jennifer Marshall | Aug 16, 2021

They have quarter machines in some spots. So take quarters! Small bags are 3 i think

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Is there a senior citizen day?

Beth Price | Jun 16, 2021
Troy Lupo | Jun 17, 2021

Daily discount for seniors and veterans. Not much of a discount but something.

How much for adults and kids

Judy Brown | Jun 16, 2021
Ben Goodwin | Jun 17, 2021

Single day tickets Kids 3-12: $16.50 Adults 13-64: $ 22.50 65+/ military : $21.50 You can do the safari ride as well for $16.50 per person

Are there lions

Aria Cooper | Jun 16, 2021
Troy Lupo | Jun 17, 2021

No lions.

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Do they have plenty of restrooms

Tom Flavin | May 17, 2021
Rosemary Diehl | May 18, 2021

They do but most of them are handicap Porta potties

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We have to do a reservation for tomorrow?

Ali Nazeri | Apr 17, 2021
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (Owner) | Apr 18, 2021

Tickets are available online and are encouraged or faster entry. We also have them available at-the-door, where no reservation is necessary.

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what is the best time of the day to be there, so animals come out. Is April 2nd week 2021, the best season to be there?

Gnanasekaran Sakthivel | Apr 17, 2021
Ariana Sanchez | Apr 18, 2021

I'd say morning, in the afternoon the animals are mostly full. Although we were there around 10 am to 1pm and they never stopped eating, granted it was mostly us, since we went on a weekday and morning, we kinda had the park to ourselves.

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Do you have wheelchairs available for customers ?

Mary Mills | Nov 13, 2020
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (Owner) | Nov 14, 2020

We do not offer wheelchair rentals at the Preserve. Guests may bring their own.

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Does a grandparent need to be a senior in order to purchase grandparent membership?

Karen Lancaster | Nov 13, 2020
David Braden | Nov 14, 2020

Must be 65 or older to be a senior.

When going in to the zoo is there a limit to the amount of people in the zoo at one time?

Brody Young | Nov 13, 2020
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve (Owner) | Nov 14, 2020

Inside buildings, like exhibit areas, giftshop and restrooms, capacity is limited to 50% availability, so guests may have a short wait. Outside, there are over 5 miles of trails to explore. Guests are expected to keep appropriate distance between their group and others, any signs are up to remind everyone to keep 6+ feet away. Overall park capacity exceeds parking capacity, so attendence is effectively self-limiting.

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Is the bird aviary open now?

Michelle Lescure-Fink | Nov 13, 2020
Clement Newton | Nov 14, 2020

Yes. It is opened.

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My sewing students have been making pouches for orphaned animals. Can you use some of these pouches?

Kathleen Mellenberg | Nov 13, 2020
Rachel Baker | Nov 14, 2020

I just talked to someone that works there and he said he is sure they could.

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wheelchair friendly with groups? restrooms wheelchair friendly? surface wheelchair friendly?

Lizz Oden | Nov 13, 2020
Jerry Stephens | Nov 14, 2020

Yes for all

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Can i get poo compost from them. I know.... What kind of question is that

michael johnson | Nov 14, 2019
Beverly Greene | Nov 15, 2019

You would have to call and ask.

Can you do children's birthday parties there?

Rose Litz | Nov 14, 2019
matt keckler | Nov 15, 2019

Yes you can.

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Can we return to our vehicle to eat and enter the park again?

Renae Crittenden | Nov 14, 2019
KATRINA McCULLOUGH | Nov 15, 2019

Yes

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This zoo has both leopards & jaguars? Website doesn't explain well (•_•)

Gilber G | Nov 14, 2019
ANDREW SMITH | Nov 15, 2019

They have tigers also!

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Is there a charge and if so, how much??

Buddy Steffen | Nov 14, 2019
MARK SOUTHWARD | Nov 15, 2019

It's worth the money, I cannot even imagine what it would cost to feed all those animals.

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I want to know how much is the value per entrance to the zoo per person

Juan Antonio | Nov 14, 2019
Jimjomac | Nov 15, 2019

Here is: https://catoctinwildlifepreserve.com/pricing/

can you take in a picnic lunch for your familly

Lucinda Shannon | Nov 14, 2019
Melanie Hopp | Nov 15, 2019

Yes, you can bring in your own food and drink.

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Closes at 4pm, not 5pm. Make it clear.

Brandon Swisher | Nov 14, 2019
patricia dominguez | Nov 15, 2019

It depends on the time of year and weather. Check their website for details. https://catoctinwildlifepreserve.com/pricing/

As an adult as children today April 28

isabel castillo | Nov 14, 2019
ANDREW SMITH | Nov 15, 2019

Hi Isabel, do you mean how much does it cost for adults and how much for children?

How many animals are there

Mir Drews | Nov 14, 2019
Donna Lehigh | Nov 15, 2019

Plenty of animals to enjoy. I purchased a membership last year and would take my two year old granddaughter regularly.

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can you take Christmas tree to zoo for recycling

Lisa Collins | Nov 14, 2019
Ernest Gambrill | Nov 15, 2019

Agreed, I would call...

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Is there a cafeteria or restaurant in the zoo? Or do visitors have to bring their own food/snacks?

diolinda ekonomo | Nov 14, 2018
peter pinkham | Nov 15, 2018

They do have a small Cafe there, but I've yet to see it open. At least a very good about allowing you to bring outside food and drinks in, which is what we definitely recommend.

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What are the hours of the safari ride

Dawn Hornbaker | Nov 14, 2018
Sydney Bricker | Nov 15, 2018

They change depending on the day, weather, and amount of visitors but normally they are from 10-12 or 10-1

Are you open on July 4th?

Denise Schlimgen | Nov 14, 2018
Carl Tucker | Nov 15, 2018

I think they r, definitely check out the safari ride it's pretty cool .

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Open memorial day?

Tracy Ralston | Nov 14, 2018
Frank Gruman | Nov 15, 2018

Yes, and since the temperatures are supposed to be reasonable you should get to see lots of the animals.

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Does catocton zoo have Christmas lights

Ellen Van Vogelpoel | Nov 14, 2018
Michael Stouffer | Nov 15, 2018

No they do not have Christmas lights.

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Any place to eat at the zoo?

Frank Lewis | Nov 14, 2017
Michael Robinson | Nov 15, 2017

Very limited facilities. There is a place to get some snacks and drinks.

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Whay is the price of admisdion?

Theresa Williams | Nov 14, 2017
David Bohner | Nov 15, 2017

Check Groupon, that's what we used for 4 people.

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Do they run the safari ride rain out shine?

Allie Coufal | Nov 14, 2017
Elizabeth Challenor-Reese | Nov 15, 2017

Yes, unless there is a severe lightning storm

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Are pets allowed?

baitlyyynhemp | Nov 14, 2017
Stephen Lundberg | Nov 15, 2017

Sorry. Nope.

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Are you open on labor day

Greg Cherney | Nov 14, 2017
Linda Lescalleet | Nov 15, 2017

I went there on my vacation

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