Maryland Zoo Unveils New Red Panda Exhibit for 150th Anniversary

The zoo's latest addition is expected to open in June as part of a broader renovation project.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:44pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of stylized red panda figures in bright neon hues, conceptually representing the zoo's new exhibit and celebratory anniversary.The Maryland Zoo's new red panda exhibit, part of a broader renovation project, will bring a playful, vibrant energy to the 150-year-old institution.Baltimore Today

As the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore celebrates its 150th anniversary, it is unveiling a new red panda exhibit as part of a major renovation. The exhibit, which has been under construction since last May, will feature a larger habitat, air conditioning to keep the pandas cool, and multiple viewing areas for visitors. The zoo is also working on other improvements, including a new outdoor enclosure for chimpanzees and updates to an old stone barn that will house animal ambassadors.

Why it matters

The new red panda exhibit is a significant addition to the Maryland Zoo, which is the third-oldest zoo in the country. The exhibit is part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the zoo's facilities as it celebrates its 150th year, helping to attract more visitors and showcase the zoo's commitment to animal welfare and conservation.

The details

Construction on the red panda exhibit is nearly complete, with an expected opening in June 2026. The new habitat will be about three to four times larger than the previous enclosure, with features like central air conditioning, fabricated trees for climbing, and multiple viewing areas for visitors. The zoo is also working on other improvements, including a new outdoor enclosure for chimpanzees and renovations to an old stone barn that will house animal ambassadors.

  • Construction on the red panda exhibit began in May 2025.
  • The exhibit is expected to open in June 2026.

The players

Kirby Fowler

President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

The third-oldest zoo in the country, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We are making amazing progress. We should be open in June.”

— Kirby Fowler, President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

“For about 19 years, it was close to the public, and now we're bringing it back. Much better habitats. This habitat is about three or four times the size of the one that's replacing.”

— Kirby Fowler, President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

“There will actually probably be at least four viewing opportunities.”

— Kirby Fowler, President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

“Their native area is Nepal. The mountain areas of Nepal and our summers can be kind of tough, so we have to build the habitats around them.”

— Kirby Fowler, President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

“We're very busy right now, but it's also our 150th year, so this is probably the best time to look forward to the next 150 years.”

— Kirby Fowler, President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

What’s next

The zoo plans to officially open the new red panda exhibit to the public in June 2026 as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.

The takeaway

The Maryland Zoo's investment in a new, larger red panda exhibit demonstrates its commitment to modernizing its facilities and enhancing the visitor experience as it celebrates a major milestone. The exhibit's design, with features like air conditioning and multiple viewing areas, shows the zoo's focus on animal welfare and conservation.