Catoctin Wildlife Preserve Active Zones
Explore
Feathered Encounter
Price: $5 entrance
Opens for the season May 27, 2023.
Our Feathered Encounter is a unique and interactive experience where you will be surrounded by colorful parakeets, cockatiels and other beautiful birds. It is a walk-through aviary where the birds may land on or fly around you. It is very important to obey all posted guidelines and use extra caution not to step on the birds while on the walkways during your visit to the Feathered Encounter.
Alligator Feeding
Begin May 27, 2023.
Our native American Alligators are found along coastal waters and inland swamps from South Carolina through Florida and west to the southern tip of Texas. The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve recreates a section of a Louisiana Bayou for our alligators, complete with Cajun music, Spanish moss and over a dozen alligators.
When you arrive, check the Keeper Talk schedule for times when you can see our Alligators being fed!
Aquatic Fish
Japanese Koi Pond is one of the most admired exhibits at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. Home to dozens of beautiful fish, the exhibit is designed so the fish are eye level even for children. It features crystal clear water, a naturalized waterfall and a staggering variety of Asian trees, shrubs, grasses and water plants that impress most horticulturists. Feeding the fish by hand with the special koi food provided nearby in vending machines ensures a very special personal experience for the young and the young at heart.
Aquatic Turtle Feeding
To see what lurks below the water line at Turtle Pond, just toss in a handful of pellets and watch the water come to life. Native turtles and native and exotic fish will emerge from the water depths to enjoy the snack you have shared with them. Open daily, this natural water habitat will entertain young and old alike.
Gem Mining
Experience hands-on panning for gemstones and fossils. The mining sluice provides fun for all ages and is located at the pavilion.
Bags of Mining Rough can be purchased at the Outpost. Simply pour the bag of Rough into the sluice tray of your choice, then watch as the waters rinse away the sand and debris to reveal special treasures!
Visitors can try their hand at “old fashioned” gem panning while sift “mining rough” in our sluice and discover genuine collector rocks, gemstones and fossils-Amethyst, Citrine, Fools Gold, Sharks teeth and Arrowheads just to name a few. Match and identify your gems and fossils on our identification charts. Take home whatever treasure you find.
“I wasn’t expecting this zoo to be as big as it was and to have as large and diverse a collection of animals as they had. If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do in the Catoctin area, this is an excellent option.”
Mason S
“My wife and I have been to zoo’s all over the country and they have animals here big city zoo’s do not have!”
Matthew B
“Best up-close & personal with the animals zoo around.”
Tabetha E.
“We love it here! Started coming in 2003 with my girls… now visit with my grand daughters. Wonderful people, animals and preserve.”
Kimberly T.
“Quiet and not overly busy like city zoos – very “in nature” feel.”
Lee Anne J.
“I hadn’t been to this zoo since I was a child, and boy had it changed! It is so much bigger, more animals and a safari ride!! (We had) awesome tour guides on our safari ride. Very knowledgeable about the animals. We will definitely return!”