The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is one of the oldest Zoos in the country. Built within the historic Druid Hill Park, the city has grown up around the Zoo over the past 140+ years. As such, the entrance to the Zoo has grown and developed somewhat organically. One thing lacking in the Zoo’s entry landscape was a definitive landmark sign that would clearly mark a guest’s arrival. Gecko Group was pleased to work with the Maryland Zoo team to correct that oversight. A gorgeous new landmark sign was designed, fabricated, and installed in 2024. Gecko Group designers drew on the strong wordmark logo of the Zoo, bringing it to life in full color 3D. The sign not only marks a visitor’s arrival, but makes for a beautiful photo op.

During this time, we were also collaborating with the Zoo on wayfinding signage for their upgraded parking areas. Gecko Group worked to create a cohesive plan with named parking lots and wayfinding signage that would help guests, new and returning, navigate their way from their car door to the Zoo’s entrance. We drew on some of the Zoo’s most important conservation species as inspiration for the lot names. We were also able to interpret some of the new green features of the lots for visitors to learn about as they entered.